Car Cares… The Virginia Tire & Auto Blog

            Now that the cost of flying for a family of four is about four times more expensive than driving it seems like this summer is as good a time as any for a road trip.  No doubt, many families will opt for packing the minivan this year to reach their destination- and we are here to help your trip run smoothly!

We could provide all sorts of tips on proper car maintenance (after all, that is our expertise) but let’s face it, if the kiddos aren’t happy you’re no better off then if you were stuck roadside.  So here are our top three favorites on how to help keep the backseat kicking and screaming under control this summer.   For a complete list, visit our Road Trip board on the Virginia Tire & Auto Pinterest page: www.pinterest.com/virginiatire

1) Place a plastic shoebox in-between your children’s car seats and fill it with their toys. This eliminates the hassle of reaching behind the seat for dropped action figures and keeps the youngsters occupied as an endless selection of their toys are within their reach.  Bonus: you might even be able to see the floor mats in your car for a change.

2)  Take an old diaper wipes case and fill it with crayons. Then, simply take a clipboard with a stack of computer paper and stick the pair in the seat pocket in front of your child. Presto! A simple project that provides entertainment for hours for your budding Picasso!

3) We all know food is oftentimes the best entertainment while driving.  Even better if the food item doesn’t make a mess of your car. Try turning an empty peanut butter container into a holder for celery and dip. All you have to do is fill an empty peanut butter container with an inch or two of peanut butter (or ranch dressing) and then slice up some celery sticks and stick them on top. Viola! A simple snack without sticky fingers and kid schemer all over the backseat!

Whether you are trekking across the country or just over the state line, being prepared for a road trip is always essential. Making sure your car is in tiptop shape will help to avoid any hassles and delays. Organizing activities and snacks for the road will keep both you and your kids happy. Check out the Virginia Tire & Auto Pinterest page for more tricks and tips to make your road trip the best it can be.

Question:            Can a Dealer Deny New Warranty Coverage if the Owner Took the Vehicle to A Non-Dealer Shop for Routine Maintenance and Repairs?

Answer:               No!

Vehicle owners have several options to stay on top of routine vehicle maintenance and repairs – use the dealer, another automotive maintenance provider or do it themselves. For those who use someone other than the dealer, the dealer cannot deny factory warranty coverage.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the consumer protection agency, an independent mechanic, retail shop or the vehicle owner can do the routine maintenance and repairs on the vehicle. Enforced by the FTC, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to void a warranty or deny warranty coverage because a non-dealer performed maintenance or repair work. While there may be some situations where a repair may not be covered, the manufacturer or dealer must be able to demonstrate that the third-party work caused the damage to the vehicle.  The Act also protects the vehicle owner even if an aftermarket or recycled part was used on the vehicle; the manufacturer or dealer must show that the aftermarket or recycled part caused the need for repairs before denying coverage.

How to Best Use a Vehicle’s Warranty

1. Read the Warranty: The warranty is a promise made by the manufacturer to stand behind its product and fix certain defects or malfunctions over a period, paying for any covered repairs or part replacements.
2. Know the Warranty Period: Get the vehicle checked out regularly during the warranty period. Follow the manufacturer’s suggested maintenance schedule as it is important to stay on top of it. As the warranty period is about to expire, be sure to have the vehicle checked out for any covered issues, no matter how small.
3. Keep Service Records and Receipts: No matter who does the service, keep track of all repairs; it will be necessary if the warranty needs to be used, and can increase resale value.
4. Questions about Warranty Claim: Contact a dealer supervisor, the manufacturer or another dealer if you think your warranty claim is being addressed unfairly. If need be, file a complaint with the state Attorney General, local Better Business Bureau, or the FTC.

Gas prices are on the rise again, so drivers are looking for ways to get the maximum miles out of a tank of gas. In addition, improving fuel economy also benefits the environment by releasing fewer emissions into the air. Quality auto maintenance and care, sensible driving, a properly-tuned engine, and combining and scheduling trips, will each help to effectively get the best gas mileage a vehicle can provide.

Here are some tips that will help stretch those gas dollars:

1. Drive safely and smoothly: Gas mileage decreases rapidly above 60 miles per hour. Avoid aggressive driving, speeding and rapid acceleration. Cruise control helps to maintain a constant speed.

2. Remove extra weight from your vehicle: It is estimated that 100 extra pounds can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by up to two percent.

3. Replace the air filter: Replacing a clogged air filter on vehicles with fuel-injected, computer-controlled gasoline engines (prevalent in most cars manufactured from the1980s onward) can improve fuel economy by 6 to 11 percent. Replacing a clogged air filter on an older car with a carbureted engine may improve fuel economy 2 to 6 percent under normal conditions.

4. Keep tires properly inflated and wheels aligned: By checking tire condition and air pressure during every oil change, gas mileage will increase, overall handling will improve and tire life will be extended. The Department of Energy estimates that 1.25 billion gallons of gasoline, approximately one percent of total consumption, are wasted each year on underinflated tires.

5. Use the recommended grade of oil and change it by following the vehicle’s suggested maintenance schedule. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1–2 percent.

6. Replace spark plugs and make sure they are not misfiring. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence reports that bad spark plugs can decrease fuel economy by up to 30 percent and can cost drivers up to about 94 cents per gallon.

7. Combine errands: Fuel is much more efficient when the engine is warm, so consider making stops to the grocery store, dry cleaner and gas station all in one outing. It is also recommended to fill the gas tank early in the morning or late at night; by avoiding the heat of the day, the fuel will be denser and the vehicle will get more gas for the same amount of money.

8. Avoid unnecessary idling: Idling can use a quarter to a half gallon of fuel per hour, depending on engine size and air conditioner use. It also pollutes the air and wastes money.

By putting that errand list together, driving wisely and safely, and taking care of the vehicle, those gas dollars will be stretched to get the vehicle the best gas mileage!

About Us –Virginia Tire & Auto:
For more than 35 years, family-owned and operated Virginia Tire & Auto has been the leading provider of full-service automotive maintenance, repair and tire needs for customers in Northern Virginia. Named “Top Shop in North America” by Tire Review magazine, Virginia Tire & Auto’s 11 locations are conveniently located in Ashburn, Centreville, Chantilly, Fairfax, Falls Church, Gainesville, South Riding, Springfield, Sterling and Vienna. The business offers exceptional customer experience, dedicated quality service and is a superior place for a career. For more information about Virginia Tire & Auto, please visit us at www.vatire.com or www.facebook.com/VATIREANDAUTO.

Northern Virginia avoided a cold, icy and snowy winter with unseasonably warm temps.  While the warm winter was easier on vehicles (and made many of us happy), it is still important to do a seasonal vehicle check and make sure your vehicle is prepared for the approaching spring showers and summer heat.

Since April is National Car Care Month, drivers should take this time to check the condition of their vehicles to ensure they will perform safely and dependably.  Proper maintenance will help owners avoid costly repairs later.  And of course, we strongly recommend following your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Here are a few spring driving and maintenance tips:

1. Check tire tread and compound – Make sure tires are all-season radials.  With April showers approaching, tires with deep treads will accommodate accumulated water, while tires with worn treads may cause the car to hydroplane, riding up on a film of water and losing contact with the pavement– similar to driving on ice.
2. Treat windshields– Apply a rain repellant, like Aquapel or RainX to windshields.  This will make water bead on the windshield so that the rain quickly rolls off, improving visibility in the rainy weather.
3. Replace worn wiper blades– It is easy and inexpensive.
4. Tires –With the temperatures getting warmer, tire pressure changes. According to www.fueleconomy.gov, under-inflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.  Check tires monthly to make sure that they are inflated to manufacturers’ recommendations. In the warmer months it is common for tires to lose air at an even higher rate than the cooler months.  But avoid over-inflating the tires since this can lead to premature or irregular tire wear.  Be sure to rotate tires to extend their lifespan.  For the most accurate reading it is also best to check tire pressure when tires are cool.
5. Replace the air filter — The air filter keeps dust and dirt out of cylinders; if the system is dirty, the gas mileage can decrease and engine wear can increase.  With the rise in gas prices, a properly-tuned engine will help to effectively get the best gas mileage.
6. Check the air conditioning (A/C) and ventilation system. Since some A/C systems slowly seep refrigerant and require a recharge every year or two. Testing in the spring will help prevent a more urgent service if an early summer heat wave arrives.  To do a basic check, test the system on a warm day; turn the system temperature as low as it will go and then turn on the A/C system and check for cold air from vents.  Within five minutes or less, when the vehicle is stopped and idling, the A/C system should cool the air 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit below the exterior temperature.  To check ventilation, test the blower at all speeds.  Also, cycle the settings through the defrost, dash and floor vent settings and check that the air flow changes accordingly. It is recommended to run the A/C system for 5-10 minutes per month even in the winter.  The refrigerant contains a lubricant for the compressor and valves. Running the system monthly helps keep everything lubricated and ready to go to work when needed.
7. Use high-quality motor oil — Protect vehicles with a quality motor oil to endure the increase in temperatures from cooler to warmer temperatures. Consider using synthetic motor oil for maximum protection.
8. Check headlights – An easy task — walk around the vehicle to be sure all light bulbs are working and bright.