Maintenance
Brakes, Tires, Alignment Services & More!
Brakes
Regular brake maintenance is critical to your safety. At Virginia Tire & Auto, we will inspect your brakes for free. We will examine both the hydraulics system and friction materials including hoses, pads, drum shoes, and cylinders. Then, our certified technicians and service manager will recommend the necessary repairs to get you going and stopping safely.
Tires
Unlike dealers, we employ tire experts who recommend the right tire for your vehicle and your lifestyle. Over the years, Virginia Tire & Auto has sold more than a million tires. Nobody can match that experience. Plus we boast over 10,000 tires in stock across our locations one of the largest inventories in the area so we can get the tires you need within hours. All our tires also come with free rotation and lifetime balancing. Purchase the protection plan and we will repair your tire for free. When you need tires, there is no better shopping experience than Virginia Tire & Auto.
Alignment
Wheel alignment refers to the position of the wheels relative to your car. When properly aligned, the wheels point in the right direction. Without proper alignment, the wheels resist your steering commands, as well as each other. This affects your gas mileage and your tire wear both of which cost you money. At Virginia Tire & Auto, we use computerized alignment equipment to measure all alignment angles on today’s cars. By regularly aligning your wheels, you save on gas and on new tires. You can’t beat that.
Shocks & Struts
The primary function of your cars suspension and steering systems is to allow the wheels to move independently of the car, while keeping it “suspended” and stable. If you have any uncontrolled motion in these systems, you will experience deteriorated handling and accelerated tire wear. Worn or loose components also affect the suspension systems ability to control motion and alignment angles, resulting in poor vehicle handling and stability, as well as accelerated tire wear. Our technicians review your shock and struts to ensure systems are working properly and not causing dangerous and more expensive damage.
Wheel Balance
Wheel balance refers to the distribution of weight around a revolving tire and wheel assembly. When you have improper wheel balance, you’ll experience vibration and noise problems that can lead to premature wear of tires, struts, shocks and other steering and suspension components. You may even feel like your wheel is literarily bouncing down the road. It’s a good idea to have your car’s wheels balanced when rotating the tires, about every 6,000 miles. It’s not uncommon for wheels to lose a wheel weight from time to time; so periodic balancing minimizes the impact of unbalanced wheels on your car and saves you from more costly repairs.
Under The Hood
Engine Diagnostics
In order to meet Federal Exhaust Emission and Fuel Economy regulations, today’s vehicles are equipped with highly sophisticated electronic engine control systems. These computers receive information from a network of sensors and switches that convert engine operating conditions into electrical signals. Based on the information and instructions stored in the computer program, commands are then sent to three primary systems: ignition, fuel and emission control. Unlike in cars of old, these systems no longer need periodic adjustments. Tune-ups, as we knew them, are no longer necessary. But newer cars do require spark plug and filter replacement on a scheduled basis. We can replace those for you at a fraction of what the dealer charges.
Belts & Hose Inspection
Exposure to heat, vibration and contamination makes belts and hoses wear out faster than any other components in your car. That’s why regular inspections are so important. When you come into Virginia Tire & Auto for an oil change, we automatically inspect your hoses and belts for wear and tear. However, it is important that you can keep up with your scheduled maintenance as well. Come to us and we will examine all your belts and hoses for less than the dealer charges and with far more experience.
Transmission
Automatic transmissions require transmission fluid to prevent the transmission from running too hot, especially during strenuous conditions such as towing or steep hills. If you will be putting more driving stress than normal on your vehicle, it is important to have your car inspected and serviced to prevent the transmission from overheating. However, completely flushing and replenishing your transmission fluid requires a specially designed machine, and an expert technician to complete the process. At Virginia Tire & Auto, our technicians are all ASE certified and have an average of twenty years experience. You will get top quality service at a competitive price.
Batteries
Your car’s electrical system powers everything from the ignition and fuel systems to accessories such as your radio, headlights and wipers. The electrical system is, in turn, powered by the engine. But as we all know, batteries don’t last forever. They often die at the most inconvenient times. At Virginia Tire & Auto, we will help you choose the right battery for your vehicle and lifestyle, then safely and professionally install your battery and get you back on the road quickly and efficiently.
The Interior
Air Conditioning
Your comfort while driving is of utmost importance. To maintain that comfort, you will want to keep your heating and air conditioning systems in top shape. When you bring your vehicle to us, we will inspect every component of your heating and air conditioning system, including:
- Interior controls and blower
- Radiator coolant level, hoses, pressure cap and thermostat
- The A/C compressor belt for condition and tension
- Component condition, leaks or damage
We will also perform the following tests:
- Pressure test engine cooling system
- A/C system pressures are measured and compared to manufacturer’s specifications
- A/C system is leak tested
- Both the heater and A/C are performance tested by checking the outlet air temperature at the discharge vents
Conditions are recorded and compared to manufacturer’s specifications. Then recommendations are made per the Motorist Assurance Program Uniform Inspection Guidelines. You can trust that your car will leave our shop in optimal condition.
Radio, GPS, Power Seats, Interior Lights
When the powered items in your car go out, the solution may be simpler than you think. Whether it is the radio not functioning, the power seats stuck in an awkward position or your GPS not finding your location, our technicians can fix your problem. They continually attend classes on the latest technologies, and are familiar with all makes and models. Rather than head to the dealer, try us when the power systems in your vehicle go a little haywire. At Virginia Tire & Auto, you will get top notch service at a great price.
