The hottest Newport News news story may be different everyday, but there’s one topic that seems to come up over and over again – the price of gas in Newport News. But we’ve found several basic things that any Newport News vehicle owner can do to greatly reduce their gas consumption, save money, and help …
Have you ever gone to Williamsburg to listen to an orchestra? The musicians take the stage early and tune their instruments. Each individual instrument must be in tune, but the critical thing is for the entire orchestra to be in tune with each other. That’s why they tune up together. Now this is no surprise; …
All those automotive fluids can be confusing for Williamsburg drivers. Recent years have brought new grades of engine oil, types of transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. The right fluid protects your vehicle and helps it perform at its best. The wrong fluid won’t work as well for Newport News drivers and could even cause …
Weight is the enemy of fuel economy. Everyone from here to Hampton knows this makes sense. Some of us in the Hampton area carry a bunch of unnecessary weight, and I’m not talkin’ what you see in the mirror. Guys; sports equipment and tools. Ladies; well, just take a look around the passenger compartment and …
Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know what a differential is – you will in a moment. That fact is that if you drive a car anywhere in Newport News VA, you have a differential. Whether your vehicle is front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, you have a differential. You might even have two …
As the rubber tread on your tires wears away, the grip that your car has on the pavement while moving over the road significantly decreases. When it gets to the point that you are noticing slipping and sliding around turns on dry pavement, it is likely that you have worn the tires to the point …
The price of gas has got everyone talking. It seems that people who need a bigger vehicle to carry family and gear, or provide four wheel drive, are especially hit hard. That is why we thought it would be good to review some things that anyone can do to improve fuel economy. First let’s start …
Modern cars have technical advancements that improve the operation of the vehicle. This includes the quality of oil available for lubrication of the automobile engine during operation. One thing that has not changed is that changing oil, at intervals suggested by the automobile manufacturer, is more than just something you need to do. Changing your car’s oil at the …
B&L Auto is just the tire company you’ve been looking for. We offer multiple services that will ensure that your tires operate without issue and that your car functions properly. When you put your trust in a company as proud as B&L Auto, you’re making a great investment for your tire needs. We won’t charge …
Welcome to the B&L Automotive automotive blog. Today, let’s talk about the effect of tire tread depth on braking. When talking about stopping power, most Newport News and Hampton auto owners tend to focus on our brakes. But our tires are where the rubber meets the road. So having good brakes isn’t enough. Safe Hampton …
Some of us just love tires. All those little rubber hairs on new tires and the smell is wonderful. We live in a great time for tires. No matter how you drive, where you want to go or the look you’re after; there is a tire for you. The same is true about wheels. The …
When I was a kid in Newport News, my dad always made sure he took the cars in for Spring and Fall checkups. I was telling a friend that it’s about time to get into B&L Automotive for my checkup and he said that he read on the internet that modern cars don’t need seasonal …
At B&L Automotive we hear from a lot of people who are excited about the new diesel engines that will soon be available in passenger cars and SUV’s. But our VA friends are often curious about the preventive maintenance requirements. People may not know that diesel engines have long been used extensively in Europe and …
If you’ve walked through the automotive fluids of an auto parts store in Williamsburg, you’ll know how overwhelming the sheer number of products available can be. How do you know what’s right for your vehicle? As you know, these fluids all serve a function in making your car run as you drive around the Williamsburg …
Brakes really aren’t optional equipment. And taking care of them isn’t optional either. A regular brake inspection is on every car’s maintenance schedule. An inspection will check your brake system and let you know if there are any problems. Of course, if you’re having trouble with your brakes, get your car into a Newport News …
A lot of our viewers have asked whether or not they should use their severe service maintenance schedule, which is listed in their car owners’ manual. It can be confusing. Let’s clear the air on this subject. Cricket Killingsworth is from QMI/Heartland, a manufacturer of automotive products and fluids. She’s been in the automotive business …
What type of technology do you use? Do you prefer an 8-track tape or an iPod? When it comes to winter tires, much of the public’s perception dates back to when 8-track was the best way to listen to the Bee Gees. Twenty years ago, winter tires differed from highway tires only in their tread …
Here at AutoNetTV, we have viewers, like you, from all across the country who write to us with questions or feedback. One common question we’re asked is: What is a differential and what does it do? You may have been told your differential needs service, or seen it as an option up on the service …
North Americans love their cars. And nothing goes with cars better than the road trip. Freedom from daily schedules, new sights and the open road – it’s great! But there’s nothing like car trouble to bring the fun to a grinding halt. Now you can’t always avoid problems, but you can take steps to reduce …
What is a cabin air filter? Is it: A filter for a house in the middle of the woods? A fresh, piney scent? A filter for the passenger compartment of your car? Clever you, it’s 3. A cabin air filter cleans the outside air before it comes into the passenger compartment. It filters out dust, …
For most of us living in the Williamsburg area, it is hard to remember life without power steering – cranking those great big steering wheels? It was a pretty good workout. Now power steering is standard. The heart of any power steering system is its pump. The pump pressurizes the power steering fluid that provides …
When you hear the word ‘suspension‘, you may think back to those energetic days of grade school. Well, your car’s suspension is actually a good thing because it keeps your car up off the road and helps provide a comfy ride. It needs to keep your wheels firmly planted over bumps and through curves. Your …
The energy from exploding fuel is what powers your engine. But some of the vapors from the explosions escape into the lower part of the engine, called the crankcase. The crankcase is where your engine oil hangs out. These gases are about 70% unburned fuel. If the gases were allowed to stay in the crankcase, …
Whenever we talk about exhaust service, most people normally think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. Well, actually, exhaust service is a lot more comprehensive these days. For example, catalytic converters were mandated in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. Governmental emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways …
So you’ve bought a used car in the Newport News area. How do you know what you’re getting? It is hard to know what you’re getting because people in the Newport News area sell cars for different reasons. Think about why you’ve sold cars. Did you just want something new or were there problems that …
Richard Petty once told AutoNetTV, “You’ve gotta have good brakes. If you’ve got good brakes you can keep yourself out of a lotta trouble.” That’s why a regular brake inspection is on every Newport News car’s maintenance schedule. An inspection at B&L Automotive will check your brake system and let you know if there are …
The coolant system is a vital part of your vehicle. It is also the second most common cause for vehicle failures. Even though coolant system failure is fairly common, it is easy to prevent. B&L Automotive 13539 Jefferson Ave Newport News, VA 23608 7578330736 The most recognizable part of the coolant system is the radiator. …
We would like to give you an update on some of the things happening in automotive fluids. You know, cars are becoming more sophisticated everyday – and fluids such as, oil, coolant and transmission fluid are becoming more specialized at about the same pace. The do-it-yourselfer has to be pretty careful so that they do …
The last new car sold with a carburetor in North America rolled out of the dealership in 1990. Since then, all new vehicles have had fuel injectors. In very simple terms, a fuel injector is a valve that squirts fuel into your engine. Your engine control computer tells the fuel injector how much gas to …
Hey Newport News, VA Do you hear loud noises under the hood when you turn on your air conditioner? Do you only get cool air sporadically? If so, it is time to get your air conditioner checked. It’s real easy to take your car’s air conditioner for granted. Just push the right buttons and out …
