Newport News Auto Repair

Your car's brakes are some of the essential safety features that need to be fully functional at all times. As such, you need to take a brake warning light on your dashboard very seriously. In most cases, a brake warning light may mean replacing the brakes. However, sometimes it may indicate a leaking brake fluid, which is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Most modern vehicles have three types of brake warning lights; one that indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), one that shows the parking brake is engaged, and finally one for the brakes themselves, which is the most serious one. Below are 3 of the reasons why your brake warning light may turn on. Low/Leaking Brake Fluid The brakes need enough brake fluid to operate well. When the brake fluid drops below the required level, a sensor in the master cylinder triggers the brake light on the dashboard to turn on. If your brake fluid has been leaking for a while, the brake fluid reservoir will be near ... read more

It's no secret that the brakes serve a crucial function to your vehicle's safety and functionality. Brakes are not designed to last forever, and if degraded, can severely impact your car's handling and drivability. Depending on where you go for service, drivers can expect a brake pad replacement cost anywhere from $100-$150 per axle. This is a costly maintenance task that can leave your wallet angry at you. Several factors can influence the brakes' lifespan, and wear rate can be different from driver to driver. Driving in stop-and-go traffic wears the brakes faster than long stints on the highway. Outside of regular brake maintenance, there are a few helpful tips that can extend the life of your brakes.  Try not to speed. One of the primary causes of brake pad wear is braking at high driving speeds. Your vehicle has to work harder and exert more energy to stop when you're speeding. Brake pads transform energy into heat, but braking at high speeds can create t ... read more

To drive optimally, your vehicle's engine needs to stay at a specific temperature range. Coolant is an essential fluid that helps regulate the temperature and works as a lubricant for the radiator system. Unfortunately, coolant doesn't last forever. With time the fluid can deplete, and contaminants can build up. In severe cases, pollutants may even reach the radiator. A coolant flush service is a perfect solution as it flushes out all used coolant and contaminants out of the radiator system. A coolant flush protects the engine from internal corrosion, keeping it in the best shape possible. Below are three common signs it's time to schedule a coolant flush.  Low Coolant   If you pop the hood of your car and notice the coolant levels are lower than usual, try topping it off. Coolant levels that are consistently low may be alerting you to a leak. Check underneath your vehicle for any lime green, sweet-smelling fluid. If you suspect there's a leak, bring yo ... read more

Being a good driver starts with adopting good driving habits. For most drivers, getting behind the wheel has become habitual. However, it’s never a wrong time to make changes for a safer drive for you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Even the most experienced drivers can have bad driving habits. The following list is a good refresher to get back on the right track. Below are a variety of driving habits that can increase safety and vehicle longevity.  Read the owner’s manual If the vehicle didn’t come with an owner’s manual, most cars will have a PDF available online. Reading the manual is essential because the manufacturers have detailed recommendations on vehicle maintenance that promotes optimal performance.  Stop distracted driving Put your phone in a vehicle holder and stop texting. Distracted driving is dangerous driving, for you and everyone on the road. Most vehicles have Bluetooth, but it may be best to save that phone conve ... read more

In some ways, your vehicle is similar to the human body. While your car can’t catch a cold, noticing rust is a sign that should deserve ‘medical attention.’ Seeing rust on your vehicle is not an ultimate death sentence; it can range in severity. While some cases of rust are combated with quick fixes, other issues may require a major repair. Rust occurs when your vehicle’s steel components are in contact with oxygen and moisture for an extended period. This will cause the metal to become reddish-brown and deteriorate. The result is a metal that’s brittle worn, one that eventually loses its structural compound.   The last thing you’d want is the structural compound of your vehicle to become brittle and deteriorated. Rust has a specialized nature and is difficult to combat; it’s always best to bring your cars to the professionals to save your vehicle. Below are a few tips to prevent rust from accumulating from the start:   Co ... read more

This year seems to be the year of radical change with social injustice, a nationwide pandemic, mental growth, and financial burdens. With these changes, more people are packing up and relocating. Relocating can be stressful, especially when it’s to a new state. Many other priorities may lead to minor oversight when it comes to your vehicle. Below is a to-do list for your car to keep handy while you’re packing boxes and hiring movers.   Contact your automotive insurance provider to update your insurance policy. It’s essential to make sure your insurance company is aware of your move to maintain coverage when you arrive in your new state. Depending on where you’re relocating, it may be wise to discuss additional coverage options. Your car insurance premiums may increase or decrease depending on where you move, preparing in advance allows you to shop around to find a more affordable rate if you need to.    Shipping your vehicle can save you h ... read more

While commuting, you notice the driver to your left is texting, the driver on the right is blasting music, and the driver behind you is yelling at their children in the backseat. The pedestrian crossing the street has their hand parallel to their face while they talk into a phone that has a reflected image of themselves. The light turns green as you ease into the intersection, chuckling at the irony of being distracted by distracted drivers. Distracted driving increases your risk for a car crash. Insurance.com has conducted a study that shows that distracted driving is worse now than it’s ever been in the last two years. Below is a list of tips to eliminate distractions for a safer drive. Check your emotional, mental, and physical state. How are you feeling? Are you tired? Are you angry, upset, or stressed? These are great questions to ask before jumping on the road as they are all significant distractions that can lead to dangerous driving practices and accidents. Driving whil ... read more