What You Should Know About Keeping Your Car Clean

Posted on May 1, 2012 by admin

You may think you know all there is to know about keeping your car clean — both inside and out — but many motorists in the Burke, VA area have no idea where to correctly begin the process. Follow these do’s and don’ts and your car, truck or SUV will look like new as you travel throughout Northern Virginia.

  • Don’t wait until your vehicle looks like it needs to be washed before washing it. The longer you wait and let the dead bugs, chemicals, mud, salt and bird droppings sit on your paint, the harder they will be to remove. Also, if left too long these substances may actually cause damage to the finish leading to professional body work.
  • Do, however wash your vehicle as soon as you see the dead bug splat or the bird droppings drop; if tree-sap is a problem you face on the property of your Arlington, VA home, always take action as soon as you see evidence of it on your vehicle.
  • Don’t leave acid rain on your vehicle. Acid is acid and it is not healthy for your paint finish to leave it there. If your live in an area that suffers from acid rain, wash your vehicle as soon as possible after the rain subsides.
  • Don’t use household cleaning products like dish washing detergent or hand soap; these products are not intended for use on vehicle finishes and will strip the protective wax from the finish.
  • Do use a cleaning agent specifically designed for use on automobile finishes. These tend to be more mild than the other harsh cleaners and are safe for automobile paint.
  • Don’t use standard household sponges or scrubby sponges to wash your car, truck or SUV. These too are not intended for use on an automobile’s finish and will lead to fine scratches and abrasions.
  • Do use soft sponges or mitts designed for automobile washing. These cleaning cloths are designed to be easy on your vehicle finish while also removing the bugs, bird droppings and other substances you may find on your car.

For more information on keeping your car running and looking like new, stop in to see our trained technicians at Burke Centre Automotive today.

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Accept The Reality, Pay The Price and Put Gas In Your Vehicle

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

Unless you are an exception to the rule, you don’t enjoy the thought of putting fuel in your vehicle before you head to your next stop in Burke, VA. No matter if you are traveling through Fairfax Station, Springfield or other nearby Northern Virginia areas, you may be tempted to ignore the dropping fuel gauge, but don’t do it — here are three good reasons not to:

  • If it is cold outside and you choose to wait to fill-up, you run the risk of developing condensation in the gas tank. This happens when the moisture in the air contained in the empty portion of your gas tank accumulates; since water weighs more than gas, it will settle to the bottom of the tank. The water will enter the fuel lines and will make its way to the lowest point in the fuel system. If the moisture freezes, the fuel flow is blocked and you may be without a running vehicle in the morning.
  • Perhaps one of the most obvious but most important reasons to keep the gas tank full is eliminating the possibility of being stranded.
  • Finally, vehicles that operate using a fuel injected engine often use gas a coolant for the fuel pump. Cooled by the gasoline around it, the fuel pump can be damaged from overheating when fuel level is too low.

 

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5 Tips For Protecting Your Belongings and Your Vehicle

Posted on April 24, 2012 by admin

Nothing will change the way you think about burglary until it happens to you; only then are you likely to think about what you leave in your parked car while shopping the Burke, VA area, or anywhere in Northern Virginia. Use these tips to help prevent auto break-ins and keep your “stuff” safe.

  • Out of sight, out of mind: hide your valuables. The type of criminal that is likely to to break into your vehicle is not likely to be a criminal mastermind. A reactionary measure and impulsive action in response to seeing a valuable item in the vehicle. Seats, dashboards and floorboards — while convenient — are not the right place to store purses, briefcases, computers or any other valuable item.
  • In sight, in mind: make sure your vehicle is visible when parked. Criminals don’t want witnesses, so parking where others are often found is important. Park in well-lit spaces near entrances when possible.
  • Remember Fort Knox: lock your doors, roll-up the windows and close the sunroof. While this should be mostly obvious, these simple tasks will prevent many from considering your belongings their own and going after them.
  • Key to prevention: keep your car key in a safe place. Even though you think hiding your spare key in the magnet box above the tire or under the hood is a good idea, a thief may think so too — then you lose.
  • Place all items in the overhead (or rear-end) compartment before landing: don’t wait until you get to your destination to hide the laptop in the trunk. Thieves will often watch parking lots for drivers doing just this — it’s very helpful in locating their next victim.
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Obey Virginia State Inspection Laws Or Face The Consequences

Posted on April 10, 2012 by admin

Virginia state inspection laws are important to follow — if you don’t you will face serious consequences. In order to legally drive in Virginia, each driver must follow the state inspection laws, including an annual safety inspection. After the safety inspection is complete, the valid safety inspection sticker must be displayed in your vehicle, and if you should choose to operate the vehicle without an inspection, you will be ticketed and fined. This offense also is reported and will be added to your driving record which could negatively impact your ability to procure auto insurance at an affordable rate.

If when under inspection your vehicle is found to have a defect, as the owner and operator of the vehicle, you have 15 days to correct the problem and have the vehicle inspected once again. If the problem is not corrected at the time of inspection, you could face receiving a summons for any defect still present upon re-inspection.

It is always important to remember your safety inspection sticker expires on the last day of the month — whether or not that day falls on a weekend or weekday is not important. There are no extensions provided, as law enforcement is aware qualified inspection sources are available nearly every day of the week in most areas of Northern Virginia. If stopped by law enforcement and your safety inspection sticker is outdated, you may face a citation and fines.

Burke Centre Automotive is approved for VA State Auto Inspections and emissions testing as well. Open when you need us, our team of qualified technicians will complete your safety or emissions testing and have you back on your way quickly.

For more information on Virginia state inspection laws and to have your vehicle inspected, contact Burke Centre Automotive. As a AAA-approved center for auto repair and maintenance, Burke Centre Automotive specializes in complete foreign and domestic repair service, serving Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Fairfax City, and Springfield.

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The Dangers Of Low Tire Pressure – They Are Real

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

Ensuring your tires are properly inflated is an essential component of keeping your family safe on the streets of Burke, VA. When maintaining the tire pressure in your vehicle tires, you also keep the environment healthy and money in the bank at the same time — it’s a win-win situation no matter how you look at it.

When the tires on your car, truck or SUV are not properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, they will require more energy — or gas — to begin moving and then to maintain speed as well. The more energy you use (or the more gas you use) the more you spend and the higher the demand on fossil fuels, thereby negatively impacting the environment.

As fuel prices continue to rise to new all-time highs in the Northern Virginia area, keeping your tires inflated properly also will improve your car’s gas mileage by saving fuel, and will also reduce emissions. As the tires maintain proper pressure, the tires will last longer and wear more evenly, again saving you money and improving your safety.

One quick hint to knowing when your tire pressure is too low: when you turn a corner and hear the tires squeal or squeak — that’s the sound of low tire pressure. To get the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to your tires and your fuel, check the air pressure in your tires at least once per month and add air as needed.

For more information on the importance of proper tire pressure, contact Burke Centre Automotive. As a AAA-approved center for auto repair and maintenance, Burke Centre Automotive specializes in complete foreign and domestic repair service for the Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Fairfax City, and Springfield area.

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What The Air Filter Does And Why You Should Change It

Posted on March 22, 2012 by admin

The engine in your car, truck or SUV can be compared to a giant gas-powered air pump, used to move your vehicle. The basic four stroke engine requires oxygen to adequately function and travel the roads of Northern Virginia.

The importance of a clean air filter cannot be overlooked, especially as part of your normal maintenance routine. Air is brought into the engine through the air intake, which then travels through the air filter. Gas is then added to the air mixture, which is then compressed inside the cylinder. Once the mixture reaches the appropriate levels, the spark plug fires and the mixture ignites and forces the piston down into the cylinder.

When each of the pistons in the engine fires appropriately, the drive shaft turns and the vehicle is propelled down the road. Even though the process is technically more difficult than the basic version accounted for here, the air filter is one vital component of the entire system. The combustion in the engine requires certain ratios of air-to-fuel to function efficiently, making a clean air filter vital. Dirty air filters act as a choke in the engine, decreases gas mileage and causes fuel deposits to form from a fuel mixture that is too rich.

When you stop in to Burke Centre Automotive in Burke, VA for an oil, lube and filter change, have our trained technicians inspect the air filter as well. Trust our certified technicians with your vehicle and trust that we will keep you safely on the road.

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Signs and Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Pump

Posted on March 14, 2012 by admin

You don’t have to be a mechanic like our team at Burke Centre Automotive to know when a fuel pump goes bad, there will be problems with your vehicle. Fuel pumps quit working for many reasons, but once it happens the fuel injectors will be without fuel and the vehicle will stall. When the engine stalls, you will not be traversing the streets of Burke VA any longer — at least until it is repaired. Knowing the signs of failure is the best line of defense against sitting on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck.

  • You may think you have run out of gas or there is a problem with the gas gauge, but changes are, it may be the fuel pump that needs replacing.
  • A not-so-obvious indication of a possible fuel pump failure is engine overheating. When the fuel pump is heated frequently within a few moments of turning the vehicle on, such as is common in stop-and-go driving patterns, the fuel pump may overheat and cause the engine to overhead too. Typically, you may drive for 15 to 30 minutes, and then suddenly stop working and the engine gets hot. If after letting the engine cool down it functions appropriately again — only to repeat the behavior — this is a good sign the fuel pump is failing.
  • Unusual noises, sputtering or backfiring may also be indicative of a bad fuel pump. If the flow to the fuel injection system in the vehicle is not consistent, the engine may develop problems. Watch for things like a hesitant start or take-off, or a problem with starting the vehicle.

If you suspect you  are dealing with a failing fuel pump, stop in and see our trained, certified mechanics at Burke Centre Automotive today. Knowing you can trust the people who work on your car, truck or SUV makes trusting the work a piece of cake.

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Need a New Muffler? Here’s How You Can Tell

Posted on February 10, 2012 by admin

All motorists in the Burke, VA area know what a loud car, truck or SUV sounds like, but is that the only sign your muffler may need to be repaired? Believe it or not, the muffler in your car is very important to the overall composition of the vehicle. Not only does it quiet the engine noise, but it also prevents noxious emissions from entering the cabin of the vehicle, keeping you and your passengers safer.

One of the biggest signs of a failing muffler is the noise that comes from the car while running. The engine noise is likely to be louder, and will gradually grow louder so you may not even notice it at first. But, the louder it gets the more dangerous it becomes, and in some situations it may even be cause for a public nuisance violation that can earn you a ticket or fine from law enforcement. Avoid that scenario and stop in to Burke Centre Automotive for a complete exhaust system inspection.

In addition to a louder vehicle as an indication of a failing muffler, also pay attention to the amount of exhaust fumes you may smell. Common symptoms of exhaust exposure include those associated with a common cold or allergies — coughing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes — and while that may be the case, you may also suffer from too much exhaust exposure.

One other symptom of a failing muffler is a significant decrease in gas mileage. Some experts estimate a car with a bad muffler will go through fuel as much as two times faster as compared to its normal operation. While not all situations will lead to an impact as dramatic as that, it will likely be noticeable.

At the first sign of a failing muffler, stop in at Burke Centre Automotive for an exhaust system inspection. If you are the victim of a bad muffler, we can help quickly and get you back on your way. Protect yourself, your family and your investment with this simple routine vehicle maintenance.

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The Basics of Head Gaskets and Why They are Important

Posted on January 31, 2012 by admin

When car owners begin to suspect problems with their vehicle, they sometimes are tempted to push the thought away and focus on something else. Why? Because suspecting a problem with your car, truck or SUV is different than knowing something is wrong. When you know something is wrong, that means visiting the mechanic and bracing yourself for a repair bill. When you suspect something is wrong with the head gasket in your vehicle, you should never bury your head in the sand — it’s an issue that will not go away on its own, and will ultimately lead to an even greater expense for repairs. Here’s some basic information on what the head gasket is, what it does and why the repair bill is more than you may think.

It may seem like a gasket should not be that expensive to replace, after all, it is just a thin piece of rubber used between the engine block and the cylinder head. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong.

The engine block contains pistons that move up and down in the cylinder bores; the pistons are connected to rods, which are connected to a crankshaft — that’s what gives the vehicle the power to move. On top of the engine is the cylinder head, inside of that are the valves that open and close, allowing air and fuel into the cylinders and expels the spent gas. This is where the head gasket is located – meaning there are a lot of parts to move out of the way before the head gasket can be reached. So while the head gasket itself is not a very expensive part to replace, getting there is the hard part.

When a head gasket fails, it is typically the result of any number of reasons — and none of them are good. Usually, the head gasket fails because the engine overheated, causing the engine block and head to expand beyond its limits. When this happens, the head gasket gets pinched by the expansion, and will tear, rip or disintegrate.

The best way to avoid a head gasket replacement is through regular maintenance of your cooling system. Stop in today and let our certified technicians evaluate your cooling system, which includes the thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator and coolant. Replacing any of these parts will be greatly less expensive than replacing the head gasket, not to mention replacing the engine if excessive damage is caused as the head gasket fails.

 

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Learn To Identify A Suspension Problem

Posted on January 23, 2012 by admin

Unknown to many, the suspension system in your vehicle is perhaps one of the most important components it contains. Aside from keeping the ride smooth for the passengers, it also keeps your vehicle in one piece. As your car, truck or SUV glides over the uneven pavement, the suspension system dampens the up-and-down movement that can do severe damage. The involuntary bouncing movement naturally created as you drive over bumps and through potholes does more than make you uncomfortable — it also leads to unwarranted wear and tear to your vehicle. Learning to spot the signs of a failing suspension system allows you to make the necessary repairs before it becomes a bigger problem than just new shocks or struts.

Every time your tires hit the pavement, your suspension system sustains abuse brought on by road conditions and what is considered by the industry as extreme driving conditions. Every time you hit your brakes hard (or slam on the breaks as you may think of it) you do a bit of damage to your suspension system. Even though this is what it is intended for, the damage is still done.

So how do you know when the damage has accumulated to the point repairs are needed? Let’s talk about that.

  • Feel the shimmy and shake? No, we are not talking about the latest dance craze, we are referring to the shaking feeling while stopping, accelerating or even simply cruising along. This shimmy is likely attributed to worn suspension that needs attention.
  • Feel the bounce in your ride? Again, not a reference to a bounce in your step, but in your seat as you travel the streets of Burke, VA. The bounce you feel with even the slightest of bumps is not normal — that is a sign your shocks or struts are wearing and most likely need to be replaced.
  • Does it feel like your vehicle is harder to control than before? When the roads are icy, the lack of control may be expected. However, when driving on dry or even wet pavement, you should not feel like you are waging a war against your car. The out-of-control feeling is a good indicator your struts are worn and need replacement.
  • Seem like your car or truck sits lower than it used to? You probably didn’t get taller, so instead, look at your torsion bars. These spring steel rods twist to absorb the up-and-down movement of your vehicle, and when they are worn out, the vehicle may sit lower.

For more information on the signs of suspension problems in your vehicle, stop in and see us today.

 

 

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