Chantilly Auto Repair

When you're a first-time car owner, it can be quite alarming to realize all of the different things that need to be taken care of in order to ensure your vehicle keeps running smoothly. As a result of having to keep track of so many different areas, occasionally things fall by the wayside - especially a vehicle's tires. Your car's tires are immensely important to the overall drivability of your vehicle, and we're not exaggerating. Below, we'll go in-depth about when to replace tires, how to maintain tires, and more. 1. Keep Them Inflated If your tires aren't inflated correctly or begin to lose air pressure, you will see the effects of lessened fuel efficiency, lower drivability, and a general deterioration in performance. When we say drivability, we're referring to the overall handling of the vehicle - how easy it is to turn, maneuver, and how generally responsive the vehicle is. Lower air pressure than is recommended can make a vehicle feel sl ... read more

5 Car Noises You Shouldn't Ignore High-pitched squealing brakes The lifespan of the brake pads in your vehicle depends on your driving habits or the type of brake pads they are. Persistent, high-pitched squealing when applying brakes may indicate worn-out or thinning brake pads that need replacement. This is a safety issue that requires immediate attention to avoid decreasing your brake's stopping power. High-pitched squealing at the start of engine The sound of a high-pitched squealing at the start the engine infers a worn-out serpentine belt. A worn-out belt will begin to slip, making the squealing noise. You'd want to replace the belt early to prevent heavy steering (due to the loss of pressure from the power steering pump that is powered by the belt), or before it breaks, making your vehicle inoperable. Roaring during acceleration Roaring noise when accelerating suggests a hole in your muffler. A functioning muffl ... read more

Filters are a simple yet essential part of a healthy functioning vehicle. Each car uses two types of filters to prevent outside contaminants from entering inside our vehicle. While engine filters and cabin filters seem interchangeable, they serve different purposes but offer similar benefits. It's no surprise that we need clean air to properly breath, but the car engine does as well. For a vehicle to perform its best, it needs a proper amount of fuel, a spark, and air. If any of these aspects are limited, a car will struggle to perform. Both engine and cabin filters get clogged over time and will need to be regularly replaced. How do you know when it's time to replace them, and what exactly is the difference between the two? Below is a simple guide to engine and cabin filters to keep you informed before your next maintenance service.  The engine air filter. The engine filter prevents outside dirt, dust, and environmental contaminants from enter ... read more

Oil changes are affordable and straightforward; when performed at regular intervals, they can enhance performance and increase your vehicle's lifespan. While most drivers rely on mileage intervals to identify when it's time to have the oil changed, it's always best to inspect the oil first hand. Your oil can be low or degraded before the scheduled mileage change comes up, so it's crucial to check it visually. If your engine is overdue for an oil change, the engine can struggle to perform and eventually overheat. Below are five indicators to determine if your vehicle will need an oil change sooner than later.  Dirty Oil  Healthy oil is an amber color and free of any debris. As you drive, the engine oil gets darker and collects particles from inside the engine. The only way to check the oil's quality is to pop the hood and pull the dipstick out. Make sure to wipe it first, then reinsert it, pull out the dipstick, and inspect the oil. If th ... read more

The brakes are an integral part of a vehicle’s safety system. If the brakes aren’t properly functioning, you lose the ability to slow down or bring the car to a complete stop. Brakes have a lifespan that doesn’t leave much room for maintenance to be ignored. If it’s been a long time since the brakes were serviced, they’ll start to give clear signals that an inspection is needed. Below are five warning signs that your brakes need professional attention.  1.    The Brake Light Has Comes On The brake light can indicate you’re due for a service, or it can be alerting you to a problem. If your brakes have already been serviced, check that the parking brake is down.    2.    Spongy Brake Pedal If you step on the brake pedal and notice very little resistance, the brakes should be inspected. There could be air or moisture trapped in the braking system. There can also be a major problem with the master cylinder.  &nbs ... read more