Troutville Auto Repair

Wiper blades are necessary for the Troutville drivers, especially during this time of year. The transition from fall to winter can be harsh and abrupt in Southwest Virginia, so it's best to be prepared for inclement weather conditions. We often forget about replacing our wiper blades and don't consider them part of our normal vehicle maintenance. However, they are just as crucial to your safety as an oil change or tire service. If you want to be extra careful, your wipers should be replaced every six to twelve months. The interval between each replacement can vary depending on use, blade quality, and other environmental factors.    Typically, all cars will have a set of wiper blades for the windshield. If you have an SUV or vehicle that sits higher, you may also have rear windshield wipers. Most of the time, you can utilize your senses to determine whether you need new wiper blades. Proper functioning wipers should always be able to clear off the dirt, rain, or sno ... read more

Your vehicle has many dashboard warning signs, including the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) warning light. While you may not see them that often, it can be challenging to understand the exact problem at hand. While you know the ABS warning light is associated with your braking system, it could mean different things. To understand the type of issues that can occur with your ABS, you need to know what exactly it is.   The antilock braking system is in a secondary brake system that ensures the wheels on your car are all turning at a similar speed. If you find yourself in a hazardous situation, such as hydroplaning, the ABS will come into play and keep you in control of your vehicle. As the name states, it prevents your brakes from locking up.   Many sensors come into play. Whenever any of the sensors pick up an unusual sign from one or more of your tires, the ABS warning light will light up on your dash. The light signals that your ABS needs professional attention.   ... read more

If you are a victim of a flat tire, the first thing you'd hope for is to have a spare on you. The first thought that pops in someone's head whenever they see the spare tire is: why is it smaller than a regular tire? They are thinner and sometimes referred to as a 'donut.'    Your spare tire or donut is made to be small to maximize trunk space. The spares have a shallow tread with a narrow width and small diameter. It is also made with lighter materials, making it easier to lift and fit your vehicle whenever you experience a flat.   Small spare tires manage to keep the weight of the vehicle down. If a spare tire were the size of your standard tires, it would add excess weight to the car. More weight means more gas consumed.   Spare tires are also small because it is cheaper for the original manufacturer to make. It's an economical production cost and keeps the actual price of the vehicle down.     It's important to remem ... read more

Your vehicle's tire pressure monitoring system is a system in most vehicles capable of detecting early signs of overinflated or deflated tire pressure. The system is also known as TPMS. The system has sensors that send a warning light to your dashboard whenever it reads an unsuitable psi. The warning light is often depicted as a horseshoe shape with an exclamation point in the center. The tire pressure monitoring system is built to alert you when you require maintenance and a manual pressure reading.   Whenever the TPMS light comes on, it is essentially telling you that there is something wrong with your tires. Whenever the light comes on in the middle of your drive, it most likely means your tires are underinflated. We recommend you pull over to a safe location at your earliest convenience and manually examine your tires with a pressure gauge tool.   If you notice that the TPMS light is on, but you're unsure when it came on, you more than likely have at least one ... read more

Summertime for Southwest Virginians usually entails taking a trip to the lake or the beach. If you plan on taking a trip with your family this summer, consider letting your furry companion(s) tag along. We're sure they want in on the fun too!   If you want to travel on the road with your pet(s), be prepared to do some additional packing and preparation. Here are our top tips for road-tripping with animals: Protect your pet. Your pet safety should, without question, always be a priority. Create a safe and comfortable environment for your pet in the car. Please avoid leaving your animal unrestrained in the vehicle. In circumstances where you might have a window open, your cat or dog could lean too far over and accidentally fall out. Braking too abruptly can also send your pet flying from one part of the car to the other. We recommend that you bring a kennel or some harness to keep your furry friend protected.  Remember to pack appropriately for your pet. It always helps ... read more