Four Simple Ways to Decrease Auto Repair Expenses

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Four Simple Ways to Decrease Auto Repair Expenses

Michael Leech • October 26, 2020

Hi, and welcome to the blog of all things auto repair by yours truly, Michael Leech. This time around we’re going to discuss some quick, easy ways to prevent unnecessary repair bills. Everyone loves to NOT give their auto technicians money so i am hoping this one will really be a popular topic. I’m mainly going to focus on EASY things that ANYONE can manage. Zero high-tech stuff here, today.

It’s about the Water!
The single largest thing that really creates big auto repair issues is unmanaged water. Whether that water is salt water that corrodes your frame (here’s looking at you, Toyota) or water intrusion from a flood (hello gulf states, this is you) or rust from road treatments (your turn, New England) water is a BIG issue. In fact, all FOUR of our topics are water (errr, fluid) related!

I’m a little Rusty…
So the first, and foremost thing we see here in auto repair shops in the Mid-Atlantic is rust. The worst offenders are from up North; generally the midwest or New England. A close second are all you beach hippies tooling around at OBX without washing your cars off. So this EASY tip is actually one of the most important. When your car or truck is exposed to salt water in any capacity you MUST take the time to clean off that undercarriage. There’s the Underwasher located here: https://www.theunderwasher.com/ , as well as several power washer type attachments on Amazon. Give it a good hosing off after any exposure and your vehicle will last much, much longer. Considering that a 2000 Toyota 4Runner in great shape is still worth 5000-8000 dollars we have to get by the idea that rust is just going to kill our cars and that they are disposable. The numbers on car values no longer support that kind of behavior!

Keep me clean!
Ok, this one is for our friends in more temperate climates! You can prevent other water control issues by cleaning around the sunroof and the cowl. The picture to the left shows the location of the sunroof drain- you can barely see it! Since it is a small tube, it clogs easily. You can clean it by gently feeding a weed eater string through it. When you park anywhere near a tree, that tree will drop it’s tree stuff on your car (see picture below), and you’ll need to clean that stuff up. Otherwise it will fall into the cowl drains or the sunroof drains and obstruct them. Once those drains are obstructed the water often overflows into the car. Since modern cars have lots of wiring connections under the seats and in the dash, this can create some SERIOUS auto repair nightmares!

Stay Hydrated!
Our next liquid related topic is a well known one. Simply know what your car’s necessary fluids are, and keep those fluids at their necessary levels and change them on their appropriate intervals. We keep a service that gives us maintenance schedules for each car and we’re always happy to tell you the next service is due. We also have access to Technical Service Bulletins to give us insight as to when certain fluids should be changed ahead of the factory intervals. Common automotive fluids are engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, differential gear oil, and transfer case oil. This topic varies widely from car to car so do your research and be sure you protect your investment. The picture of the water pumps below illustrates what happens when coolant condition and quality are not maintained. This car needed a new engine due to this problem. Avoid unnecessary auto repair expenses through great maintenance!

Vacuum Me!
A final, and slightly less known issue is to be SURE to manage interior messes, debris and coins. A penny or dime will fit directly into a power port and will cause a short circuit and blown fuse. Attempting to put your iPhone into your tape deck will damage your phone (yes, this has happened). Your airbag system control unit (called a Sensing and Diagnostic Module) is usually located on the flat floor space under your center console. If you’re resting your soda or coffee in there daily and it spills everyday, you can damage the wiring or module. Early 2000’s era Nissans were famous for coins falling into the Navigation/Cd assembly because people put coins on the shelf. Turns out CD players really hate coins. So pay attention to what’s going on in your car and keep it spiffy! You’ll save yourself some money!

Ok, that is all I have for this week in auto repair, folks! To recap- it’s all about the fluids! Keep the undercarriage clean, keep the tree debris under control, follow your maintenance schedules, and keep your interior messes under control. Drive Happy!

Michael

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Why Your Steering Wheel Feels Stiff: Common Causes & Fixes in Newport News

March 20, 2025

At Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, we know that a smooth, responsive steering experience is essential for safe and comfortable driving. If you've ever encountered a stiff steering wheel, you know how concerning and frustrating it can be. Whether you're making tight turns or navigating through busy streets, a stiff steering wheel can significantly impact your driving experience. A stiff steering wheel often indicates that something isn’t quite right with your vehicle’s steering system. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel and how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you resolve the issue, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly and safely. The Importance of a Smooth Steering System Your vehicle’s steering system is a vital component for maintaining control of your car, truck, or SUV. A smooth and responsive steering system allows for precise control when navigating curves, parking, or driving at high speeds. If your steering feels stiff or unresponsive, it can make driving more difficult and potentially dangerous. Keeping your steering system in top condition is essential for your safety. Regular maintenance and addressing any steering issues promptly will ensure a more enjoyable driving experience and help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Common Causes of a Stiff Steering Wheel Several issues could cause your steering wheel to feel stiff. Let’s break down the most common causes and explain how Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA can help you address them. 1. Low Power Steering Fluid One of the most common causes of a stiff steering wheel is low or contaminated power steering fluid. Your vehicle’s power steering system relies on fluid to make steering more effortless, especially at lower speeds. If the fluid level is low or the fluid is dirty, it can cause the steering wheel to become stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Power steering fluid can leak over time or degrade, reducing its effectiveness. Contaminated fluid can also cause the system to malfunction, resulting in hard steering. What to Do: If you suspect low or dirty power steering fluid, it’s essential to have it checked and replaced. At Pro Auto Repair , we can quickly assess your fluid levels, flush the system if necessary, and ensure the right fluid is added to keep your power steering system functioning smoothly. 2. Worn or Damaged Power Steering Pump The power steering pump is responsible for pushing the fluid through the power steering system. If the pump begins to wear out or break down, it can result in a stiff or unresponsive steering wheel. A faulty pump may also cause whining noises when turning the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the power steering pump can become damaged due to wear and tear, excessive heat, or contamination in the fluid. What to Do: If you notice whining noises or difficulty turning the steering wheel, it's important to have your power steering pump checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, can inspect your pump and replace it if necessary, restoring smooth steering. 3. Damaged Steering Rack or Tie Rods The steering rack and tie rods are essential components that connect your steering wheel to the wheels of your vehicle. If either of these parts becomes damaged, it can lead to stiff steering. A damaged steering rack can cause your steering wheel to feel tight or unresponsive, while damaged tie rods can lead to misalignment, which affects your vehicle’s handling. How It Happens: The steering rack and tie rods can become worn or damaged from age, rough driving conditions, or accidents. When they break down, your steering system will suffer, often resulting in stiffness. What to Do: If the steering rack or tie rods are damaged, it’s critical to have them replaced immediately. Pro Auto Repair offers professional steering system repairs, including steering rack replacement and tie rod replacements, to restore your vehicle's handling and steering precision. 4. Faulty Serpentine Belt The serpentine belt plays a key role in powering various components of your vehicle, including the power steering pump. If the serpentine belt becomes loose, worn, or damaged, it can prevent the power steering pump from working effectively, causing stiffness in the steering wheel. How It Happens: Over time, the serpentine belt can wear out or slip, reducing the amount of power sent to the power steering pump. This can result in reduced steering assist and make the steering wheel harder to turn. What to Do: Regular inspection and maintenance of the serpentine belt can help prevent this issue. If you notice your steering becoming stiff, have the belt checked at Pro Auto Repair , where we’ll ensure it’s properly tightened or replaced as needed. 5. Alignment Issues Your vehicle’s alignment affects how the wheels are positioned in relation to the steering components. When the wheels are misaligned, it can lead to uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, and, in some cases, a stiff steering wheel. Misalignment can also cause your vehicle to feel unstable while driving, especially at higher speeds. How It Happens: Misalignment can occur due to hitting a curb, driving over potholes, or general wear and tear on the suspension components. What to Do: If you’re experiencing a stiff steering wheel alongside pulling to one side or uneven tire wear, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle’s alignment checked. Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, offers professional wheel alignment services that will restore your vehicle's steering precision and improve overall handling. 6. Worn Out Steering Column or Bearings The steering column and bearings are part of the system that connects your steering wheel to the rest of your vehicle’s steering components. If these parts become worn out or damaged, it can cause the steering wheel to feel stiff or difficult to turn. How It Happens: Over time, the bearings can wear down, or the steering column can become misaligned, leading to stiffness in the wheel. This issue is more common in older vehicles or those with higher mileage. What to Do: If your steering wheel feels tight and you’ve ruled out other causes, it could be a sign of issues with the steering column or bearings. Our expert technicians at Pro Auto Repair can diagnose the issue and replace any worn-out components, restoring your steering system’s performance. How Pro Auto Repair Can Help in Newport News, VA At Pro Auto Repair , we specialize in steering system repairs and maintenance. If your steering wheel feels stiff, don’t wait for the problem to worsen—bring your vehicle in for a professional inspection. Our experienced technicians will assess the issue, whether it’s low power steering fluid, a faulty pump, worn-out components, or something else entirely. We’ll provide you with a reliable diagnosis and the necessary repairs to restore smooth steering and keep you safe on the road. Preventive Maintenance for Smooth Steering To keep your steering system in top shape and avoid stiff steering, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some preventive measures you can take: Check fluid levels regularly: Ensure your power steering fluid is topped off and replace it when it becomes dirty or contaminated. Inspect your steering system: Have your steering components, including the pump, rack, and tie rods, checked regularly for wear and tear. Maintain proper alignment: Get your vehicle’s alignment checked every year or whenever you notice signs of uneven tire wear or steering issues. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can keep your steering system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. Schedule Your Steering System Check at Pro Auto Repair Today If your steering wheel feels stiff or unresponsive, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule a professional inspection at Pro Auto Repair in Newport News, VA, today. Our expert technicians will diagnose the issue and ensure your steering system is in optimal condition, so you can enjoy a safe and smooth ride.