Value, Value, Value

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Value, Value, Value

Michael Leech • January 30, 2017

I get phone calls nearly every day from customers desperately trying to save money on their car repairs. The thing that saddens me the most is that they don’t listen to professionals that are genuinely out there to take the best care of their customers possible. There is a saying:

“There will always be someone who can make something a little worse and sell it a little cheaper, and those who consider price alone are this man’s lawful prey.” This saying holds true in auto repair more than most industries. Allow me to explain why:

For the last 25 or so years, a large percentage of our youth have shifted their focus from tinker toys, legos, fort building and hot rodding to video-gaming, mine-crafting, and other less mechanical pursuits. The percentage of the population that has the skills and inclination to handle complex auto repair has rapidly decreased. Also, cars are more reliable than ever before, and our customers are driving them for more miles, and keeping them for longer. This has yielded a large increase in the demand for tires, oil changes and maintenance. The “easy stuff”, if you will. The vast majority of shops out there will just focus on the easy stuff. They run “loss leaders” advertising specials (buy 3 tires get one free!) to attract a large number of customers, then they run them through, sell everything they can to every one of them, ever pursuing sales goals and profits.

There’s a problem here: Their goal was never to FIX your car, or CARE for your needs. Why build relationships when you just run another sale to fill your bays? That cheap price on those tires or that oil change? You gave it back on the upsale items that you bought. Did you really need that alignment? Were those tie-rods actually bad? The seller that gives away those tires MUST make upsells to stay in business. They have the biggest incentive ever to high pressure sell, and err on the side of selling a new part, because if they don’t they lose bonuses, their jobs, their paychecks. Feeding their families requires that they turn those coupons into profitable jobs.

To make it worse (yes there’s more!) the upsale items you’ll buy are usually lower quality for more $$!! Every parts store has multiple part lines. You can get the good ball joints or the cheap ones. The good alternator or the cheap one, etc, etc. A pro can look up the part numbers and tell you what you bought. Regardless of warranty, why pay more for the cheap stuff than the good stuff?

Consider the cheap alternator. Sure, you’ll get a one-year warranty on it, amybe even more. It will still cost several hundred dollars, and guess what- if it fails, where will you be? I bet you won’t be just happily running a meaningless errand and have plenty of time to drop by the shop to wait for 4 hours to get it changed again. You’ll be ticked, and you should be. Why? Because even “cheap” auto repair is really expensive! It’s really aggravating when your day or week is ruined by dealing with repairing an item that you already repaired! This is the biggest reason why customers are unqualified to select the parts used on their cars. They simply do not have access to the information to allow them to determine which parts have the best value- balancing price and a very low failure percentage.

We install hundreds of parts each week- we KNOW which ones are good and which ones have unacceptable quality issues. We select parts that allow us to do a job we can be proud of, fixed right and not likely to fail again. Yes, there is a markup on parts we sell. That markup is what you pay for a pro to select, find, install and warranty a part for your car. Usually customers perceive the markup to be higher than it is, because they select the CHEAPEST part they can find from anywhere (usually a Chinese web-site) and use the base number without accounting for shipping or taxes, and try to compare that with the part that is high-quality, and in stock right here, plus sold by an installer- not a retailer. Even if you were installing the part yourself, can really wait two days to get it? Then if it fails, you have to ship it back, and wait again.

Now factor in labor. If the part you select fails, you have no warranty at all on labor. You’ll have to pay for any troubleshooting time, pay to pull it off, get to the shop, get to UPS to ship it back, receive the new one, then wait while the tech installs it (on your $). So you’ll have waited 3 days and paid again for a job that you already paid for once. You’ll probably have spent more than you would have if you just bought a good quality part the first time, AND you’ll have been car-less for days. Where is the value in that?

When I saw all of these things emerging in our industry, I was appalled. I feel that we as service professionals are more akin to doctors and dentists than fast food employees. I hate the “don’t you want fries, an apple pie, and a go-large with that”? I resolved to try to deliver the best bang for the buck that I could manage. Here’s how we do that:

We charge you for what you need. Since we’re not giving it away, we don’t have to sell you stuff or face losing money on the job. We still have very competitive prices. Our oil & filter changes are cheaper than most, but not all ($35), State Inspections are regulated by the State Police at $16, our tire prices are high value (we have access to over 30 brands), and our alignments are $69.99. We’re not expensive, but we’re not couponing either. It’s a nice balance.
We make a plan for you. If you need anything, and I mean anything, we’ll tell you the “W’s. What it is and why you need it and when you need it. If you have a large number of needed items we will prioritize them for you. No BS, no high pressure sales tactics. If your car is not worth investing money in, we’ll tell you that, too. Our goal is to be your auto-repair adviser. If we make you a long term customer we don’t have to run expensive advertising to stay busy.
We stand behind our work. If you have a problem with our work, or questions about it, we WANT to hear from you. We offer the NAPA Peace of Mind Warranty. which covers most repairs for 2 years, 24000 miles Nationwide. We’re here to do the job, do it right, and do it at a good price.
We customize our recommendations to your needs. If you have a 16 year old Chevy Cavalier, and you need transportation as cheap as possible, we’ll tailor our recommendations to that need, and explain what and how we’re doing it. If you have 2 year old 40,000$ SUV, we’ll tell you what fluids or maintenance items you should use to best protect your long term investment, including what options provide you the best value.
By all means get a competing estimate. Make sure it’s from a reputable repair facility, with certified, experienced techs, and has the part numbers on it for what you’re buying so that we can compare “apples-to-apples”, and we’ll show ou what’s different and why. We’re nearly always better value, and we’re usually very close or cheaper in price.

We can do this because we have access to manufacturer’s service information for ALL cars, and we have 60 years combined experience in our technicians alone. We’re here to earn your business by providing car care, customer care, and integrity at a good price. We’ve been doing it for nearly 10 years, and it’s been a great success! See you soon!

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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.