Steve's Auto Repair & Tire

09/25/2026

Here are some ways you can tell if a power steering pump is going bad.

The power steering pump pushes fluid through the hoses to the rack and pinion, which is connected to the steering knuckles.

09/23/2026

This week, we tracked down the cause of a coolant leak on a Chevrolet Malibu: the radiator was leaking. It was recommended that the radiator and radiator hoses be replaced.

Other possible coolant leak sources include the thermostat housing, bypass hoses, and water pump.

https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/where-coolant-leaks-occur/

09/17/2026

Air conditioning diagnostics was performed on a Honda Civic.

There was no Freon in the system. We did a vacuum test and charged the a/c.

After running the air conditioning for 15 minutes, we discovered a leak on the air conditioning hose located between the a/c compressor and condenser.

https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/do-i-have-car-ac-leak-where-do-leaks-occur/

09/15/2026

A Mercury Mariner was brought in because the driver heard noise when turning left. The vehicle would also shake during hard turns and the anti-lock braking system (ABS) light came on.

We found the ring that the wheel speed sensor reads off separated from the axle. The sensor can’t read the wheel speed, which is prompting the ABS light to turn on.

https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/abs-light-and-possible-problems-behind-it/

09/11/2026

An engine misfire is being addressed on a Chrysler 200.

There was a misfire on cylinder 3. The technician saw that the ignition coil was covered in oil and learned that the spark plug tube seal failed.

We recommend replacing the spark plug tube seals and at least one ignition coil and one spark plug.

https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/spark-plugs-ignition-coils/

09/09/2026

Over the years, our shop has seen a fair amount of rodent activity.

You might notice indicators that a mouse is moving in. However, it’s also possible that you don’t find out until an unexpected problem occurs.

The colder months are nearly upon us. The drop in temperatures sometimes bring unwanted guests to vehicles: rodents.

09/04/2026

Sometimes, battery problems are spotted when a vehicle is brought in for maintenance or a different concern.

Corrosion is building up around a Jeep Commander’s negative battery terminal. We recommended a battery cleaning service and installing anti corrosion pads.

https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/what-is-a-battery-service/

09/03/2026

Suspension noise can stem from many different components.

One technician heard clunking while driving a Toyota Corolla over bumps. When he performed a bounce test, the car moved a few times before coming to a rest.

We recommended new struts.

https://stevesautorepairva.com/blog/suspension-sounds-what-causes-them/

08/28/2026

Here are some headlight problems inspectors watch for when performing a state inspection.

There are several headlight problems inspectors look for when they are conducting a Vehicle Safety Inspection.

08/27/2026

Suspension repairs were completed on a Cadillac XT5.

A toe arm was moving. When a toe arm is loose, it can allow the wheel to shake back and forth and create a vibration.

One of the hydrogen styled control arm bushings was torn and another bushing had lost its fluid. When the fluid leaks out, the control arm bushings lose their dampening ability and it can cause a vibration when braking.