Virginia Beach Auto Repair

Replacing a timing belt is an important maintenance task that can prevent costly engine damage. Here's a breakdown of the costs involved and the recommended replacement intervals: Costs of Timing Belt Replacement The cost of replacing a timing belt can vary widely based on several factors: - Vehicle Make and Model: Different vehicles require different belts and different amounts of labor, affecting the overall cost. - Location: Labor costs can vary significantly based on where you live. - Whether Additional Parts Are Replaced: It's often recommended to also replace the water pump, camshaft seals, crankshaft seals, tensioners,and idler pulleys, as they are accessible during the belt replacement and can fail if old. Typically, the cost for replacing a timing belt can range from $500 to $1,000 or more, with most of the cost attributed to labor. In some high-end or complex engine configurations ... read more

Why Brake Pad Slap is Not AdvisableBrake pad slap refers to the quick and incomplete replacement of brake pads without addressing the overall condition of the entire brake system. This method typically skips crucial steps such as inspecting or replacing additional brake components, cleaning, and proper lubrication. Here’s why it's problematic: - Missed Component Wear and Tear: Skipping inspection of rotors, calipers, and other brake components can lead to unseen damage or wear, which may cause the new pads to wear unevenly or fail prematurely. - Potential for Further Damage: Without resurfacing or replacing the rotors, new brake pads may not fit perfectly, leading to decreased braking efficiency and potential safety hazards. - Short-Term Fix: Although initially cheaper and faster, this approach often leads to more frequent repairs and higher costs over time due to unresolved issues ... read more

17th Street Automotive breakdown of the differences between tire rotation, tire balancing, and alignment, along with the significance of steering and suspension components in maintaining vehicle safety: Tire Rotation   - Purpose: To ensure even tire wear by changing the position of tires on the vehicle, typically from front to back or side to side.   - Benefits: Extends the lifespan of tires, helps maintain balanced handling and traction, and can improve gas mileage.   - Frequency: Usually recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as advised by the vehicle manufacturer. - Tire Balancing:   - Purpose: To correct any imbalance in the tires and wheels. This is achieved by adding small weights to the wheel to balance the tire/wheel assembly.   - Benefits: Prevents uneven wear of tires, reduces vibrations felt in the steering wheel, floorboar ... read more

Knowing whether your car has a timing belt, understanding its importance, and recognizing the consequences of not maintaining it properly are crucial for maintaining your vehicle's health and performance. Here’s how you can handle each aspect: How to Tell if You Have a Timing Belt 1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual: The most straightforward way to determine if your car has a timing belt is to look in the vehicle's owner’s manual. It will specify whether the engine uses a timing belt or a timing chain. 2. Check Engine Specifications Online:  If you don't have access to the manual, you can usually find this information by searching for your car's engine type online. Most smaller cars and some older vehicles use a timing belt. 3. Visually Inspect the Engine:  You can also check by visually inspecting the engine. The timing belt is typically covered by a protective cover, which can be plastic or metal. If it’s a chain, it will b ... read more

Why Proper Diagnostic Procedures are Essential for Your Vehicle’s Warning Lights When the warning lights on your dashboard illuminate, it's your vehicle's way of telling you something is wrong. However, correctly diagnosing the issue is not as straightforward as just identifying the warning light. At 17th Street Automotive, we emphasize the importance of thorough diagnostic procedures to ensure your vehicle remains reliable and safe. Here’s why getting a code from places like AutoZone is not adequate and how our trained technicians handle complex issues.   The Pitfalls of Basic Code Reading Many drivers head to auto parts stores like AutoZone for a free check when their vehicle's warning lights come on. These stores use a basic code reader that can pull diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle’s onboard computer. While this might seem like a quick fix, it’s far from a complete diagnosis.   Surface-Level Information The main i ... read more