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17th Street Automotive in Virginia Beach is committed to fostering blue-collar careers through comprehensive apprenticeship, mentorship, and internship programs. These initiatives are designed to engage students from technical schools, trade schools, and high schools, providing them with practical experience and guidance in automotive services. 17th Street Automotive actively participates in local career fairs, such as the Green Run High School Career Fair, to connect with aspiring professionals. In collaboration with organizations like the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, 17th Street Automotive supports workforce development efforts that benefit veterans, immigrants, and individuals facing homelessness. These partnerships aim to offer training programs that equip participants with skills in trade such as mechanics, electricians, and general labor. To enhance these programs, 17th Street Automotive leverages federal and state grants. For instance, the Virginia Career Works' Workforce Credential Grant provides funding for noncredit workforce training leading to credentials in high-demand fields. Additionally, the Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development offers grants to support small businesses in their expansion and workforce development efforts. By integrating these resources, 17th Street Automotive not only promotes blue-collar careers but also contributes to the economic growth and stability of the Virginia Beach community.

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Updating your vehicle's software is important for several reasons: Safety: Vehicle manufacturers regularly release software updates to address potential vulnerabilities and security risks. These updates can help protect your vehicle from hacking or unauthorized access, ensuring the safety of both the vehicle and its occupants. Improved performance: Software updates often include optimizations that can improve the overall performance of your vehicle, such as better fuel efficiency, smoother acceleration, or enhanced braking responsiveness. Bug fixes: Like any software, vehicle software can have bugs or glitches that could affect your driving experience or the functionality of your vehicle's systems. Regular updates help to fix these issues, ensuring that your vehicle remains reliable and efficient. Enhanced features: Manufacturers may introduce new features or enhancements to existing features through software updates. By keeping your vehicle's software up-to-date, you can benefit from the latest technology and improvements. Compliance with regulations: Regulatory bodies may introduce new requirements or standards for vehicle software. Updating your vehicle's software can help you stay compliant with these regulations and avoid potential fines or penalties.  Maintain resale value: Vehicles with up-to-date software are generally more appealing to potential buyers. Regular software updates can help maintain your vehicle's resale value and make it more attractive to prospective buyers. Customer support: Manufacturers are more likely to provide customer support for vehicles with the latest software versions. Updating your vehicle's software can help ensure that you receive the best possible assistance if you encounter issues or need help with your vehicle. Overall, keeping your vehicle's software updated ensures that you benefit from the latest advancements in safety, performance, and technology, while also maintaining compliance with regulations and preserving your vehicle's resale value.

Testing your vehicle's battery on every visit to the repair shop is important for several reasons: ​Battery Life: A battery's lifespan can vary greatly depending on factors such as weather conditions, usage, and age. Regular battery testing can help identify a battery that is nearing the end of its life, allowing you to replace it before it fails and leaves you stranded. Battery Health: Regular battery testing can also help identify a battery that is not holding a charge as well as it should. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty alternator or parasitic draw. Identifying these issues early can help prevent further damage to your vehicle's electrical system. Preventative Maintenance: Battery testing is a form of preventative maintenance that can help ensure the reliability of your vehicle. Catching a failing battery early can prevent more serious problems from occurring, such as a dead battery that requires a jump start or tow. Cost Savings: Regular battery testing can help you avoid the cost of a tow or emergency jump start, as well as prevent damage to other electrical components in your vehicle that could result from a failing battery. Overall, testing your vehicle's battery on every visit to the repair shop is an important part of preventative maintenance that can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. It is recommended to have your battery tested by a trained technician using specialized equipment to ensure accurate results.

Changing your vehicle's brakes is an essential maintenance task. While the procedure can vary depending on the type of brake system and specific vehicle, here is a general step-by-step guide to help you change your vehicle's brakes properly: Note: This guide assumes you have a basic understanding of automotive maintenance and access to the necessary tools. If you are unsure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. Gather necessary tools and materials: Lug wrench Socket wrench and appropriate sockets C-clamp or brake caliper compressor tool Brake cleaner Shop towels or rags New brake pads and rotors (if needed) Gloves and safety glasses Jack and jack stands Prepare the vehicle: Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel(s) you'll be working on but do not remove them completely. Using the jack, lift the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and wheel(s). Remove the brake caliper: Locate the brake caliper and remove the bolts securing it to the caliper bracket. Carefully slide the caliper off the brake rotor, taking care not to damage the brake hose attached to it. Use a piece of wire or a bungee cord to hang the caliper, preventing strain on the brake hose. Remove the old brake pads: Slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Inspect the brake caliper for signs of damage or wear, such as leaks or torn dust boots. Replace or repair as necessary. Replace the brake rotor (if necessary): If you're also replacing the brake rotors, remove the caliper bracket by taking out the bolts securing it to the wheel hub. Slide the old rotor off the wheel hub and replace it with the new one. Reinstall the caliper bracket and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's torque specifications. Install the new brake pads: Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the contact points of the new brake pads and slide them into the caliper bracket. Compress the brake caliper piston: Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compressor tool to carefully push the caliper piston back into its housing. This will create enough space to accommodate the new, thicker brake pads. Reinstall the brake caliper: Slide the caliper back over the brake rotor and new brake pads, ensuring the caliper piston clears the pads. Reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer's torque specifications Reassemble and test: Reinstall the wheel(s) and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands and remove the jack. Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's torque specifications using a lug wrench. Start the vehicle and pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the brake pads are properly seated and the pedal feels firm. Test drive your vehicle at a slow speed to confirm the brakes are working correctly. Listen for any unusual noises or vibrations. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a repair guide specific to your vehicle's make and model for detailed instructions and torque specifications. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing this task, consult a professional mechanic. 

When your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light is on, it generally indicates that one or more of your vehicle's tires have low air pressure or that there is an issue with the TPMS system itself. The TPMS is designed to monitor the air pressure in your tires and alert you when the pressure falls below a certain threshold, usually set by the vehicle manufacturer. Here are a few reasons why your TPMS light might be on: Low tire pressure: The most common reason for the TPMS light to come on is that one or more tires have low air pressure. This can be caused by a slow leak, a puncture, or natural pressure loss over time. In this case, you should check the air pressure in all your tires (including the spare tire, if equipped) and inflate them to the recommended pressure specified in your owner's manual or on the placard located on the driver's side door jamb. Rapid pressure loss: A rapid loss of tire pressure, such as from a puncture or impact, can also trigger the TPMS light. If you suspect a rapid pressure loss, inspect the affected tire for any visible damage and have it repaired or replaced as necessary. Faulty TPMS sensor: Each tire has a TPMS sensor that communicates the tire's pressure to the vehicle's computer. If one or more of these sensors fail or have a dead battery, the TPMS light will come on. A professional technician can diagnose and replace faulty sensors as needed. Seasonal temperature changes: Changes in ambient temperature can cause the air inside your tires to expand or contract, which may lead to changes in tire pressure. In colder months, it's common for tire pressure to decrease, potentially causing the TPMS light to come on. Check and adjust your tire pressure as necessary. TPMS system malfunction: In some cases, the TPMS light may come on due to a malfunction within the system itself, such as a problem with the TPMS module or wiring. In this case, a professional technician will need to diagnose and repair the issue. If your TPMS light comes on and stays on, it's essential to address the issue as soon as possible. Driving with low tire pressure can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, poor handling, uneven tire wear, and even tire failure, which can be dangerous. If you're unable to identify the cause of the TPMS light, consult a professional mechanic for assistance. 

Flushing your vehicle's fluids is important for several reasons: Contaminants: Over time, fluids in your vehicle can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other particles that can damage your vehicle's engine or other components. Flushing your fluids removes these contaminants, which can improve the performance and lifespan of your vehicle. Oxidation: Some fluids, such as brake fluid and power steering fluid, can break down over time due to oxidation. Flushing these fluids and replacing them with fresh fluids can help prevent corrosion and other damage caused by oxidized fluids. Overheating: Old, dirty coolant can cause your vehicle to overheat, which can damage your engine and other components. Flushing your coolant and replacing it with fresh coolant can help regulate your vehicle's temperature and prevent overheating. Lubrication: Some fluids, such as engine oil and transmission fluid, are essential for lubricating your vehicle's moving parts. Old or dirty fluids can cause these parts to wear out more quickly, which can lead to costly repairs. Flushing and replacing these fluids can help ensure that your vehicle's engine and transmission are properly lubricated. Warranty: Many newer vehicles come with warranties that require regular maintenance, including fluid flushes. If you fail to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, your warranty may be voided, which could result in costly repairs or replacements. Overall, flushing your vehicle's fluids is important to ensure the performance, safety, and longevity of your vehicle. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule for fluid flushes and to have them performed by trained technicians using specialized equipment and fluids. 

Calibrating your alignment and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) on your vehicle is important for several reasons: Safety: Properly calibrated alignment and ADAS systems help ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. For example, if your ADAS system is not calibrated correctly, it may not detect potential hazards or provide false alerts, which could lead to accidents. Performance: Properly calibrated alignment and ADAS systems can improve the overall performance of your vehicle, including handling, steering, and braking. This can help you avoid accidents and improve your driving experience. Tire wear: Improper alignment can cause uneven tire wear, which can reduce the lifespan of your tires and decrease their performance. Proper alignment can help ensure that your tires wear evenly, which can save you money on tire replacements in the long run. Fuel efficiency: Proper alignment can also improve your vehicle's fuel efficiency by reducing rolling resistance and ensuring that your engine doesn't have to work as hard to maintain speed. Warranty: Many newer vehicles come with alignment and ADAS systems that are covered under warranty. However, if these systems are not calibrated correctly, the warranty may be voided, which could result in costly repairs or replacements.  Overall, calibrating your alignment and ADAS systems is important to ensure the safety, performance, and longevity of your vehicle. It is recommended to have these systems calibrated whenever there is a change to the vehicle's suspension, steering, or alignment, or whenever a windshield replacement is done. Calibration should be performed by trained technicians using specialized equipment and software to ensure that it is done correctly.

Balancing and rotating your tires are important maintenance tasks that help ensure your tires wear evenly, extend their lifespan, and maintain their overall performance. Here are a few reasons why it is important to balance and rotate your tires: Improved handling and safety: When your tires are balanced, they spin evenly without any vibrations. This helps improve handling and ensures that your car maintains its stability, which is crucial for safe driving. Even wear and tear: As you drive, your tires wear out unevenly due to factors such as weight distribution, road conditions, and driving habits. By rotating your tires regularly, you ensure that the wear and tear is spread evenly across all four tires. This means that you won't have to replace your tires as often, saving you money in the long run. Better fuel efficiency: When your tires are properly balanced and rotated, your car's engine doesn't have to work as hard to maintain speed, resulting in better fuel efficiency. Improved ride comfort: Unbalanced or unevenly worn tires can cause your car to vibrate or shake, leading to an uncomfortable ride. By balancing and rotating your tires, you can maintain a smooth and comfortable ride. Overall, balancing and rotating your tires are important maintenance tasks that help ensure your car is safe to drive, and that your tires last as long as possible. It's recommended to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, and to have them balanced at least once a year or whenever you have new tires installed.