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Archive by category: Auto Repair 101Return
22

Why You Shouldn’t Drive on an Empty Gas Tank

posted on 5/22/2020 1:38:47 PM
You’ve probably been told at some point in your driving career to not drive your car while the gas tank is on empty, but did you know why that is? This recommendation is more than just an old wives’ tale—you can damage your car by ignoring that gas light for too long. First, you should understand what your fuel light indicator really means. When you hear the familiar “ding” that accompanies your fuel light, your fuel tank has reached “reserve” levels, or around 10-15% capacity. It is po...
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22

How Do My Brakes Work?

posted on 5/22/2020 1:26:39 PM
It’s a sunny day and you’re driving down the road with your windows down and music turned up. All of a sudden, the car in front of you stops abruptly, causing you to slam on your brakes. Thank goodness your brakes worked perfectly, and you avoided a collision. Until this incident occurred you probably haven’t given your brake system much thought. Sure, you know your brakes should be inspected and serviced every once in a while… but how do they actually make your car stop with just a tap of...
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22

Summer Road Trip Tips

posted on 5/22/2020 1:17:14 PM
The days are getting longer, school is out, and summer is almost here! The rising temperatures have a lot of people itching to hop into their car and head to a body of water or hiking trail. Summer vacations are a time to unplug, relax and have fun with your family and friends. They do, however, require a bit of preparation beforehand. If you are foregoing the airport in favor of a road trip, it’s important to give your vehicle a little TLC before hitting the road to ensure a safe, smooth tri...
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22

Why Are My Headlights Foggy?

posted on 5/22/2020 11:01:27 AM
Have you noticed your vehicle’s headlights have grown foggier over time, even though you’ve kept up with car washes and other general maintenance? Are you having difficulty seeing the road in front of you at night or are worried about your visibility to other drivers? Foggy or yellowed headlights are a fact of life for many drivers, but they don’t have to be for you and your vehicle. Read on to learn what you need to know about headlights and the headlight restoration process from our exper...
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22

Why is My Auto AC Blowing Hot Air?

posted on 5/22/2020 10:59:21 AM
Picture this. It’s a typical hot summer day. You just got done winning an intense kickball game. You are hot and exhausted. All you want to do is cool down and head home to have a relaxing evening. When you get to your car, you blast the AC. You wait and wait, but it never gets cold. It’s actually blowing hot air! How could this be? Well, it could be a couple of different factors. The three most common issues it could be are a refrigerant leak, a worn-out compressor or problems with the elec...
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22

Why Your MPG Isn’t What It Used to Be

posted on 5/22/2020 10:18:14 AM
These days, cars are getting better gas mileage than ever before. You don’t even have to buy a hybrid anymore to own a vehicle averaging 30 or 40 MPG. Many car owners notice that after a while, their MPG starts to wane. It’s easy to brush this off if you are still getting decent mileage, but this decrease in performance is often a symptom of bigger issues with your vehicle. These are the most common reasons for a decrease in gas mileage: Bad Fuel Injectors: Fuel injectors are what puts fuel ...
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22

Something is Leaking: What Is It?

posted on 5/22/2020 9:57:53 AM
Finding that fluid which is leaking from your car can be alarming. It is possible fluid leaking from your car could be normal, but other times leaking fluids are a symptom of a bigger problem with your vehicle. Before you panic, there are two questions you need to ask: 1) “Where is the fluid coming from?” and 2) “What does the fluid look like?” When determining where the fluid is coming from, first find out for certain whether the fluid is even coming for your vehicle and not the vehicle p...
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22

The Different Types of Engine Oil

posted on 5/22/2020 9:51:46 AM
If you’ve ever taken a car in to be serviced, you’ve probably been asked by the mechanic, “What type of oil are you getting?” If you’re like most people, you probably just say “Whatever it takes,” or “Whatever you recommend!” Depending on your vehicle, the mechanic may recommend one of four types of motor oil: full synthetic, synthetic blend, conventional, or high mileage. Each type of oil has a specific chemical makeup and purpose it is best suited for: Conventional Motor Oil: Conven...
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22

Strange Traffic Laws from Around the World

posted on 5/22/2020 9:41:27 AM
If you’ve ever driven in a foreign country, you’ve probably encountered your fair share of strange traffic laws. Did you know you’ll be fined for driving a dirty car in Russia or for driving without a breathalyzer in your car in France? Some of these laws are hard to believe! In Russia, you will be fined for driving a dirty vehicle. In Germany, it is illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn. In Alabama it is legal to drive the wrong way down a one-way street, but only if you attach ...
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22

Auto Repair Jargon You Should Know

posted on 5/22/2020 8:25:04 AM
Unless you consider yourself a car enthusiast, you may find yourself feeling a bit lost when having conversations with your mechanic. At times, it can feel like you are speaking to someone using a different language with words like “grease monkey,” “kickdown,” and “oversquare” whizzing past your head like dodgeballs. Hopefully, this list of common auto repair terms will help your next conversation with your mechanic go a bit more seamlessly: Aftermarket – This term applies to parts wh...
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Schedule a Tire Service Appointment Today

Economy Thrift Tires proudly serves the local Waldorf, MD, and Manassas, VA & Woodbridge, VA area. We specialize in brake repair, tire installation, wheel alignment, tire repair, tire rotation, and more. We also have a large selection of tires to choose from when you are looking for new tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for tires. If you're looking for the best automotive repair & maintenance services near you, contact Economy Thrift Tires today. Let us earn your business. Schedule an appointment online!