AUTONET TV

Steer Clear of Trouble

When your vehicle’s power steering is in top shape, it’s effortless and precise, making direction changes easy; you’re hardly even aware of it.  But power steering can develop problems, and if you don’t pay attention to them, you may wind up needing expensive repairs.

Many systems use power steering fluid, which relies on the pressure of that fluid to help turn your vehicle.  If there’s a leak in your system, the fluid can leak out, and you can lose that power assist.  You’ll know something is wrong if you can feel the steering becoming more difficult, especially at low speeds.  You may hear a whining sound when you turn or notice spots of fluid under the vehicle,

Another component of power steering that can fail is the pump that pressurizes the fluid.  It can wear out, and you can lose your power assist.  Clues you have a bad power steering pump are a whining sound that increases when you turn your wheel and the feeling that the steering isn’t responding as quickly as it used to,

Many power steering systems are driven by a belt, and they can fail or get loose.  Symptoms include a squeal when you start your engine, power assist that comes and goes or cracks in the belt.

A gear that moves your wheels (called rack and pinion) can wear out or fail. Signs include fluid leaking, uneven or stiff steering, a clunking sound when you turn or lots of play in your steering.

Other power steering problems include air in your system or a faulty pressure valve.  

If you have electric power steering, it uses electricity instead of fluid.  Different things can fail, such as wiring or motor issues and a failing steering torque sensor.  Whether you have hydraulic or electric power steering, periodically bring your vehicle in so we can have a technician track down any issues and get your steering system pointed in the right direction.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com

See the Light (Bulb Replacement)

When you notice one of your headlights has gone out, it’s important for the safe operation of your vehicle to get it changed and working again.  Not only is replacing a headlight important for your ability to see in the dark, but it’s also vital that it be lighting your way and aimed correctly so oncoming drivers aren’t blinded.  

Changing a headlight used to be something a driver might try to do themselves.  But that was back when headlights were standard sizes and fairly easy to access on your vehicle.  That has all changed with new technology and designs in today’s vehicles.  Most lamps are now LEDs, and there are different sizes, intensities, and shapes in different vehicles. Accessing those bulbs has also grown extremely difficult in some cases, and we recommend you have one of our professional technicians do it for you.

It's just as important that your brake lights and side marker lights work, too, as they contribute to the safe operation and visibility of your vehicle.  A technician will check to see what is causing a light not to illuminate, which could be a bulb, but also could be a problem with the electrical system in that bulb’s circuit.

Having all your lights working is not only a matter of convenience, but a matter of safety too.  So don’t be in the dark when you don’t have to be. Let our technicians light up your life a little by making sure all your bulbs are working right.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com

Put on the Brakes: Brake Service at McLearen Shell

When it comes to preventive maintenance and vehicle care, most Herndon drivers know how important it is to check their brakes. But brakes are more than just brake pads and shoes. There are a lot of components in the brake system, and they all need to be in good working order.

The pads and shoes are known as the friction materials in the brake system. They push together, providing friction which stops the vehicle. It's no wonder they have to be checked regularly for wear, and brake pads and shoes need to be replaced periodically.

Brake pads/shoes gradually wear out, but that doesn't mean your braking gradually becomes less effective. The pads are engineered so that they maintain good braking until they wear too thin to provide adequate friction. At this point, they need to be replaced.

But your braking system also has mechanical parts. These pistons and springs can also gradually wear out or get gummed up by oil, dirt and other road spatter. A brake inspection at McLearen Shell in Herndon  includes a check of these parts as well as the pads and shoes. Your friendly and knowledgeable pros at McLearen Shell can then advise you of any parts that need cleaning or replacement.

The fluid component to the brake system needs a regular check-up at McLearen Shell as well. The brake fluid cools and protects your brake system. Protective additives are gradually depleted by the operation of the brake system, and moisture buildup inside the fluid can diminish its effectiveness. When you have your brakes serviced at McLearen Shell in Herndon, the fluid should be checked and, if needed, replaced, which will clean out water, debris and dirt.

It is important to remember that your brake system also includes your tires. No matter how well your brake system is performing, if your vehicle tires are worn, you won't get good stopping power. Traction is the power of your tires gripping to the roadway. Traction is always better on tires with a good tread. Good traction translates to good braking.

This is particularly important on wet Herndon roads. A good tire will give you good braking on either wet or dry VA roads. But stopping distance increases dramatically when worn tires meet wet roads. Tread on a tire acts to channel away water as the vehicle passes over the wet road, improving  contact between the tire's surface and the road; that maintains traction. But the thinner the tread, the less effective the water channels become, and water can get between the tire and the roadway, reducing friction. A loss of friction means a longer stopping distance and possibly the loss of control.

Braking depends on two things: the weight of your vehicle and the speed of the vehicle. The heavier the vehicle or the faster the vehicle, the more braking power it requires. Thus, brake systems vary from vehicle to vehicle. For example, a pickup that is designed for heavy loads has a more powerful braking system than a compact car. Sports cars also have higher-grade braking systems than minivans.

Regardless of what kind of car you drive in Herndon, it is always good auto advice to keep your brake system in good repair, and that means ALL of your brake system. Just one more way to keep your travels accident- and worry-free.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com

A Turn for the Worse (Using Turn Signals)

Distracted driving is bad, you know that.  Daydreaming, talking on the cell phone, putting your makeup on in the rear view mirror.  All bad.  But there's something else that causes more than twice as many accidents, according to a recent study.  And that's people who don't use their turn signals. 

Maybe you're one of them.  One survey said nearly a quarter of drivers were just too lazy to use their turn signals.  Others said they didn't use them because they weren't really necessary.  Traffic laws may dictate otherwise, but statistics show police don't write that many tickets for turn signal violations. 

You may have encountered the driver who cuts into your lane without signaling a change.  Often, that person does it deliberately to catch you off guard so you won't invade his or her space.  And when it comes to young drivers using turn signals, one insurance company survey showed more than two-thirds of those they talked to admitted it wasn't their regular practice.

Knowing that, you may wonder why you should use your turn signal.  The reason is simple.  It lets other drivers know what you plan to do.  Driving it tricky enough with all the moving parts on the road.  The more you know what other people are doing, the more you can prepare for that with the way you drive.

How many times have you seen someone turn left without putting their turn signal on?  That's a leading cause of rear-end accidents. Not only does using your turn signal promote safety, it also shows courtesy to other drivers.

There are some drivers who don't use turn signals because their turn signals don't work.  What a lousy excuse! All of the safety equipment in your vehicle should be working; if it isn't, head over to your repair facility.  Often it's as simple as a burned out bulb or a broken wire. 

Finally, the number one reported reason for not using a turn signal is that drivers just forget to do it.  (And the ones who DO use their turn signals and forget they're on?  We won't even go there.)

Engineers put turn signals on vehicles for a reason.  They help drivers communicate with other drivers.  Using them could save accidents… and lives.

McLearen Shell
3043 Centreville Road
Herndon, VA 20171
(703) 318-7744
www.mclearenshell.com