Norfolk Auto Repair

The main way we distinguish cars is by their logo. Everyone knows what a Toyota logo looks like or even easier, a Ford logo. But how did these logos happen, did they appear magically? Well, no, every logo has a long history in the background and if you dig deep you will find that most of them were related to something other than cars. Volkswagen - The Peoples Car The Volkswagen logo, with its iconic "V" and "W" intertwined, is instantly recognizable worldwide. Designed in the late 1930s, it symbolizes the company's roots in Germany. The circular shape represents unity, while the letters signify the brand's name -"Volks" means people, and "Wagon" means car - the car of the people! Over the years, the logo has undergone subtle refinements, maintaining its timeless and minimalist appeal. Mercedes-Benz - Luxurty In Two Words The three-pointed star logo of Mercedes-Benz is a symbol of luxury, prestige, and ... read more

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle's braking system, one crucial component to consider is the brake pads. Brake pads are an essential part of the braking system that provides the necessary friction to slow down or stop your vehicle.  There are different types of brake pads available in the market, each with its unique characteristics and performance. Continue reading to find out the various types of brake pads, their key differences, and how to generally maintain them! Non-Metallic Brake Pads Non-metallic brake pads, also known as organic or non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads, are made from a mixture of organic materials, such as rubber, glass, and resin. These pads are generally quiet and produce less brake dust. They are also gentle on the brake rotors, resulting in reduced wear. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads Semi-metallic brake pads are composed of a combination of organic materials and metal fibers, typically steel or copper. The ... read more

If you are a new Ford owner or are looking to buy one, you have probably wondered about its reliability. What problems should you expect? Is it even good? Well, we have an answer to the second one, and Ford has proven itself throughout the years as one of the greatest car manufacturers, so don't worry. But after all, vehicles do brake and age, so problems are expected. What problems exactly? Continue reading so you can find out. Spark Plug Wiring Issues  Some Ford vehicles are known to have a defect or problem with spark plug wiring. If you start to notice any start-up problems or misfiring, it's probably because of this. Make sure to visit a repair shop so the mechanics can take a closer look. Transmission Problems  With all its moving parts, the transmission is prone to damage. This especially applies to a few Ford-made vehicles. Slipping is also a symptom related to transmission problems, so make sure to check up on that as wel ... read more

Tire balancing is an important aspect of vehicle maintenance that helps ensure a smooth and comfortable ride, and also helps extend the life of your tires. If you've ever experienced a vibrating steering wheel or an uneven ride, it's likely that your tires are out of balance. Here's what you need to know about tire balancing and why it's important for your vehicle. What is Tire Balancing? Tire balancing refers to the process of adjusting the weight distribution of a tire and wheel assembly to ensure that it rotates evenly and smoothly. This is important because an unbalanced tire can cause a range of problems, including vibrations, uneven tire wear, and reduced fuel efficiency. Why is Tire Balancing Important? Improved Ride Quality: When your tires are properly balanced, your vehicle will ride more smoothly and comfortably. You'll also experience less vibration in the steering wheel, which can make driving more enjoyable. Extended Tire Life: An unbalanced tire ... read more

Transmission problems are a car issue that you should not take lightly. They can be extensive and costly if not taken care of. To prevent a hole in your wallet, you should perform transmission maintenance when necessary and get regular inspections.  Today, we will go over 8 symptoms that may indicate transmission trouble. If you experience one or more of the following warning signs, we invite you to visit the transmission auto repair specialists at Carmasters Automotive! Odd Smells - When your transmission overworks itself, it can emit an unpleasant burning scent.  Clunking, Humming, or Whining Noises - When you switch gears, it shouldn’t be described as a noisy experience. Otherwise, you should have your transmission checked out. Check Engine Light On - A warning light such as the check engine light may indicate a deeper problem within the transmission. A diagnostic scan can confirm whether or not it relates to the transmission.  Red Fluid Leak - Automatic t ... read more

Question: I need new tires. How do I know which tires to get? Carmasters Automotive Answer: Let's look at selecting new tires in light of three factors: Function, Fit, and Value. Function: This gets at what your needs are for new tires: VA weather conditions, Norfolk terrain, Norfolk temperatures, etc. Most new family vehicles in VA come with all-season tires. They can be used all year long and do pretty well in most VA road conditions – but they aren't ideal at the extremes. Winter tires have a more aggressive tread for handling snow and ice on roads, and they have a rubber compound that helps them have better traction as Norfolk temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit/7.2 degrees Centigrade. In winter weather, you'll definitely experience better stopping and road-holding characteristics for Norfolk vehicles than all-season tires. Dedicated summer tires enhan ... read more

Let's address a very important maintenance item for everyone in Norfolk VA – timing belt replacement. It's important because letting this one slide can lead to very expensive engine damage. Your timing belt choreographs the timing of your combustion process. Your pistons travel up and down in the cylinder. Intake valves open at the right time to let in air and fuel; they close at the right time to allow the fuel to burn and then the exhaust valves open at the right time to let out the exhaust. All this happens thousands of times a minute and it's your timing belt that makes sure the valves are opening and closing at precisely the right time. If the timing is off, your engine won't run. And that's the best case. The worst case is that a valve is opening at the wrong time and collides with the piston. The result is bent valves and maybe even more damage to the cy ... read more

Question I was driving down the freeway and smoke started coming out of my car.  I pulled over and called my husband.  I had to be towed to my mechanic.  He said my car had overheated.  What can I do to prevent that in the future? Answer Oh, sounds like a rough experience.  Unfortunately overheating is the most common engine failure.  It’s also one of the easiest to prevent. The basic idea is this: you need to keep enough coolant/antifreeze flowing through your engine to keep it cool.  Problems come when you develop leaks in the system – like in your radiator or a hose – and the coolant leaks out.  Sometimes the coolant gets so contaminated that it blocks up the radiator so the coolant can’t get through.  Enough of that and you end up broken down on the side of the road.  Your owner’s manual recommends a schedule for replacing your coolant.  That’s because y ... read more

If you are looking for a performance boost on your vehicle, without wanting to spend money on a new car, you’ve come to the right place. There are several ways you can better your car’s performance to get a bang for your buck. Here are 5 ways you can maximize vehicle performance: Tip #1: Invest in Performance Parts There are many ways you can enhance the quality of your ride. There are exhaust parts, suspension parts, brakes, and even ignition parts that you can use in place of the ones that came with your vehicle. If you are looking to swap your components for performance purposes, consult with our team for more information. Tip #2: Swap Out the Engine Filter All engines require clean air to breathe. Over time, the air filter can collect a ton of dust, dirt, pollen, and other harmful pollutants. As a result, it can block enough air from entering the engine. Instead, changing your air filters on time will improve efficiency and engine performance. Tip #3: Use the Righ ... read more

The axle assemblies in your vehicle transfer power out to the drive wheels.  On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, there is an axle shaft that goes from the differential in the center of the axle to each rear wheel.  On a front-wheel drive vehicle, the axle shafts go from the transmission to each front-wheel.  All-wheel drive vehicles have axle shafts connected to all four wheels.  Axles assemblies are tough parts: they transfer torque from the engine to the wheels to move the vehicle.  Tough as they are, they are still subject to normal wear and tear.  The axle shafts are in a sealed housing with lubricant that protects the axle shaft.  When there is a leak anywhere in the axle assembly, lubricant gets out and dirt, water, and other contaminates can get in.  This can greatly accelerate axle wear.  If an axle assembly fails, you’re not going anywhere. A worn or damaged axle assembly on the front will make a clunking sound during low speed t ... read more