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Batteries work on the principle of converting their stored chemical energy into the electrical energy that can provide the spark your engine needs in order to start. Their chemical energy is finite, which is why they need the occasional replacement. Some battery issues can be solved with a few simple tricks, however, allowing you to get the most from your battery.

Consult a mechanic if you begin to experience electrical fluctuations like randomly dimming headlights or if it simply fails to start. While these could be signs your battery is failing, either issue could 

 

One of the most important elements of your car is the ignition. You need to be consistently vigilant to ensure your ignition is serviced in a timely manner when needed. There are some key signs your ignition needs professional service.

A primary sign that your ignition needs immediate service is when you hear a grinding sound when you turn your key. A grinding sign indicates that the starter drive gear is wearing out. Another key sign associated with the need for ignition service is a whining sound when you turn your key. This indicates freewheeling is occurring and the starter…

Applying touch up paint can be a key step in preserving the aesthetic value of your vehicle. Chips, dings, and scratches can both diminish the appeal of your auto and lead the way to more extensive damages. With touch up paint, Amherst drivers can minimize the likelihood of rust formation, and restore the seamless appearance and protection offered by their cars' finishes. At Virginia Select Auto, we're happy to share tips for ensuring that touch up paint is always applied correctly.

Start By Choosing The Right Paint Color

For a flawless finish, you'll have to start by choosing…

Don’t even think about getting into a vehicle that has the potential to have a tire blowout. Those situations are completely dangerous and have the potential to be wildly expensive as well. You could have to pay to replace the tire, repair damage that the blowout itself may have caused, and even potentially pay for damages that were caused to others. In short, it can be a very pricey experience.

Getting away from that means keeping a close check on your tires and making sure that they are in top working condition at all times. 

Drivers often make sacrifices in exchange for the company and protection of their beloved four-legged companions. One common sacrifice is the leftover pet fur. As a driver and dog owner, there are prevention measures and cleanup techniques you can use to reduce that hassle.

Prevention Measures to Ensure Less Mess

Brush your dog regularly and especially before you take your dog with you for a ride. Using crates in the vehicle will ensure that your upholstery does not come into direct contact with your dog’s fur. If you do not wish to crate your dog, cover the area where…

Here at our dealership in Amherst, we want you to be an informed truck or SUV owner. So let's do a quick recap of the differences between 4H and 4L when it comes to shifting into four-wheel drive.

When to Shift Into 4H

4H or four high is for driving at faster speeds in off-road or snowy conditions. For example, if you are on the highway during a snowstorm or on a smoothly paved dirt road that allows you to go fast 4H is the gear to use. Never go faster than about 55 mph in 4H.

When to…

Gaskets for a tight bonded seal between two engine components to prevent fluid leakage or air infiltration. For various reasons, a gasket might crack or rupture, which allows fluids to escape, which endangers the function of the vehicle. If you notice a stain under your vehicle, you may have a problem gasket. Contact one of our Virginia Select Auto technicians for an inspection and repair services.

Gaskets are flat and created from multi-layered steel, copper or rubber. Common vehicle gaskets include the head gasket, intake manifold gasket, the...
 

 

Tame the stray hairs your pet leaves behind so you can enjoy time out with your pet without worrying that you’ll have a permanent reminder of your outing in the form of stray hairs in your upholstery.

Attract loose hairs using the power of static by blowing up a balloon and rubbing it in your car’s interior to coax hairs onto its surface and away from your fabric. While vacuuming can do wonders, it always leaves a few hairs behind. You can mix a few teaspoons of fabric softener, a known hair attractant, into a spray bottle filled…

The words “back to school” have different meanings to everyone. At Virginia Select Auto, they mean that students and parents alike will be driving back to school daily, and we want you to know how to care for your car. With so many extra vehicles on the road, you want to make sure your vehicle is not only well cared for but also running as efficiently and safely as possible. Here are some tips.
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Here at our Virginia Select Auto location, we try to do our best to help drivers and other road users to stay safe. When it comes to drivers like you, it is important to form fundamental driving habits that promote long-term safety. Two such healthful habits include leaving plenty of space while passing cyclists and properly using mirrors.

Cyclists and pedestrians have just as much right to use roads and sidewalks as drivers do. As such, drivers should always take care to allow at least 3-feet of space when passing cyclists on roads. By doing so, vehicle operators can add…