Blog

When you're wondering if you need winter tires for driving in Amherst, the team at Virginia Select Auto will be ready to answer any of your questions. Having two sets of tires for your car or truck, one for slick winter conditions and one for warm and dry summer conditions, can improve the driving performance of your car.

All-weather tires are designed to work well in many conditions ranging from hot and sunny to wintery. When you need extra traction for driving in deep winter conditions, the softer rubber and deeper tread on winter tires will help you 

Buying a pre-owned vehicle is a wonderful way to satisfy your transportation and utility needs. It is also a way to own a reliable vehicle that does not bust your budget. There is so much variety in modern vehicle brands. Being informed is the best strategy for finding the right model. Sometimes, the biggest decision involves comparing passenger cars to durable pickup trucks.

Almost as many comfort and driver options are available in today’s trucks as cars. The real issue is why you are looking for a different type of vehicle. Maybe you need extra hauling space for a…

Rising gas prices are presenting serious problems for the finances of the average driver. In response to price increases, many drivers choose to purchase and drive smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. Hatchback vehicles often offer drivers smaller motors that make fuel efficiency a reality. Here at Virginia Select Auto, we enjoy helping our valued customers to make informed and wise purchases in the hatchback vehicle market.

There are many hatchback styles and versions available on the market, but most hatchback styles offer drivers their choice of small, powerful motors.

An important component of your car is the tire. If you have a blowout or if there are issues with your tires, then you usually won't be able to drive safely on the road until the issue is fixed. Fortunately, there are a few signs that indicate that your tires need to be replaced.

Low air pressure isn't normal unless there is a change in the temperatures. This could mean that there is something in your tire resulting in the pressure to drop. Another sign is uneven wear and tear. There are a few different reasons as to…

One of the main advantages to driving a truck is the ability to carry a lot of cargo in the bed. The issue of security comes up, though, especially if you often leave your truck unattended.

If you want to prevent others from seeing what you have in the bed, you can get a tonneau cover. This can either be a one-piece product or one that comes in multiple pieces that can fold together. Some of these covers can lock, and all of them can protect your cargo from the elements. One of the downsides, though, is that they affect…

We here at Virginia Select Auto of Amherst want to be sure you are informed about your vehicles suspension.

The most common explanation of what the suspension of a vehicle does is that it keeps you from feeling every little bump and pothole in the road. A suspension allows you to enjoy a smooth ride in the cabin of the car even on the worst road conditions. A lesser known use of a car suspension is to help your car handle better. Cars with aging suspensions typically handle far worse and are harder to control than newer cars with upgraded…

If your car is pulling to one side when you're trying to drive in a straight line, or it is vibrating at high speeds, it might be suffering from an alignment issue. A vehicle with proper alignment will have all four wheels pointing in the proper direction.

Hitting potholes, curbs, or other obstacles can knock wheels out of alignment and cause a variety of problems, such as uneven tire wear and poor gas mileage. Getting your alignment checked whenever you get an oil change can help you find small problems before they grow into something serious and expensive to…

Towing a load behind your truck or SUV is a simple process if you follow a few basic guidelines. Don't leave for a fun weekend at the lake or mountain campsite without ensuring both your vehicle and trailer are capable of carrying their load.

Never exceed the suggested weight limit your vehicle is able to tow. You'll need to factor in the weight of everything else you're bringing, including passengers, along with the weight of the item you wish to tow. Don't leave without first checking that electricity is powering your trailer's turn signals and…

One of the best things that people can do is learn about vehicles and certain terms. Knowledge can be the very difference between a good experience with a vehicle and a bad experience. People who take the time to learn what certain terms mean and what they are talking about are going to be more likely to make sure that their vehicles remain in good condition.

One example is the common mistake that people make when they talk about towing and payload. While it is often used interchangeably, these terms actually mean something completely different to one another. 

A tire blowout may seem to happen without warning. However, there are many signs that your tires are worn or otherwise not suitable to be on the road. For instance, if you see cracks between the tread and the sidewall, you should replace the tires as soon as possible.

This is called dry rot and occurs when a car sits for long periods of time. Other signs that your tires should be replaced include a lack of tread or bubbling on the tire's surface. Tires that have been on your vehicle for many years may also need to be…