Automotive News & Information - Lake Ridge Automotive

It’s not always easy to recognize when your vehicle is suffering from a simple problem that requires a little maintenance and TLC or there is real engine damage as symptoms can be overlooked and seen as “normal.” While not all sounds and smells may threaten the life of your vehicle or truck engine, there are some obvious warning signs that require a vehicle inspection here at the shop right away.

Buying a used vehicle can be a risky endeavor, but also a rewarding one. Buying used, even if the vehicle is close to new, will save you a lot of money compared to the price of a new vehicle off the lot. However, there are some inherent risks that come with purchasing a used vehicle; here is how to best avoid trouble.

Getting into the habit of saving on fuel now will mean you’ll be ready when prices start hitting the $4.00-gallon mark once again. You don’t have to buy a new, fuel-efficient car, either. No one wants to trade a fuel bill for a car payment, so take a look at our top 5 ways to save on fuel and you may just be able to pocket a little extra money at the end of the month.

While your exhaust system helps reduce noise output from your vehicle, it also significantly reduces harmful emissions from being released into the air. When your muffler and exhaust system are functioning properly, it significantly reduces your vehicle's harmful impact on the environment. It also significantly improves the functionality of your vehicle and improve fuel mileage for your car, truck, SUV or Jeep.

An exhaust system is made up of numerous parts that work together to rid your car of the exhaust gases that are created during the combustion cycle, as your engine burns fuel. Each part of your exhaust system has an important role to play in removing exhaust gases away from the engine as quickly as possible, allowing another cycle of combustion to begin. The more quickly and efficiently an exhaust system does this the more efficiently an engine can run. The main parts of an exhaust system are an exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, exhaust pipes, and the muffler.

transmission fluid being poured into car

Our goal at Lake Ridge Automotive in Woodbridge, VA is to provide you with the best transmission service possible. One way we do that is by helping you understand a little more about your transmission and the way it works. Knowledge about your vehicle and its systems allow you to catch problems when they arise and deal with them appropriately, saving you money and easing some of the stress of car ownership. You probably already know how to check your oil, and when to change it. Checking and maintaining transmission fluid is something people tend to understand far less about, however. Here’s what you need to know.

Stress while driving is commonplace no matter where or when you’re driving. It’s very easy to become angry due to other drivers and even yourself, but it’s just as easy to avoid road rage and the stress altogether.

Regular maintenance checks of your vehicle will help you avoid a catalytic converter that looks like this resulting in large repair costs which is what our team here at Lake Ridge Automotive in Woodbridge want to avoid at all costs! We feel that every customer has a need to know what repairs are in their future and exactly how to budget for them if need be so we check your vehicle thoroughly and keep you informed.

There are several indicators that your catalytic converter isn't functioning at maximum capacity such as:

At Lake Ridge Automotive in Woodbridge, we understand how important safety is in the world of truck driving. The stakes are higher in a big truck; potential for damage is obviously far greater, to you, your cargo, and other people on the road. Here are some easy tips that go a long way.