Newport News Auto Repair

  Now that we are in full swing of summer, it also means that we're preparing to hit the road to travel again. Whether it's a trip to the beach, the lake, or a campsite, many of us still dread the boring car ride. Here are some of our fun and favorite ways to pass the time (instead of sleeping the entire time) until you get to your destination.  Sing-Along to Your Favorite Songs Listening and singing along to our favorite music can be very fun and mood-boosting. This activity is highly recommended if you are traveling with friends or family, as it is a wonderful way to keep your energy pumping. Make sure you have a way to connect your phone to your car stereo, either through Bluetooth, AUX, or USB cable.  Though singing can be fun, there are also safety matters you should be aware of. Be sure to set your music at a low to moderate sound level to avoid causing distractions for the driver. It would also help if you had a passenger, instead of the driver, change ... read more

Most people do not know or understand their vehicle’s drivetrain. It sounds intimidating, but don’t worry! We are here to give you a crash course on drivetrains, why they are so important, symptoms of a faulty drivetrain, and why you should not delay a repair. What is a Drivetrain? The drivetrain comprises multiple car parts that make up a system that includes the transmission, driveshaft, wheels, and axles. The drivetrain plays an essential function by working with the engine to move the wheels when you drive.  Symptoms of Faulty Drivetrain Several problems can indicate damage to your car’s drivetrain. Some of the most common symptoms include squeaky axles, loud clunking sounds, problems with acceleration, and a shuddering feeling when turning. As a responsible driver, you should never shelve drivetrain repairs, no matter how tempting it might be to do so. At B & L Automotive, we’ve seen time and time again how horrible and dangerous things can get ... read more

It is quite disappointing to hop into your vehicle and turn on the AC and what you get is a musty and foul smell from the vents. It can ruin your ride's quality, and no passenger (or even yourself) would want to sit in a car with a bad odor. While you might head to the gas station or car wash to get the vehicle cleaned thoroughly inside and out, that can't fix the problem. Instead, it requires the expertise of a certified technician to repair the air conditioning system to restore its proper function. Besides, repairing the problem asap alleviates complex AC issues, which are often pricier. Causes of Bad Smell from the AC The primary cause of musty or moldy smell from your vehicle's AC system is mildew growth within the system. The smell resembles that of dirty socks. It is a common automotive issue, usually occurring when you operate the air conditioning on recirculate, not blowing the fan after switching off the AC or shutting off the car motor. Moist, dirty, and dust ... read more

April is the National Car Care month when all car owners are supposed to give their car more attention. Doing maintenance to your car is beneficial because it helps you avoid spending a lot of money paying for expensive repairs down the road, and it also improved the dependability and safety of your vehicle. There is no point in expecting your car to ferry you to various locations yet you are not willing to do your part by taking care of it. The truth is, a car that is well maintained will serve you for a long time. So if you do not want to purchase a new vehicle any time soon, you need to shower your vehicle with affection and address all issues immediately. Here are some of the things you need to do in April, to prepare your vehicle for spring and summer; Have the brakes inspected A brake pad needs frequent inspection. When you are driving, listen to whether there is brake noise and note if the brake pedal is vibrating or shuddering. If you notice anything unusual, contact a profe ... read more

Cars are a wonderful piece of machinery; let's be honest, without them things in life would be completely different! While they are amazing, they are equipped with a lot of bells, whistles, and lights… a lot of lights. So, what does it mean whenever you see the check engine light/service engine soon light comes on? This light comes on when there is a fuel system, ignition, emissions, or transmission failure and your car is letting you know about it. While it may be a warning, it is one that should never be taken lightly. It may be a routine maintenance issue that causes this light to come on… it could be something with the cabin filter, air filter or you may even need your oil serviced. These routine issues are general, but there could be some other things that cause this light to come on as well. One thing we do know is that whatever the issue is it is dealing with your engine. You never want to take this lightly, so you need to get things checked on immediately. H ... read more

Putting diesel in a car can be an honest mistake! But, worry not you are not the only one. Putting the wrong fuel in your car can cause you much hassle. Let's find out what you've to go through if you are putting diesel in a gas car. What Happens When You Put Diesel In Your Gas Car? First, you can expect to see the relevant label "diesel" so that you don't do such a mistake. Plus, you can notice a different color. The reason for such markings is that people don't do such mistakes. Let's say you still opted for the wrong nozzle. Now that you are thinking about what's possibly going to happen if you put diesel in your gas car, you can expect the following: You can expect the car to run a few miles until the gasoline in your car's tank is used up. The engine may stop running at this point. Your car engine is designed for gasoline and not diesel. Now, you need to call for roadside assistance so that you can tow your car to our auto ... read more

For your car to move, its transmission system must be in perfect condition. The transmission system allows you to change gears to transmit power to the axle from the engine. The transmission varies the gear ratio. There are two types of transmission: manual transmission and automatic transmission. While all drivers agree that the transmission is important for the functionality of the car, what they differ about is what type of transmission they prefer. Some like automatic transmission, while others like manual transmission. Before you choose any system, you need to understand its pros and cons. Automatic transmissions Most vehicles manufactured today have automatic transmission. Some also combine both manual and auto transmission. Though auto transmission has become increasingly popular, some drivers still insist that manual transmission is better. Pros Easier to use Less restrictive Works better in hilly terrains Low risk of stalling Cons The high cost of maintenance Manual ... read more

Your car's brakes are some of the essential safety features that need to be fully functional at all times. As such, you need to take a brake warning light on your dashboard very seriously. In most cases, a brake warning light may mean replacing the brakes. However, sometimes it may indicate a leaking brake fluid, which is an emergency that needs immediate attention. Most modern vehicles have three types of brake warning lights; one that indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), one that shows the parking brake is engaged, and finally one for the brakes themselves, which is the most serious one. Below are 3 of the reasons why your brake warning light may turn on. Low/Leaking Brake Fluid The brakes need enough brake fluid to operate well. When the brake fluid drops below the required level, a sensor in the master cylinder triggers the brake light on the dashboard to turn on. If your brake fluid has been leaking for a while, the brake fluid reservoir will be near ... read more

It's no secret that the brakes serve a crucial function to your vehicle's safety and functionality. Brakes are not designed to last forever, and if degraded, can severely impact your car's handling and drivability. Depending on where you go for service, drivers can expect a brake pad replacement cost anywhere from $100-$150 per axle. This is a costly maintenance task that can leave your wallet angry at you. Several factors can influence the brakes' lifespan, and wear rate can be different from driver to driver. Driving in stop-and-go traffic wears the brakes faster than long stints on the highway. Outside of regular brake maintenance, there are a few helpful tips that can extend the life of your brakes.  Try not to speed. One of the primary causes of brake pad wear is braking at high driving speeds. Your vehicle has to work harder and exert more energy to stop when you're speeding. Brake pads transform energy into heat, but braking at high speeds can create t ... read more

To drive optimally, your vehicle's engine needs to stay at a specific temperature range. Coolant is an essential fluid that helps regulate the temperature and works as a lubricant for the radiator system. Unfortunately, coolant doesn't last forever. With time the fluid can deplete, and contaminants can build up. In severe cases, pollutants may even reach the radiator. A coolant flush service is a perfect solution as it flushes out all used coolant and contaminants out of the radiator system. A coolant flush protects the engine from internal corrosion, keeping it in the best shape possible. Below are three common signs it's time to schedule a coolant flush.  Low Coolant   If you pop the hood of your car and notice the coolant levels are lower than usual, try topping it off. Coolant levels that are consistently low may be alerting you to a leak. Check underneath your vehicle for any lime green, sweet-smelling fluid. If you suspect there's a leak, bring yo ... read more