Blog

Alignments have been around for many years, yet many drivers are not familiar with what they are or why having them can benefit their vehicle. Alignments are a procedure where automotive service technicians adjust your vehicle’s suspension system to the angle where the tires should make contact with the road.

Technicians believe this procedure should be done at least once a year. It’s a relatively inexpensive process, especially when you consider the benefits it offers.

• Your vehicle will get better gas mileage. When your vehicle isn’t operating as it should, it can affect fuel 

In order for your vehicle to operate as it should, there are several belts and hoses that function together. One of those components is the timing belt. This is located near your engine and is responsible for assisting the crankshaft to operate the camshaft. In the event that this belt breaks while you're driving in Madison Heights, it will typically result in your vehicle coming to a stop.

Another common belt is the serpentine belt. This delivers power to numerous essential parts including the power steering pump and the cooling fan, which aids in maintaining a stable 

If you're looking for a team who knows used cars to help you tend to your vehicle's service needs, you can rely on the experts at 1st Choice Motors in Madison Heights, VA to assist you in keeping your car in tip-top shape. Our service center is equipped with all the specialized tools our team needs to help you check routine maintenance off your to-do list. Even if your car is in need of more complex repairs, our technicians are ready to lend a hand. Contact us today to learn more about how our team can help you…

Jump-starting a car is no easy feat, and knowing how to do it can be a life-saving skill for you or for another driver on the Madison Heights, VA road you might encounter. In order to jump-start a car safely, you need three things that are outlined below.

If you just experienced a few rattles from under the car hood, or your car is starting to sound like it’s running out of gas because of a lack in power, it’s not unusual. It could be a sign of an exhaust leak. 

The following are the most common signs your exhaust is leaking:

Rattling: A clunking noise when driving over bumps can be a clue to a bad exhaust system.

Thumping: If the car is making a dull thumping sound from the muffler, inspect the exhaust. 

The sound of running out of gas: Another sign your exhaust…

Flat tires usually occur at any time, especially when you least expect them. Usually, flat tires occur when you drive over sharp objects or huge potholes. A flat tire could also be due to extreme tire wear or damage. If it’s your first time experiencing a flat tire, do not panic.

Some vehicle maintenance services should never be ignored due to the impact they can have on safety. Brake repair is one of the most crucial service tasks on your list. The 1st Choice Motors team wants to be sure you know when it's time to schedule brake service. Look for these signs.