Woodard Automotive in Fredericksburg VA Is Here To Help
Sometimes it's hard to know when your car just needs a break and when it needs a mechanic. If you notice any of the signs detailed below, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. By addressing problems early on, you can help to prevent more serious damage and costly repairs down the road.
1. Car Experiences Stalling
Is your car experiencing stalling issues? This situation isn't ideal and could indicate various problems, such as a malfunctioning fuel pump or ignition issues. These are concerns you'd rather not confront while driving. We do not recommend waiting to see if this issue will correct itself.
If you sense that your car is struggling to accelerate, regardless of how forcefully you press the gas pedal, it's advisable to pull over and request assistance immediately.
2. Trouble Steering
Has your steering wheel suddenly become harder to control? Are your turns less reliable or smooth? This often indicates a significant problem with steering components, such as low power steering fluid or another malfunction. Any issue affecting your ability to control the car requires immediate attention at an auto repair shop.
3. Fluid Leaks
If your vehicle is leaving behind puddles of liquid, it's a sign you should investigate further. Examine the liquid closely. Water is usually not a concern, often originating from air conditioning condensation.
However, liquids like oil, transmission fluid (red or brown), coolant (blue, yellow, green), power steering fluid, or brake fluid (thick but clear) warrant closer inspection. A leak in one of these vital systems is likely the culprit.
Visit Woodard Automotive to fix the leak and replace the fluids before it worsens and affects your car's performance.
4. Worn Out Brakes
Brakes naturally wear down over time. If your brakes are losing their effectiveness and emitting strange noises, it's a sign they may need attention. Screeching or squealing sounds usually indicate worn-out brake pads requiring replacement.
Shaking or vibrating brakes can suggest various issues, from worn brake pads to brake fluid problems or alignment issues-problems best addressed by auto repair experts.
5. Alignment Issues
If you've noticed your car's ride has become notably less smooth in just a few months, it might be time for a trip to the auto shop. Don't fret over potentially costly repairs; a shaky or vibrating ride, especially at higher speeds, often stems from wheel or alignment issues.
Even after a proper wheel alignment, wheels can gradually shift, influenced by normal wear and tear or sudden incidents like accidents or unexpected bumps. Realignment is a straightforward procedure best handled by professionals who can swiftly address the issue.
6. Uncommon Engine Noise
Engines should run smoothly. While they may become noisier with age, sudden noises or difficulty in turning the engine should prompt a visit to the auto shop. Keep an ear out for any unexpected grinding, popping, or growling noises when your engine is idling.
7. Diagnostic Lights
This one can be a bit tricky. Modern vehicles come equipped with engine diagnostic or check engine lights, but they don't always signal a genuine problem. Some are programmed to illuminate after a certain mileage for a routine checkup. Occasionally, the car's computer module may malfunction and trigger the lights when nothing's wrong.
However, these lights also serve as valuable indicators that something within your engine might be amiss. Generally, if a diagnostic light accompanies other signs like poor performance or unusual noises, it's a good idea to visit Woodard Automotive. If you're simply tired of looking at it, a quick check at the shop can confirm if there's an actual issue.
8. Unpleasant Exhaust
Surprisingly, exhaust issues can help diagnose serious auto problems. If you notice your exhaust suddenly becoming dirty, black, or emits foul odors, some part of the filtering system may be clogged or damaged. It's advisable to have a mechanic investigate, whether it's related to your catalytic converter or another unknown issue.
Stop by Woodard Automotive located at 18 Short St in Fredericksburg, VA or call 540-373-5269 to talk to one of our friendly and professional technicians.
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What our clients are saying about us
We have established longterm and stable partnerships with various clients thanks to our excellence in solving their automotive needs!
There are not enough stars on the scale to coincide with how elated I am with the level of service and overall satisfying experience I received on my first visit to Woodard! (This review is lengthy, but I wanted to show the huge difference between my experience with the dealer and Woodard Automotive.) I recently purchased a Certified Preowned (CPO) Land Rover (LR)... but had feelings of buyer's remorse -- especially after leaving Land Rover's service department. There was a rattling sound in my dashboard. After a 2-3 minute drive with a mechanic, and without popping the hood, LR told me that I would have to leave the vehicle because the "entire dashboard would have to be disassembled". The service adviser claimed that finding the cause of rattles is "tricky". He implied that it is so labor-intensive that it would take an unknown number of hours to "TRY to fix the problem..."; "there's no guarantee that it could be fixed...", and "the problem could even get worse... because you never know about rattles". (Imagine, purchasing a CPO vehicle, under warranty, but non-mechanical, non-electrical issues like "rattles" are not included in coverage.) As if their initial display of incompetence wasn't enough, the service adviser stopped me as I was getting into my vehicle and added - "...the other option is to wait until something worse happens in the dash... then Land Rover would cover it." I'm almost sure LR wouldn't take too kindly to that advice. (lol) And, why would he think I'd feel comfortable driving a vehicle that could potentially get worse, or leave me stranded somewhere -- primarily because I took the insane advice to ignore the rattle. (SMH) Their incompetence/fumbling blindly, hoping to get lucky and find the problem, would have cost me $246/hr. It took Woodard's owners, Andy, Lori, and a stethoscope (fondly called Dr. Andy) (smile) MINUTES to pinpoint the problem! I assume the mistake was probably made during the 165-point CPO inspection. (SMH) Needless to say, after leaving Woodard, I didn't even grant LR the courtesy of canceling my appointment. No call, no show is what they deserved. If Woodard accepts Land Rover's warranty and vice versa - I would breathe a sigh of relief, because I do NOT want to return to the dealer -- not even for repairs that are covered under the warranty. These days, it is virtually impossible to find a great master mechanic who can be trusted - in addition to a well-equipped facility to meet the demands of services needed to repair high-tech/late model vehicles. Woodard encompasses all of it! I thank God that I was led to Woodard's website. They are welcoming, personable, professional, and most of all competent and highly experienced! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
(Translated by Google) Excellent (Original) Excelente