The last time you took your vehicle for a drive, did you notice any weird sounds coming from the engine? Did your car sound differently than it has before? If you’ve been hearing any new creaks, thumps, or clicks from under the hood, or if you’ve noticed it for a while but have chosen to ignore it, it’s time to pay attention.

If your windshield wipers need to be replaced, they’ll let you know. How? There are several tell-tale signs and symptoms of ineffective, damaged, or worn-out windshield wipers and blades. If you notice any of these on your vehicle, then it’s time to replace your old windshield wipers with new ones.

Yet another trend made more apparent by the COVID-19 pandemic is the average age of cars on the road. That is, for a lot of car owners, their cars are running for longer and delaying the need for newer vehicles. Except not quite. Keep reading why you should keep an eye on the impact of older cars on the car-buying market.

We do our best to provide top-notch auto care to our DC Metro area customers. We also enjoy empowering them, as well as our blog readers, with the knowledge needed to make the best decision about their vehicles. As we look back on 2021, we thought it would be a good idea to round up all the best advice our readers found most helpful this year.

A little preparation goes a long way, especially when it comes to driving during the winter months. Preparation means more than giving yourself extra time to slow down and stop. It also means preventive vehicle maintenance to keep harsh winter conditions from wearing down your vehicle.

The saying “You get what you pay for,” is incredibly true when it comes to auto repairs. Still, getting the bill after your car starts making a funny noise can be a bit of a shock, we know. Why exactly do mechanics cost so much? It highly depends on a few main categories: the cost of car parts, the cost of an expert auto technician, the cost of not maintaining your vehicle, and the cost of operating an auto repair shop.

A lot goes into owning a car, and taking care of it properly can be overwhelming for new car owners. One habit that our Metro Motor technicians encourage everyone to pick up is maintaining your vehicle maintenance records. The earlier you start, the easier it will be to keep them all straight.

When you’re a new driver, one of the first maintenance tasks you need to be aware of is having your car inspected annually. In fact, having a VA vehicle safety inspection each year not only helps you maintain proper care and makes driving safer for you and others, it is also required by law.

If you’ve ever been confused when you heard someone say, “I need to get my car detailed,” then you’re not alone. While car detailing is a common enough service - one soon coming to Metro Motor! -, most people don’t do it nearly as often as they should. As a result, many new drivers never learn the vitality of having their car detailed. 

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of routine preventative maintenance for your vehicle, making sure that there are no issues with your transmission is a very important step in ensuring that your vehicle continues to function properly and safely for years to come.