Automotive Industry News & Information - Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service

U-joints are a small, simple component - in fact, they have changed much since the very first automobiles. However, on any vehicle with a driveshaft, its ability to move depends entirely on the u-joint being there. You’ll often hear “maybe it’s the u-joints” as a solution offered for problems with a vehicle - but what are they, what do they do, and how do you know if yours is bad? Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA has the answers.

Whether you drive a Chevrolet, Dodge, or Ford diesel pickup, maintenance and repair performed the correct way is a huge part of keeping you on the road. At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA, we use ASE certified technicians to make sure you get the best service in the industry.

If you drive a lightweight car, truck, or SUV, the torque converter you have installed is probably just fine. For those of you with more heavy duty applications, like high horsepower setups or towing rigs, the stock converter may not be enough. At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA, we can help with that.

At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA, it’s important to us that you see the value in the work we do. Over the course of the past decade, depending on what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive, it may seem like oil changes have gotten more expensive, and there’s a lot of differentiation in pricing at different locations. What’s going on?

When you think about diesel engines, you probably think about large trucks and machinery, and maybe a few oddball cars over the years. But how long has diesel really been around, and why is it used the way it is today? Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA has the answers you need to become more in-tune with your diesel truck and engine.

Transmission Cut to show you the inside of it

Nothing works if your transmission doesn't work! Simply put you are going nowhere without it and it is the one thing that both car and truck drivers alike never think twice about until it really acts up or they have no power or simply don't move forward. Most of us have a newer car or truck with an automatic transmission in it vs. a standard transmission so do not notice that it is slipping gears until the problem is really serious so the question is how do you get the most out of your transmission? The obvious answer is to take care of your transmission with scheduled service per your owner's manual recommendation but we have put together a simple checklist for our Midlotian drivers to help them become "transmission aware" as it were.

What condition are your tires in? At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA, we want to make sure you can tell. A simple visual inspection is all you need - it’s easy if you know what to look for.

Failed engine mounts are an irritating issue to live with causing your car or truck to vibrate and you don't know why. At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA, we can help, no matter what type of car, truck, or SUV you drive and it is an easy issue to detect on a test drive.

There are a few indicators your engine mounts need to be replaced. For one, you can do a visual inspection, if they’re accessible enough - if they looked cracked, smashed, or dry-rotted, it’s probably time for new ones. If the engine visibly shakes while it’s running, engine mounts are also likely the culprit. However, if you are like most drivers you simply get in and drive on down the road until something is different or a light comes on! Then you call our shop for help!