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

Most commercial diesel engines these days are turbocharged. Turbos dramatically increase power and efficiency, particularly on diesel engines, which makes them a must-have item on engines that rely heavily on both. However, sometimes issues arise in turbo systems; at Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, we can fix that.

There is a reason we check your brake fluid when you come in for a service check. Maintenance pays big dividends and we want to avoid high repair costs for our Midlotian drivers. Did you know that brake service isn't just all about the brake pads, drums & rotors? That we have found low brake fluid to be the cause of a large percentage of brake issues here at Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service? Seriously, brake fluid is an important part of your braking system and with your service intervals being less frequent on the newer vehicles 5,000-10,000 more miles this has become an issue! Why?...

Fuel economy isn't far from the minds of vehicle owners everywhere. Why can certain cars zip along at close to 40 mpg while others are lucky to get anywhere near 20? As it turns out, there are as many factors that go into how well your ride does at the pumps! Here are the 10 factors that have the greatest impact on fuel consumption.

Here at Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA when your vehicle has a problem we know you want answers, and when it comes to information on pistons or engine building, most of our drivers know little about it. However, there’s some practical information regarding modern engine design that helps you better care for your vehicle, and keep it going strong. Here are some important aspects of modern piston design, and what it means for you that we felt might come in handy.

Losing a belt on the road can turn a small problem into a big one instantly. At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, we know efficient and cost-effective operation begins with preventative maintenance.

Your transmission suddenly isn’t shifting right. So what’s wrong with it? Do you need your transmission rebuilt? Good question. Unfortunately, the answer is: No one knows. At least, not yet. To find out what’s causing your transmission problem, a technician is going to have to perform a series of tests. Basically, these tests are designed to answer the simple question: “Is it inside or outside?” That is, is the problem inside the transmission, or in one of the many control systems that operate the transmission?

At Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA, we recommend always making it a priority to change your oil on time. Here’s a look into why it’s so important, and what happens if you don’t keep up with oil changes.

Sludge - If oil stays in an engine too long, sludge begins to build up anywhere oil can go. The oil absorbs tiny debris and contaminants, kind of like a liquid sponge - once it’s at capacity, that oil begins to stick, clog, and build up throughout the engine. Small veins that carry oil to components like actuators, turbos, and bearings will become blocked, starving critical components of oil and causing component or engine failure.

The best way to keep your car out of the repair facility with major repair problems is to follow a basic vehicle care maintenance schedule. It is recommended that you make general visual inspections and stay on top of vehicle maintenance items. The skilled automotive technicians at Stuart Rolfe Muffler & Auto Service in Midlotian, VA can assist with basic vehicle maintenance and more complex repairs. Feel free to give us a call or come by at your convenience if you have any questions.