As a car owner, ensuring that your vehicle is in good working condition is not just important for your safety, but also for the longevity of your car. While we may often overlook the importance of electrical repairs in our vehicle, it is crucial to have them checked and fixed to avoid potential issues. We […]

A well-functioning AC system keeps you comfortable, prevents fatigue, and can increase your overall safety on the road. However, if your vehicle’s AC system malfunctions, you may face a potentially costly and frustrating problem. Common AC System Problems The first step in understanding the importance of AC repair services is to recognize some common problems […]

The transmission is a vital component of your vehicle’s powertrain, responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. When transmission issues arise, they can significantly impact your vehicle’s performance, leading to rough shifting, gear slippage, or even complete loss of power. Prompt transmission repair is essential to ensure smooth and reliable operation. Early […]

Have you ever experienced your car breaking down in the middle of a busy highway, or your engine having trouble starting up? Well, you’re not alone. Auto breakdowns can be one of the most stressful and inconvenient situations, especially when you have a busy lifestyle. However, taking care of your vehicle’s general auto repair couldn’t […]

If your car feels out of control, it might be time for a steering & suspension check. Your steering and suspension systems are critical components that control how your vehicle handles on the road. So let’s explore when to get your car’s steering and suspension checked. Why Should I Care About My Car’s Steering & […]

Regarding car maintenance, brakes are one of the most critical components. Without functioning brakes, you can find yourself in a dangerous situation. Brake repair is essential for ensuring that your vehicle is safe and road-ready. But what does brake repair involve? Let’s take a closer look. Brake inspection is the first step in the brake […]

Auto diagnostics are a great way to learn about your car and how it works. This type of service enables you to identify potential problems and avoid costly repairs. Let’s explore the benefits of auto diagnostics. Early Detection of Problems By running diagnostic tests on your car, mechanics can discover any issues lurking beneath the […]

If you own a car, you know that regular service and maintenance can be time-consuming but necessary. One of the essential services for your vehicle is auto battery service. Without it, you could find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar area with a dead battery. Why Auto Battery Service Is Necessary Auto batteries provide power and […]

The alternator is one of the most important components in your car’s electrical system, and it’s vital to keep it in good working order. If your alternator fails, it can cause a number of problems with your car, ranging from a dead battery to complete engine failure. In this blog post, we’ll tell you everything […]

Did you know that the average lifespan of a muffler is 40,000 miles to 80,000 miles? In terms of years, this equates to about two to four years. The muffler does more than muffle the noise of your engine’s exhaust being processed through the exhaust system. The muffler also routes the exhaust out of your […]

You don’t need us to tell you that an overheating engine is bad news. It’s important to have the cooling system serviced every 48,000 kilometres to ensure it is healthy and has fresh coolant in it. We recommend you bring your vehicle to our shop faithfully so we can inspect the cooling system thoroughly and […]

It is an excellent idea to have the automatic transmission serviced every 30,000 miles. This gives our certified technicians at DOC Auto a chance to see if there is anything wrong, such as low fluid levels or leaking seals. The following issues are signs that your automatic transmission is going bad. Problems Shifting the Gears […]

If you drive a car, truck, or utility vehicle that is 10 years old or older, the thermostat is likely to go bad sooner rather than later. DOC Auto is going to list the signs of a faulty thermostat below. You may experience all of these signs or just a couple of them. Either way, […]

Your car, truck, or utility vehicle relies on the water pump to circulate coolant through the engine to keep the temperature below 220 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermostat releases the coolant when the engine starts to get too hot, and the water pump pushes it throughout the engine to draw heat away from it. DOC Auto […]

It takes a pump to draw the gasoline or diesel fuel out of the tank. This pump is the fuel pump, and it also moves the fuel into the engine. On average, the factory fuel pump installed in your car, truck, or utility vehicle will last about 100,000 miles. Doc Auto advises once you’ve reached […]

We discussed the fluids in your automobile in a previous blog post; now let’s discuss the filters. Whether you drive a car, truck, crossover, or SUV, you have filters that need to be changed on a regular basis. If these filters get clogged, your engine performance and fuel economy will suffer. In addition, clogged filters […]

A clutch in a manual transmission can last anywhere from 50,000 miles to 100,000 miles or more. How you drive your manual transmission can either shorten or extend the life you get out of the clutch. The clutch itself might fail prematurely if there is something wrong with it. Your clutch will give you hints […]

It’s frustrating when your vehicle fails its emissions test. Thankfully, we here at DOC Auto can run a diagnostic check to find out why the vehicle didn’t pass. There are common reasons why automobiles fail emissions tests. Here is what they are for your information. Check Engine Light If your check engine light is on, […]

We here at DOC Auto cannot stress enough how important it is to get a lube, oil, and filter change when your vehicle needs it. This service can literally extend the life you get out of your vehicle’s engine. If you fail to change the oil, you will not only prematurely damage the engine but […]

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the tires and wheels are also important. You, obviously, won’t get anywhere without any tires, and the wheels help you control your automobile. DOC Auto can help you maintain your tires and wheels. Let’s talk about some important tire and wheel services that extend the life you get out […]

The answer to the titled question is both. Your car, truck, utility vehicle, or van’s transmission fluid changes color as it ages. Generally, the fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. If it has been at least that long since you last had your transmission serviced, bring your vehicle into DOC Auto for a quick […]

Your car, truck, or utility vehicle will suffer from performance issues if the engine has a vacuum leak. Your engine can end up with a vacuum leak through the vacuum hoses as they age. Part of what makes a vacuum leak such a problem is that your vehicle relies on vacuum pressure to power components […]

The transmission is an unsung hero in your automobile. If you drive an automatic transmission, you don’t even think about changing the gears; it just happens. If you drive a manual, you know how much fun it can be to have that control over the gears. Either way, your vehicle needs a transmission inspection and […]

Your car, truck, or utility vehicle relies on the vacuum that results from engine combustion to power many of the vehicle’s components and accessories. DOC Auto advises that your vehicle’s performance will suffer if you have a vacuum leak. A vacuum leak, obviously, reduces the pressure needed for your automobile to operate efficiently. Here are […]

Here’s the thing: Your car’s engine should never overheat. This isn’t something that can happen every once in a while. It’s not normal. Today’s automobiles are designed to maintain the engine’s temperature in the worst possible driving conditions, so if your car, truck, or utility vehicle keeps overheating, there’s something wrong. DOC Auto lists eight […]

Few things can ruin your day more than backing out of your garage and seeing spots on the floor. Automotive fluid leaks are uncommon, unless your vehicle has a ton of mileage under its belt. Even if it doesn’t, there’s no need to panic. The fluid color will tell you where the leak is coming […]

Don’t let an unnecessary breakdown or auto accident ruin your Thanksgiving holiday. More people will be traveling by car than ever this Thanksgiving, so plan your trip now and add some extra precautions to ensure you get to and from your destination without a hitch. DOC Auto suggests the following to help. Carefully Plan Your […]

Unless your automobile is registered as an antique with Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles and you do not drive it regularly, you must have an annual safety inspection. DOC Auto performs safety inspections and is a state-authorized inspection center. We can make certain your vehicle is safe to drive under Virginia law and certify it […]

In our last blog post, we talked about clogged fuel injectors. In this post, let’s continue the conversation about your vehicle’s fuel system and talk about the fuel pump. Basically, the fuel pump draws gasoline out of the tank and pumps it into the engine. Older fuel pumps used vacuum pressure to do this; newer […]

Your automobile’s fuel injectors play a crucial role in how efficiently your vehicle operates. Whether directly or indirectly, fuel injector are responsible for delivering gasoline to the combustion chamber. Without gas in the combustion chamber, your vehicle cannot start or run. There are signs your fuel injectors need cleaning, especially if they’ve haven’t been cleaned […]

Failing an emissions test is frustrating and troubling. Why did your vehicle fail the test? Can the problem be fixed? How much will it cost? Try not to panic too much. There are numerous things that cause a vehicle to fail; some of them are simple fixes and others might cost a pretty penny to […]

When you’re running down a list of things that you don’t want to happen while you’re driving, suddenly spongy brakes are probably near the top of the list. Driving safely isn’t just about going; it’s also about stopping! If you have brakes that feel mushy, squishy or spongy, you should get your brakes inspected and […]

At DOC Auto, we make it our mission to make every customer who walks through our door a lifelong customer and that means keeping their vehicles running smoothly and efficiently for as long as possible. If your engine is stalling over and over again, our team of auto repair experts is here to help. There […]

It’s normal to panic when you back out of your garage and see automotive fluid spots on the cement floor. Try not to panic too much, however. Your vehicle should not be leaking automotive fluid, but depending on the fluid’s color, it might not be as bad as you think. DOC Auto provides this handy […]

First things first: If your brake light comes on and stays on, there is something wrong with your brake system. It should only stay on when you have the parking brake set. You might also see an “ABS” dashboard warning light, and this means your anti-lock braking system is returning an error. Don’t take chances. […]

Are your shocks and struts on their last leg? There are ways you can tell that it’s time for a shock and strut replacement, or, in most cases, a strut replacement. Shocks aren’t as common today as they used to be; most vehicles have struts. Either way, DOC Auto are shocks and struts experts, and […]

It’s the holiday season and that means holiday driving and holiday traffic. Whether you are driving across town or across the country, it is good to be prepared for your trip. DOC Auto wants to make sure everyone has a safe and happy holiday, so we put together this list of tips. Plan Ahead Before […]

Are you one of those drivers who buys a car, drives off the lot with a huge grin on your face, and then tosses the owner’s manual in the glove compartment black hole never to be seen again? If so, that’s okay but DOC Auto wants to explain why you should show your owner’s manual […]

You just received bad news from your mechanic. Your broken-down vehicle needs expensive repairs before it can hit the road. You have savings but do you tap into them to fix the car? They are for your kids’ college tuition and your retirement. You might not have to. DOC Auto explains how automobile repairs can […]

Before the rain, ice and snow hit, get your vehicle ready for the winter. You already know the basics, weigh down the trunk, keep tire chains on hand just in case you need them, and put the ice scraper in the glove box. What about your car itself, however? Its engine? Its tires? It’s always […]

Is synthetic or conventional motor oil better for your vehicle? This is a question we hear a lot at DOC Auto and the answer depends on a few factors. Yes, most new automobiles already have synthetic motor oil in them when you drive them off the lot, but conventional motor oil isn’t dead just yet. […]

The power steering system in your car makes turning corners smooth and easy. This important component of your vehicle is something many drivers take for granted. In order for your power steering to work properly, it relies on a variety of parts along with clean power steering fluid. If you’re not sure why you might […]

The modern vehicles of today rely on batteries more than ever before. Your car battery supplies an electrical current to the starter motor so it can crank the engine, and it also provides power to a wide variety of electrical items when your engine is turned off, like lights and the radio. This integral part […]

Your engine relies on clean oil to lubricate the moving parts and keep it cool. Over time, the oil in your vehicle can accumulate nasty sludge and debris. It also breaks down, making it more difficult to perform the way it should. Once this happens, it’s time to schedule an oil change as soon as […]

Although maintaining your vehicle might seem overwhelming, many small tasks can be achieved with little time and even less out-of-pocket expense. Tire pressure is a prime example. Tire pressure–measured in pounds per square inch (PSI)–refers to the air in your vehicle’s tires. Maintaining adequate pressure is easy and painless but ensures you drive safely and […]

Of course, everyone wants to save money at the pump, but sometimes spending a little extra can make a major difference in a vehicle’s overall performance. Take motor oil, for example. Unless you drive an older model or use a car irregularly, most experts agree that paying more for synthetic lubricant will extend the life […]

If you’ve ever gotten your car keys stuck in the ignition, you know how frustrating it can be. How do you get out of the car with your keys dangling there in plan sight? Well, the first step is to stay calm. Tugging roughly at the keys to force them out could damage the key, […]

With consumers craving more room and a higher seat off the road, demand for compact cars and sedans has dwindled to practically nothing. Growing in popularity, however, are spacious crossovers and small SUVs. To try and get back some of the precious revenue it has lost over the last few years, Cadillac has introduced a […]

Today’s vehicles and engine can last longer than ever before thanks to improved technology and standards. Therefore, with close attention to scheduled maintenance and service, you can extend the life of your investment at least 200,000 miles. Here are a few tips to get you there: Use High-Quality Oil and Filters Extensive research and field […]

Gasoline, though essential for operating your vehicle, doesn’t give off an inviting smell. Not to mention, the smell of gas fumes never makes someone feel safe. So, if that distinctive odor creeps up in your car, it’s best you figure out the cause as soon as possible. DOC Auto is happy to share the most […]

Driving on bald tires is dangerous, especially during the winter months when the Fredericksburg, VA, roads get wet and icy. If you aren’t faithful about having your vehicle’s tires rotated every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, you might be driving on bald tires and not know it. DOC Auto explains how to tell if your tires […]