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Art's Automotive in Richmond VA
It's Sunday 5:26 AM — Sorry, we're closed

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(804) 353-2640

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1214 Athens Ave Richmond, VA 23227

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Arts Automotive Service

Our auto repair shop is conveniently located in Richmond, VA. Our quality ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified mechanics at Art’s Automotive employ today’s latest automotive technology and are equipped to handle all major and minor auto repair services on foreign and domestic vehicles. Below are some of the many auto repair services that we offer:

Air Conditioner

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Brakes

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Electrical

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Oil Change

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Preventative Maintenance

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Engine
Repair

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Tire
Pressure

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Wheel
Alignment

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FAQS

How often should I rotate my tires?

Your tires should be rotated every other oil change or every 5,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear.

Is it really necessary to replace my timing belt at the manufacturer recommended interval?

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement.

What does it mean if my “check engine” or “service engine soon” light comes on?

There are many sensors and computerized components that manage your vehicle’s engine performance and emissions. When one of these fails, the “check engine” light is illuminated. Although your car may seem to run fine, it is important to have the issue addressed to prevent long-term problems or failure of emission tests.

What should I do if my car starts to overheat?

This is a very serious problem – if your car overheats for too long, you can damage your engine. As soon as possible, find a safe place to pull off the road and shut off the engine! Do not attempt to check the fluid level in the radiator as it can burn you. The best thing to do is have your car towed to a repair shop.

When should I get my oil changed?

You should get your oil changed every 3,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. If intervals are extended, ensure you use oil that is capable of extended mileage changes.

What causes milky brown engine oil?

Milky brown engine oil is an indication of coolant in the oil. This can be caused by a blown head gasket (other gasket), a failed transmission cooler or cracked casings. This condition is very serious and needs to be checked by a professional technician quickly.

How to make sure my car battery has a good electrical connection?

Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

What is synthetic motor oil?

Synthetic motor oils can be a good choice for high output, turbocharged or supercharged engines, vehicles that are used for towing (especially during hot weather) or vehicles that are operated in extremely cold or hot climates. Synthetic motor oils, though several times more expensive than mineral-based motor oils, can improve fuel economy and provide longer intervals between changes. They also provide instant lubrication on start-up.

When should I replace my car’s fuel filter?

To help ensure dependable, trouble-free performance, replace your car’s fuel filter approximately every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

When should I change my spark plugs?

For maximum fuel economy and peak engine performance, your spark plugs should be replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles, unless your vehicle is equipped with 100,000-mile platinum-tipped spark plugs.

What should I do when I need to replace a burned out fuse?

Always replace burned-out fuses with ones of the same amperage (printed on the fuse) and note that if a fuse continues to “blow,” you should have the circuit checked professionally by one of our technicians for defects.

Warranty Information

The NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Warranty covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services for 24 months/24,000 miles.

napa-warranty

There’s no greater peace of mind than knowing you have one less worry by having your vehicles serviced by the professionals at your local NAPA AutoCare Center. They stand behind their work with the NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Warranty.

It’s a written warranty that is honored at more than 14,000 locations nationwide–more than any other automotive repair brand.

So no matter where your travels take you, if you ever experience a problem with a covered repair, you can count on a NAPA AutoCare Center being nearby.

What are the benefits to you?

auto_care_1

  • Included FREE with your qualifying repair or service work
  • Covers parts and labor on qualifying repairs and services for 24 months/24,000 miles
  • Extend your coverage to 36 months/36,000 miles when you use your NAPA AutoCare EasyPay Credit Card (applications available at participating locations)
  • Honored nationwide by thousands of NAPA AutoCare Centers, so you’re protected even when you travel

1-800-LET-NAPA (538-6272)

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It's Sunday 5:26 AM — Sorry, we're closed

Monday to Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Saturday -Sunday : Closed

ADDRESS

1214 Athens Ave Richmond, VA 23227

PHONE

(804) 353-2640

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Electrical Service

Your vehicle’s electrical system is responsible for routing power and information in order to dictate the behavior of certain systems. A linked system of wiring, fuses, circuit breakers, and relays is what makes up the electrical system. Poor pin fits, broken connectors or switches, and loose or broken wiring may lead to intermittent power or a completely inoperative system.

A vehicle with electrical problems may not start, or it may become inoperative. Our technicians are able to diagnose and repair problems during an electrical service  We can also diagnose the cause of uneven headlight brightness, intermittent lights, dim lights, and inoperative lights. In the end, Art’s Automotive will work hard to get you driving a safe and functional vehicle again.

Wheel Alignment

How important is wheel alignment?

Think of it this way: Research indicates that the average vehicle is driven about 12,000 miles per year. A car with a toe angle misadjustment of 0.34 degrees (only 0.17 inches) out of specification will drag the tires sideways for more than 68 miles by the end of the year!

What are the symptoms of a vehicle with incorrect alignment?

Have your vehicle checked if you notice:

  • Excessive or uneven tire wear
  • The vehicle pulls to the left or right
  • Feeling of looseness or wandering
  • Steering wheel vibration or shimmy
  • Steering wheel is not centered when the vehicle is moving straight ahead

How often should I have my vehicle aligned?

Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation noted in your owner’s manual. As a general rule, have your wheel alignment checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year.

The importance of Total Alignment:

  • Reduced Tire Wear: Improper alignment is a major cause of premature tire wear. Over the years, a properly aligned vehicle can add thousands of miles to tire life. Most tires are replaced prematurely due to adverse wear.
  • Better Gas Mileage: Gas mileage increases as rolling resistance decreases. Total Alignment sets all four wheels parallel, which along with proper inflation, minimizes rolling resistance.
  • Improved Handling: Does your car pull to one side? Do you constantly have to move the steering wheel to keep your car traveling straight ahead? Many handling problems can be corrected by Total Alignment service. With all the vehicle components aligned properly, road shock is more efficiently absorbed for a smoother ride.
  • Safer Driving: A suspension system inspection is part of the alignment procedure. This allows worn parts to be detected before they cause costly problems.

artsautomotiveservice-geolinerWe offer high quality four wheel alignments with the Hofmann geoliner 550 aligner that features the next generation of imaging alignment technology patented by Snap-on Equipment. The geoliner 550 alignment system uses high-definition cameras encased in heavy-duty magnesium pods that mount to the rear wheels. A set of non-electronic, shatter-proof imaging targets are mounted to the front wheels to complete the system. Measuring information collected by the imaging system is transferred via Bluetooth wireless technology to a Windows-based computer console.

Click HERE to watch a video of the Geoliner 550 in Action.

Tire Pressure

Tire Pressure Monitoring System Can Saves Lives

Most people ignore their tires, yet tires are undoubtedly a critical safety component on a vehicle. Where the rubber meets the road affects traction, handling, steering, stability and braking. Because of this, a sudden tire failure can have serious consequences, especially if it occurs when operating at high speeds.

  • Nearly 250,000 accidents occur in the United States per year due to low tire pressure.
  • About 75% of roadside flats are preceded by a slow leak or under inflation.
  • According to a recent survey, America could reduce its fuel consumption by 10% and save a collective $2 billion a year by keeping tires properly inflated.
  • NHTSA estimates that tire pressure monitoring systems could prevent as many as 79 deaths and 10,365 injuries each year in the United States.

What is the effect of under inflation?

An estimated 23,000 accidents and 535 fatal accidents annually involve blowouts or flat tires. Maintaining proper tire air pressure is not only a major safety concern but can also affect the handling and performance of your vehicle.

Why is it more expensive and time consuming to have tires serviced rather than rotated?

Technicians use special diagnostic tools to test and recalibrate sensors any time a tire is moved from one location on the vehicle to another. A sensor must be tested to make sure it is functioning correctly and also must be reprogrammed whenever tires are moved from one position to another during rotation. OEMs recommend a sensor service kit be installed every time a tire is serviced. These kits include replacement parts to properly service the sensor. Sensors are powered by a battery that usually has a life of 6 to 8 years. The sensor has to be replaced when the battery fails because the batteries are not replaceable.

Engine Repair

The engine in your vehicle is what keeps your car running and working. It is no surprise that if your engine isn’t in great shape that your car won’t be either and you’ll need to visit your local auto repair shop. There are a few ways that you’ll know that your engine is in need of repairs:

Check Engine Light Turns On
A check engine light indicates a serious problem with your ignition, fuel or emission system. If this light comes on, it is a serious problem and needs immediate attention.

Stalling
When your engine stops running and your cars stalls, this could indicate a problem with the electrical system in your car or the fuel system. The engine is unable to ignite the gas in the car’s cylinders and requires attention from a certified technician.

Engine Clicking or Ticking
If your engine starts to sound like your watch, you may be having a problem with the car’s oil pressure. A damaged or clogged oil pump could be preventing oil from reaching all of the components necessary to run the vehicle.
To keep your car running at its best, it is important to keep the engine in optimal condition. Take your vehicle for its scheduled maintenance, perform yearly emissions tests and visit Art’s Automotive with any questions or concerns you have regarding your car.

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to prevent long-term and costly problems with your vehicle is to keep up with its preventative maintenance schedule. One major key to successfully making sure you are doing all you need to do is to read your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Regardless of your vehicle’s make or model, its owner’s manual will contain a maintenance schedule. Every make and model is different, and standby beliefs such as “You have to change your oil every 3,000 miles,” may not apply to your car.

The maintenance schedule within your owner’s manual is provided by the people who understand your vehicle the best—the company that built it. The manufacturer provides suggestions for how often you need to change your oil, filters, driving belts, timing belts and more.

While some preventative maintenance—such as topping off fluids—can be performed by the vehicle’s owner, other, more complicated procedures should be done by experts like the team at Art’s Automotive. Our team can keep your vehicle in top shape by performing the following maintenance:

  • Inspecting and replacing timing belts (preventing damage to other accessories)
  • Inspecting and replacing serpentine belts (preventing damage to other accessories)
  • Checking and changing oil
  • Checking, repairing and replacing battery connection components
  • Checking and replacing batteries
  • Checking and replacing cabin air filters
    This can keep your car comfortable during the hot summer months.
  • Checking and replacing your engine air filter
    You may need to replace your engine air filter more frequently if you drive in stop-and-go traffic or have a long commute.
  • Checking and replacing spark plugs
  • Tire rotation
    This helps ensure even wear on your tires, which can help prevent blowouts and leaking. It also helps make your ride smoother.
  • Tire balancing
    Balancing your tires prevents wear, which can significantly improve their life and save you money.
  • Wheel alignment

By following your vehicle’s owner’s manual and having your vehicle inspected and maintained regularly, you can greatly reduce problems and save money in the long run. Let the expert team at Art’s Automotive help your vehicle stay in good condition.

Oil Change

Engine Oil

Engine oil is what lubricates a car’s engine, allowing it to run smoothly and last longer. Car owners must maintain a car’s engine by changing the oil and using the oil appropriate for their cars make and model. Every car comes with a “check oil” light and an oil filter under the hood. These components allow car owners to monitor their oil levels and add oil as needed without having to hire a mechanic.

Changing the Oil

An important part of routine car maintenance is changing the oil regularly. The necessary frequency of oil changes has become a point of contention among experts. The Engine Oil Bible maintains that engine oil can’t be changed often enough, but Nordic Group insists that, with the advent of detergent oils and multi-weight oils, some vehicles can go as far as 6,000 miles before needing an oil change. The best course of action is to check the owner’s manual and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

An obvious benefit of changing one’s own oil is saving money, but oil change services frequently advertise bargains. If the “check engine oil” light comes on while driving, this is a strong indication that the car is running low on oil.  A driver does not need a mechanic to add oil. However, if the oil light stays on or lights up shortly after adding oil, there may be a leak, and a mechanic should look at the car.

Brakes

Brakes are pretty much the most important safety device on your car. If you’ve ever partially lost your brakes in the past, you’ll agree that it’s not something you want to experience again. Inspecting your brakes twice a year for wear and damage can protect you and your passengers. Additionally, it will also help save you money by catching any damage before it becomes too costly.

Brake System Components That Can Fail

The master cylinder, the heart of the vehicle’s braking system, holds the brake fluid when it is not being delivered to the brakes through the brake lines. If brake fluid leaks because the master cylinder is worn or brake lines are plugged or broken, the fluid cannot be delivered, and the brake pads will become ruined.

The brake fluid itself can become dirty or contaminated as it draws rust-causing moisture and picks up other debris, or it can break down from excess heat. Clean brake fluid is either clear or slightly yellow, while dirty brake fluid may be brown or even black. Old and dirty brake fluid can damage ABS brake systems internally.

The brake lines connect to the master cylinder through a combination valve, which combines a metering and proportioning valve. It regulates the pressure on the front and rear wheels to make sure both sets of brakes are applied simultaneously. A malfunctioning combination valve may cause the wheels to lock up.

Brake pads and shoes can be made of ceramic, metal or organic materials, while the disc rotors and drums they press against are made of metal. Because the pads and shoes create friction to stop the car, they gradually wear down over time and may wear away completely, letting the metal of the calipers and cylinders they are attached to grind against the rotors and drums and damage them. Some pads have a metal strip attached that sounds a warning whistle when the pad becomes too worn, but this strip sounds only when the car is in motion and the brakes are not applied.

Air Conditioner

The air conditioning unit in your vehicle operates similarly to a refrigerator. Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit is designed to move heat from the inside of your car to outside of it.

Your vehicle’s air conditioning unit has six major components:

  • The refrigerant: carries heat. In modern cars, refrigerant is a substance called R-134a. Older cars’ refrigerant is called r-12 freon, which is more expensive and difficult to find than R-134a.
  • The compressor circulates and compresses refrigerant within the vehicle’s cooling system.
  • Your vehicle’s condenser changes the refrigerant from gas to liquid and expels heat from the car.
  • The expansion valve (sometimes called the orifice tube) is a nozzle that simultaneously drops the pressure of the refrigerant liquid, meter its flow and atomize it.
  • Your vehicle’s evaporator transfers heat to the refrigerant from the air blown across it, cooling your car.
  • The receiver or dryer filters your vehicle’s refrigerant and oil, removing moisture and other contaminants from them.

When you start your vehicle’s air conditioning system, the compressor works by putting the refrigerant under pressure, sending it to the condensing coils, which are generally in front of your vehicle’s radiator. The condenser expels hot air to outside the car, cooling the air within the vehicle. When this happens, the refrigerant is cooled, and it changes form a gas to a liquid, which then passes through the expansion valve and to the evaporator.

Once the evaporator receives the liquid-state refrigerant, it loses pressure and cools the remaining liquid. The vehicle’s blower moves air across the evaporator and into the vehicle’s interior. If you keep your air conditioning unit turned on, the refrigerant goes through this cycle continuously.

If any of these components is damaged, it can turn your cool car into a furnace during the summer months. Your vehicle’s air conditioning issue could be as simple as topping off refrigerant to replacing a valve. When your air conditioning unit is not working as it should, bring your vehicle to Art’s Automotive. One of our trained air conditioning specialists will inspect your car’s air conditioner, all lines, the evaporator and the compressor for leaks and wear.