Williamsburg Auto Repair

Spare tires are meant to get you out of a jam, not carry you hundreds of miles down the road. Whether you’re using a compact “donut” spare or a full-size spare tire, it’s important to understand that they’re not designed for long-term use. Driving on a spare for too long can lead to serious damage to your vehicle and even put your safety at risk. If you’ve got a spare tire on your vehicle right now, here’s why it’s crucial to replace it with a proper tire as soon as possible. The Difference Between a Spare and a Regular Tire Most compact spare tires, often called donuts, are smaller, lighter, and narrower than standard tires. They’re built to save space and reduce weight, but they do not provide the same performance, grip, or durability. Their limited tread depth and lower speed ratings are only suitable for short-term use—typically no more than 50 miles at speeds under 50 mph. Full-size spare tires are be ... read more

On a hot day, there’s nothing better than the cool blast of air from your car’s air conditioning system. But when that air turns lukewarm—or stops blowing cold altogether—it’s usually a sign something’s off under the hood. One of the most common issues? Low refrigerant levels. Your AC system relies on refrigerant to absorb and release heat. When the system doesn’t have enough, its ability to cool drops quickly. Here’s how to tell if your vehicle might be running low on refrigerant and why it’s important to act before things get worse. The Air Is Cool—But Not Cold This is often the first red flag. The system may still feel like it's working, but the air just isn’t as cold as it used to be. You might not notice it right away, especially on mild days, but as the outside temperature rises, your AC will struggle to keep up. This drop in cooling power tends to happen gradually, which makes it easy to o ... read more

At Just Automotive, we are always looking for ways to stay ahead in the automotive industry, providing our customers with the best service possible. That's why our team recently attended the 2025 VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo, the industry's premier event for automotive service professionals. This event brought together thousands of experts, technicians, and business owners from across the country and beyond to learn, network, and improve their skills. What is the VISION Conference? VISION is a nationally recognized event designed to enhance the knowledge and expertise of automotive professionals. This year's conference saw over 3,600 registered attendees, including 1,324 first-time participants, representing 48 states and 7 countries. The event featured over 38,000 hours of training, 136 breakout sessions, and classes with as many as 200 attendees per session. With ... read more

Noticing a puddle of liquid under your car can be alarming, but not every leak is a sign of trouble. While some leaks indicate serious mechanical issues, water dripping from your vehicle is often harmless. So how do you know if what you’re seeing is normal condensation or a sign of something wrong? Understanding where the water is coming from and when to be concerned can help prevent unnecessary repairs—or worse, a breakdown on the road. Common Reasons Your Car Might Leak Water Water leaks can come from different parts of your vehicle, and while some are completely normal, others require attention. Here are the most common reasons your car may be dripping water: 1. Air Conditioning Condensation One of the most frequent (and harmless) causes of water pooling under your car is condensation from the air conditioning system. When you run the A/C, moisture builds up on the evaporator coil, and as the air cools, water droplets form and drain t ... read more

When your engine starts overheating, it’s a warning sign that something is wrong, and ignoring it can lead to serious damage. Many drivers assume they can keep driving for a little while to get home or to the nearest repair shop, but that decision can cost you thousands in repairs. An overheating engine isn’t just about rising temperatures; it can affect everything from your cooling system to the engine block itself. What Happens Inside Your Engine When It Overheats Engines are designed to operate at an optimal temperature, usually between 195°F and 220°F. The cooling system works to maintain this balance, ensuring that heat is properly dissipated. But when something disrupts this process—like low coolant, a faulty thermostat, or a failing radiator fan—the temperature begins to climb. If you continue driving under these conditions, the engine reaches dangerous levels of heat, which can cause severe damage to metal components, seals, a ... read more