Valentine's Day is just around the corner ladies and gents, and we wish all couples out there a wonderful holiday. Before you celebrate with your loved one, don’t forget about your other partner in life – your car, of course! Now is the perfect time to take care of business when it comes to your car. Show your vehicle some love by giving it the maintenance it needs.  We invite you to Chahel Automotive for quality and affordable car care. We have seven convenient locations all around Northern Virginia. While you probably put your oil change and brake check on hold through the holidays, you should not ignore these essential tasks. Who wants to deal with the stress of pesky car problems early on in the year? That is why you should bring your car to Chahel Automotive for some TLC. What Kind of Maintenance Does My Car Need? Oil Change Tire Rotation Tire Pressure Check & Adjustment Filter Change Wash and Wax Fluid Flushes Light Check Brake Service &hellip ... read more

It’s that time of the year in Northern Virginia again when we all need to bundle up to leave our houses. When we head out the door to go turn on our cars, we expect our heater to heat up quickly. If you keep getting cold air instead of warm air, then you have a heater problem. How Do Car Heaters Work? The heating system brings the heat from the engine to keep your vehicle’s interior warm and comfortable in the winter. It comprises the heater core, a fan, coolant, and more. At our auto repair shop, we are committed to getting to the bottom of your heater problem. We are equipped to handle the most challenging heater repairs.    If your vehicle’s heating system is malfunctioning, it can be due to any of the following problems: Low Coolant - If your car is low on coolant fluid, your vehicle won’t get the proper heating. You can check the levels by popping the hood of your car open. Dirty Coolant - The condition ... read more

Soon, many Americans will be getting ready for Thanksgiving Day. For many, that means traveling near and far to visit loved ones. Since it will be the busiest travel season of the year, we want to make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape to get to your family safely. Here are our top car care tips for road travel:  Monitor coolant levels - Check on this fluid to prevent overheating. Your coolant should be flushed out every couple of years. Have motor oil changed -  Clean oil will ensure a safe journey. If it has been 3,000 miles or more, it is better safe than sorry to make sure your engine is properly lubricated. Test the battery - With temperatures dropping in most places, your battery may grow weak. Come on by for a battery test to see if your battery can handle smooth start-ups over the holidays. Make sure the heater and defrosters work - These help you keep warm and stay comfortable on the road.  Check tire tread depth and tire pressure - Your car tires are ... read more

Gaskets are the most important parts of your car's engine. Their primary function is to seal off compartments in the engine. Your engine is divided into the cylinder block, where the pistons and cylinders reside, and the cylinder head, where the spark plugs, valves, and camshafts are located. The head gasket is found swaddled in between these two massive engine parts. What Role Does the Head Gasket Fulfill? A head gasket is a vital component when sealing the cylinder's pressure. It also prevents coolant and engine oil from leaking into the cylinders or outside. Because the head gasket is constantly under pressure between two surfaces, rapidly shrinking and expanding, it is bound to wear off at some point, leading to costly repairs. Can I Drive a Car With A Blown Head Gasket? Yes, you can drive a car with a blown gasket, but it is definitely not recommended. Ignoring the obvious signs that your car has a blown gasket will only lead to further damage to the engine, which wil ... read more

If you're wondering what the difference is between shocks and struts, you're not alone. Many people don't know that there is a difference, or if they do, they're not quite sure what it is. In this blog post, we'll clear up any confusion and explain the difference. Shocks vs. Struts: What's the Difference? Shocks Shocks are a type of suspension component that helps control the movement of your springs. They work by absorbing the impact of bumps in the road, helping to keep your car from bouncing around. There are two main types of shocks: gas-charged and oil-filled. Gas-charged shocks are filled with nitrogen gas, which helps to keep the shock cool and prevents it from foaming. Oil-filled shocks are filled with hydraulic fluid, which helps to lubricate the moving parts and prevent wear. Struts Struts are a type of suspension component that helps support the weight of your car and provide a smooth ride. They work by absorbing the impact of bumps in the road ... read more