On any vehicle, shocks and struts are susceptible to wear over time. Here in New England, the winter potholes can really put your suspension to the test. So, how can you tell when it’s time for a replacement? The timeline will vary depending on the kind of car drive and what your driving conditions are […]

If you hear a funky squeaking sound coming from your engine, don’t ignore it—it could be your car trying to tell you something important. One of the most common culprits behind strange squeaking noises under the hood is a worn or damaged serpentine belt. Also known as a drive belt, this unassuming component plays a […]

Spring is officially here! If you suffer from seasonal allergies, replacing your car’s cabin air filter before the spring pollen hits is super important. Your car’s ventilation system relies on this small filter to keep a steady stream of clean air flowing; so, while you can’t magically get rid of the pollen in the air, […]

A wheel alignment is a standard maintenance service for any vehicle. As cars drive, their wheels are in constant contact with the road, which can cause them to become misaligned over time— and create even more significant issues for peripheral systems if not corrected. Even a simple mistake like bumping into a curb or running […]

Dirt, salt, and sediment can destroy your car’s clear coat and paint over time. Once these layers are gone, your car’s metal components are prone to rust and erosion.  Experts say that washing your vehicle every few weeks can help to prevent dirt and sand from rubbing through the paint and eating away at the […]

A new year means new inspection stickers! In Massachusetts, all registered vehicles are required to pass an annual safety inspection. As of 2008, vehicles with the model year of 2001 or newer also have to pass an emissions test. If your sticker is about to expire, here’s what you should do. Be Prepared Before you […]

Your vehicle is a big investment. Whether you own your car outright, you’re still making monthly car payments, or you lease your vehicle, you’ll need to plan for regular car maintenance expenses. Not to mention that gas prices that are still much higher than we would like them to be! At V&F Auto, we’re here […]

A wheel alignment is a normal repair for your vehicle. As you drive, your wheels are in constant contact with the road which can cause them to become misaligned—and create even bigger issues for peripheral systems. Simply running into a curb or a pothole can jumpstart severe misalignment, even if you don’t notice a difference […]

Noisy brakes can be an early indicator of a serious safety problem. In this article, we’ll help you understand why your brakes are squeaking and when you should come in for brake service at V&F Auto. Why Brakes Squeal Simply put, brakes make this noise because they’re designed to. Brake pads have an embedded stip, […]