Your vehicle’s air conditioning system does not create cold air. How it works is that it actually takes the heat and moisture out of the air that is already in your car, leaving behind cooler air. Which is why it takes a while for it to start feeling cool. The Freon refrigerant resides in the air conditioning system and the compressor compresses the Freon into a high-pressure state causing it to liquefy. It travels through the high-pressure lines to the condenser. The condenser which is similar to a small radiator, puts the liquid in contact with fresh air on the outside of the vehicle, which absorbs the heat from the liquid. It then flows into the expansion valve or orifice tube where it is restricted and becomes gaseous into the low-pressure side of your air conditioning system. Finally, it flows into the receiver bag that removes and collect unwanted moisture and impurities. The clean gaseous Freon travels to the evaporator and it now absorbs heat from the air passing through to leave behind the cooler air. Magically -- your fan blows cooler dry air into your car’s cabin!
 
The Freon travels back down to the compressor to get compressed back into the high-pressure gas and begin the process again. The Freon, also, carries dispersed oil that helps to keep the air-conditioning compressor lubricated, while operating. Your Freon staying charged is *crucial* to the proper operation and lubrication of the air conditioner compressor.
 
Where does Cutshaw Automotive come in to the equation? If your Freon gets low, you’re Air Conditioning system can still operate, but it may lose some of its cooling effect, it can shorten the cycle, or it can damage the compressor because it isn't being properly lubricated, while operating. We can do a simple check of pressure. Or we can give a thorough check of the operation of the compressor, it’s clutch and belt, check the high and low pressures of the system while operating, check proper control panel operation, check heater blower fan and engine cooling fan operation, check for restrictions in the system, check for proper air flow through the condenser and evaporator and check for any obvious leaks. We're your care-free car care in Richmond. Trust Cutshaw!

 At Cutshaw Automotive, we are REQUIRED to do an OFFICIAL Virginia State Inspection procedure, every time we do a state inspection on a vehicle at our garage. Each time, we put anybody's baby up on the lift, we look for and at the same things. In fact, they are all urgently important for our environment, your safety and the safety for other vehicles on the road. Each one is carefully considered in being added to the manual, and Cutshaw in meticulous in making sure we go over the list, carefully, when you get your inspection, here:



Cutshaw's Inspection Procedure: 
1. - REMOVE OLD INSPECTION STICKER.
2. - DRIVE VEHICLE INTO INSPECTION LANE.
3. - INSPECT BRAKES FOR:

• Worn, damaged or missing parts.
• Worn, contaminated or defective linings or drums.
• Leakage in system and proper fluid level.
• Worn, contaminated or defective disc pads or disc rotors.
  (NOTE: A minimum of two wheels and drums must be removed from each vehicle at the time of inspection. Consult the “Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual” for exceptions.)

4. - INSPECT PARKING BRAKE FOR:

• Broken or missing parts.
• Proper adjustment.
• Standard factory equipment or equivalent.

5. - INSPECT HEADLIGHTS FOR:

• Approved type, aim and output.
• Condition of lamps, lenses, wiring and switch.
• High beam indicator.

6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:

• Approved type, proper bulbs, and condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
• Aim of fog and driving lamps.
• Illumination of all lamps and proper color of lenses.
  (NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. (Include load when measuring.)

7. – INSPECT SIGNAL DEVICE FOR:

• Approved type, proper bulbs, and condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
• Correct operation of device.
• Illumination of all lamps and proper lens color.

8. – INSPECT STEERING & SUSPENSION FOR: 
       (Jack up front end as shown in “Official Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection Manual”.)

• Wear in bushings, kingpins, ball joints, wheel bearings and tie rod ends.
• Looseness of gear box on frame, condition of drag link and steering arm.
• Play in steering wheel; leakage of power steering fluid in the system.
• Wheel alignment and axle alignment.
• Broken coil springs, spring leaves and worn shackles.
• Shock absorbers.
• Broken or weakened frame.
• Broken or missing engine mounts.
• Lift blocks.

9. – INSPECT TIRES, WHEELS & RIMS FOR:

• Condition of tires including tread depth.
• Mixing radials and bias ply tires.
• Wheels that are cracked or damaged so as to affect safe operation.

10. – INSPECT MIRRORS FOR:

• Rigidity of mounting.
• Condition of reflecting surface.
• Check for road visibility 200 feet to the rear. (Truck mirrors must extend at least halfway beyond edge of body.)

11. – INSPECT HORN FOR:

• Electrical connections, mounting and horn button.
• Emits sound audible for a minimum of 200 feet.

12. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD AND OTHER GLASS FOR:

• Approved type safety glass.
• Cloudiness, distortion or other obstruction to vision.
• Cracked, scratched or broken glass.
• ALL UNAUTHORIZED STICKERS MUST BE REMOVED. 
• Sun shading material on windshield displaying words, lettering, numbers or pictures that does not extend below the AS-1 line is permitted. In the absence of an AS-1 line, sun shading material on the windshield displaying words, lettering, numbers or pictures cannot extend more than three inches downward from the top of the windshield, unless authorized by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and indicated on the vehicle registration.
• Operation of left front door glass.

13. – INSPECT WINDSHIELD WIPER/DEFROSTER FOR:

• Operating condition.
• Condition of wiper blades.

14. – INSPECT EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR:

• Exhaust line:  manifold, gaskets, pipes, mufflers, connections, etc.
• Leakage of gases at any point from engine to point discharged from system.

15. – INSPECT REAR LICENSE PLATE FOR:

• Illumination of rear plate.

16. – INSPECT HOOD AND AREA UNDER THE HOOD FOR:

• Operating condition of hood latch.
• Presence of emissions system; evidence that any essential parts have been removed, rendered inoperative or disconnected.
• Fluid levels that are below the proper level:
    (a)  Brake fluid.  
    (b)  Power steering fluid.
• Power steering belt; proper tension, wear or absence of belt.

17. – INSPECT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM OF 1973 AND SUBSEQUENT MODELS FOR:

• Installation.
• No parts removed, disconnected or rendered inoperable. 
  (NOTE: This includes the catalytic converter and the fuel tank filler pipe.)

18. – INSPECT DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

• Anchorage.
• Location.
• Condition.

19. – INSPECT SEAT BELTS FOR:

• Approved type.
• Installation.
• Condition.

20. – INSPECT AIR BAG AND AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT FOR:

• Any defects in the air bag system noted by the air bag readiness light, or otherwise indicated; or
• The air bag has been deployed and has not been replaced (and is not deactivated because of a medical or other exemption and a notice is posted to indicate that it has been deactivated); or
• Any part of the air bag system has been removed from the vehicle; or
• If the air bag indicator fails to light or stays on continuously.    

21. – INSPECT DOORS AT THE RIGHT & LEFT SIDE OF THE DRIVER’S SEAT FOR:

• Handle or opening device which will permit the opening of the door from the outside and inside of the vehicle.
• Latching system which will hold door in its proper closed position.

22. – INSPECT FUEL SYSTEM FOR:

• Any part that is not securely fastened.
• Liquid fuel leakage.
• Fuel tank filler cap for presence.

23. – INSPECT FLOOR PAN FOR:

• Holes which allow exhaust gases to enter occupant compartment.
• Conditions which create a hazard to the occupants.

24. – ISSUE STICKER:

• If approved, place completed approval sticker on the vehicle and give the receipt of certificate to the operator.
• ALL DEFECTS MUST BE CORRECTED AND THE VEHICLE REINSPECTED WITHIN 15 DAYS.  THE DRIVER MAY BE SUBJECT TO RECEIVING A TRAFFIC SUMMONS FOR ANY DEFECT STILL PRESENT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY. 

(NOTE:  The validity period of the rejection sticker shall include fifteen (15) days in addition to the day of the inspection.) 
Consider getting your Virginia State Inspection done closer to the beginning of the month just in case there is anything we need to address. Champe, Domingo and the Cutshaw Team!

Winter is clearly over and now, it is time to take assessment. If you’ve hit potholes (in RVA? Naaa!), your tires have lost pressure. Your brakes may have accumulated road salt. Your alignment may not off after driving on icy roads. Here is your checklist for After-Winter-Care from Cutshaw Automotive:
 

• Don’t Wait on an Engine That Stalls - if your car is idling roughly when driving, or if it takes multiple attempts to get your vehicle started, it’s time to come see us! It may not be a serious issue - it could be a simple repair (ignition wires or dirty air filter, for instance)
• Get a Virginia State Inspection - even if it isn't time for a Virginia State Inspection, an overall inspection should be at the top of your spring car care to-do list.
  
• Test Your Lights - check bulbs, blinkers (part of the Virginia State Inspection)
• Replace Your Cabin Filter - prime time for allergies and your cabin filter could contribute to your sneezes! Your Cabin Filter can prevent allergens from getting trapped in the car. If you haven’t changed out your cabin filter in a while, you could be breathing in pollen, dirt and dust each time you hop in the car.
• Realign All Tires - rotate, balance and align for the best ride and mileage.
  
• Check Tire Pressure - potholes and wintry roads deplete tire pressure.
  
• Change Air Filters Now - this will help for when you use your Air Conditioner. We live in an area where spring weather can quickly switch from warm and temperate to hot and summer-like, so we need to test it now so you have plenty of time for A/C repairs, before it is really needed.
  
• Do an Exhaust System Analysis (also part of the Virginia State Inspection!)
  
• Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades (yup, part of the Virginia State Inspection check)
  
• Refill Fluids
  
• Replace Plugs and Batteries
  
• Schedule an Oil Change
  
• Wash the Car (find one from your neighborhood kids!)
  
• Inspect for Paint Damage
  
• Gut the Inside of Your Car - winter makes us lazy about getting everything out of the car, so you've likely accumulated a bunch of stuff in the backseat and the trunk.
  
• Clean the Inside of the Car, Too (especially the Interior Air Vents!)
  
• Lastly, Remove Debris from the Engine- look under the hood for acorns, pine needles, and crunchy leaves. These can all prevent gaskets and drainage from working, well.
  
• Make Sure Drains Aren’t Clogged - particularly near the front doors  - if these get clogged, the next rainstorm could become quite messy, INSIDE your car.
  
• Revisit Your Insurance Policy
  
• Test All Belts for Slackness - even your seat belts!  
  

Now, you can relax and have a last-minute road trip with no worries! Thanks for checking in - we'll see you at Cutshaw Automotive!

Visit our Facebook page for our contest - simply post a GIF in the comments of the post and we'll choose a winner by Tuesday - feel free to share with a friend, ya'all!

According to 2015 data from the Car Care Council, 84% of vehicles surveyed required immediate service. Among the issues: low or dirty oil, contaminated air filters and inadequate coolant levels. Neglecting preventive auto maintenance means easy fixes can become expensive repairs down the road.

Preventive maintenance important because it saves you money. "Preventive maintenance helps you get the most out of what has become a significant investment in transportation", says Tony Molla, Vice President of Communications for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). "For most consumers, a car is [one of the biggest purchases] they're going to make in their lifetime."

• It increases longevity.
  

• It improves safety. 
  

• It maximizes efficiency.
  

Trust Cutshaw with your baby - Care-Free Car Care!

Don't you hate getting gas when it is freezing rain? Don't you hate how LONG the 28 days of February seem? OK. I will stop whining.  Why is it so important to not ignore oil changes while the weather is stinking cold?

Following manufacturer's recommendations, you should change the oil and oil filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Because Virginia is mild compared to other regions in the country, changing the viscosity of oil may not be necessary, over the winter, but just know that 5W-30 motor oil flows quicker in cold weather than 20W-50. Oil is rated by viscosity, but temperature does affect its thickness. In cold weather, it gets very dense and might have a hard time (at start-up) circulating through the system for proper lubrication. It's important the oil you put in isn't thin enough to run past all the components, without properly adhering.

Don't ignore your oil changes in the winter.  Cutshaw offers a roasty-toasty waiting area with free coffee and comfy couches....so let us get your oil changed while you let us offer you care-free car care. We even offer free towing and a loaner car, if necessary for larger repairs.

Well, it's kind of like this question:  Do you take a bath? (or shower)?  If the answer is
'Yes' then you'll understand the need to flush your powersteering.  Simply put, it gets
dirty.  If your answer is 'No' - that's creepy :-)  Powersteering fluid, much like oil and others
contains additives.  In addition, powersteering is one of the few systems in your car that
does NOT have a filter on it.  So, over the course of the vehicles life, that fluid, which
lubricates the powersteering system, gets dirty and is no longer keeping your system lubricated.  As a result, metal parts will rub together and break. 

Benefits of a Power Steering Fluid Flush (old fluid removed, system is cleaned, and new power steering fluid is added) 

• Removes harmful deposits from the power steering system
  
• Conditions and  revitalizes seals
  
• Prevents hard steering in cold climates
  
• Eliminates rack  and pinion steering stiffness
  
• Eliminates power steering noises and whining (don't you get enough whining from your kids?) 
  
• Minimizes risk of future leaks and premature power system failure
  

Many car manufacturers do not provide a service interval for powersteering flushes.  A good rule of thumb is every 30,000 miles or every two years.  This kind of service is much cheeper than repairing or replacing your powersteering system ($500 and up!) With that said, it's your car.  But, when your trusted friends at Cutshaw recommend it :-)  do it!

The challenges of the winter aren't just chilly toes and ruined shoes - taking care of your car has its challenges, too. Here are a few tips for you to keep your car in great shape, until springtime.
 

1. Because of shorter days, please make sure that your car's headlights are in excellent shape and bulbs are all working. We offer a reasonable restoration for your headlights, if they are foggy.
2. It is a VERY bad day when your battery dies in a snowstorm. A weak battery quickly turns to a dead battery, in the colder weather. Ask for a battery check at your next appointment
3. Your antifreeze isn’t just a coolant - it also keeps the engine from freezing in colder temperatures. Let's make sure you don't have any leaks and you've got plenty of coolant, next visit to Cutshaw Automotive
4. Keep a full tank of both gasoline and of windshield-washer fluid, this winter. If you get stuck, you'll be able to keep the engine running and a full windshield-washer is paramount as a snowstorm can force you to constantly use your window washing fluid, to see where you're going
5. Make sure to get a tire check because you need traction all year long - through ice, rain, or perfect pavement. And please track your tire pressure because it drops with the air temperature and driving with low-pressure means premature tire wear
6. Even if you live right here in the city of Richmond, keep a flashlight, a blanket, jumper cables and socks (traction for your feet if you don't have boots!) in case of emergency.
7. Check your car's window defroster and heater because they are meant to help your windows from fogging up and to keep you roasty toasty -- and if you shiver all the way to work, you're going to  be a very grouchy bear all day long. And we don't want that. Come to Cutshaw to get your tires, battery, fluids, heating system, and headlights checked out before you get stuck in a snowstorm, this winter. Trust Cutshaw.