Getting those new tires just got easier!

Just in time to help with selecting those new tires, the Curry's website has a new tire selector and fitment guide to help you peruse your options online. All it takes is a few clicks and you can enter your vehicle information and you'll be able to see what your options are in an instant. Tell us where you are and your nearest Curry's location will either call or email you with an accurate quote for the tires you selected.

Now, the first question we always get asked is, "Why do I have to get a quote, can't I just order them online, then come in and have them fitted?"

See Clearly: Headlight Restoration

Are your headlights a little dull? Are you having difficulty seeing while driving at night? (but you know your eyesight is good?). We have a quick fix to help your visibility and make sure you are safe while driving at night. Headlight restoration is an inexpensive procedure that we can perform during your next visit. This is a quick and simply way to bring brilliant, bright light back into your night driving.

Regular Oil Changes is Critical Car Maintenance

We say this everyday. Here's a nice overview and reminder on why our engines need this service!

Danny's Engine Portal: Regular Oil Changes is Critical Car Maintenance: Despite the sophistication of today's advanced automotive engines, the old-fashioned act of changing the oil is still the most critical piec...

Why Do I Need a Transmission Service?

One of the most critical, unobtrusive and, therefore, often neglected parts of a vehicle is the transmission. While it isn't as maintenance-intensive as the brake system, for example, both manual and automatic transmissions require at least periodic inspections if not regular service to prolong their life. But before we explain how to best service transmissions, a brief explanation of how one works is required.

The transmission multiplies torque from the engine through a gear reduction and/or torque conversion. A typical manual transmission has anywhere from four to six speeds with the final or highest gear being either a direct 1:1 drive ratio or an "overdrive" ratio, less than 1:1. For the most part, they are trouble-free (except for the clutch, which can be problematic if adjusted incorrectly or abused). An automatic transmission, on the other hand, multiplies engine torque as it passes through the fluid coupling known as the "torque converter" and then through three or more separate gear ratios. The transmission oil is critical for lubricating the transmission and reducing friction. When the fluid breaks down and loses its viscosity, it no longer effectively lubricates the transmission. This causes premature and excessive wear and results in transmission failure.

EXTREME HEAT ADVICE FROM CURRY'S AUTO SERVICE

Advice for keeping YOU and your vehicle cool and on the road!


Over the next few days Northern Virginia, Maryland and the DC Metro area are under extreme weather warnings with temperatures likely to exceed the 100 degree mark so we wanted to share some advice that should help all of us to keep moving in these adverse conditions:

• Pack a travel kit that includes plenty of water and a well charged cell phone for emergency calls. Even a short trip in extreme heat carries many of the same risks that come with longer trips in hot weather.
• Check fluids. Check to be sure that your coolant levels, plus other fluid levels such as motor oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid levels are full - but do not overfill fluids. Also remember to check belts and hoses for signs of excessive wear.
• Check your tires. Before operating your vehicle in extreme heat, check the condition of your tires and be sure tire air pressure is set at the manufacturer's recommended level.
• Maintain your vehicle. Have a trained, qualified mechanic check your car and perform preventive maintenance.
• Keep checking your lights and gauges. Even if your fluid levels and tires were fine before you left, problems can develop quickly while you are driving.
• Don't idle for long. Avoid leaving your engine running without moving, except for routine and brief delays, such as waiting at red lights.
• Watch your engine temp. If your engine temperature begins to rise outside the normal range, approaching overheating, you might be able to reduce the load on your engine and help remove excessive heat by turning off the air conditioning and turning on your heater. This would rapidly make your vehicle too uncomfortable to tolerate for very long, but it could save your engine from overheating. If your temperature gauge does reach the red zone or an engine temperature warning light comes on, do not continue to drive. As soon as it can be safely accomplished, the driver needs to get the vehicle off the roadway, the further from traffic the better. Severe engine damage can result from overheating.
• Don't get burned. If your vehicle does overheat, do not attempt to remove the radiator cap. Extremely hot and pressurized coolant can spray out violently, potentially causing severe burns. Also, do not pour water over a hot radiator or engine, as sudden, extreme changes in temperature can also cause engine damage.
• Remember to care for yourself, not just your car. In extremely hot weather, it's not just your car that needs special attention - it's you and your passengers as well. Take regular breaks on long drives and stay hydrated.
• Follow the rules of the road. Speeding always carries risks, but during extremely hot weather, driving at high speeds places particularly high demands on your vehicle's tires and mechanical components.
• If your vehicle overheats or breaks down on the side of the road and you choose to exit the vehicle, move to a safe location away from traffic. Standing near the roadway can create a dangerous situation for you and other motorists.
• When thinking about safe driving in extreme heat, do not overlook the potentially deadly threat of heat in a parked car. Never leave a child unattended in a parked car, and never leave a pet in a parked car in hot weather.

We hope this goes some way to helping you stay safe and on the road, if for any reason you do need roadside assistance remember as a Curry's customer you can dial 1-888-8CURRYS for assistance and local towing services.

More to share

I still can't believe we have a bright, beautiful mural on our wall. We've been talking of doing something like this since we moved in. I simply love how Aniekan brought in all the elements about the surrounding area. He added a flag and even some silk flowers for the girls hair (look closely on the figure on the far left) for a 3D effect! We have an image of a fish jumping out of Four Mile Run stream (that is behind the shop, silhouette of a biker and a walker on the W&OD path that is across the street, and of course, an Arlington Little League baseball player practicing at Barcroft Park!

At Curry's, we have some crazy, unique ideas to add to the mix of car maintenance, tires, and inspections that we do each day. Why not add a little fun to our surroundings and showcase our community?

So, tell me what you think!

AUTOS and ART

What do cars and art have in common?

Well, for Curry’s, that would be Aniekan Udofia. We just commissioned this D.C. Artist to brighten up the drab wall on the back of our Arlington location. He’s painting a big, colorful mural as a tribute to our Arlington community. It’s a crazy idea for an auto repair shop, but actually very fitting for a business that shares property lines with Barcroft Park. The park brings together the community and offers a break from a busy day. I think we’re up to the task of creating a vivid image that celebrates the communities in Arlington and is visually inspiring, just like the park and the surrounding Four Mile Run stream. Aniekan’s draft envisions the sweet faces of children, people participating in various outdoor sports and activities including biking and walking on the W & OD bike path that is directly across the street. Water is included since Four Mile Run stream is close by, as well as monuments from Arlington cemetery.

You’ll have to come by and see it. And let me know what you think. Did we represent the community and create a visual masterpiece for everyone to enjoy?

All the credit goes to Aniekan Udofia. Check out his website (http://www.artofaniekanudofia.com/index.html)to learn more about his talents and work. Commissioning a local artist like Aniekan is very easy!