Why Your Check Engine Light Is On

One of the things that you will have to encounter often as a car owner is the check engine light. The light is supposed to mean to service engine soon, but it does not offer any clue as to why the light is on and what you should do about it. The general consensus is to just bring the vehicle to ASE master technicians and allow them to run a diagnostic test on the vehicle. This is the easiest way to make sure that you are able to get the best information about what is wrong with the car so it can be fixed. But how much will it cost and when will you get your car back? It all depends on what is wrong with it. Here are some common things which can set the light off.

Reminder for General Car Maintenance

The most common reason that your check engine light comes on is because it is time for regular car maintenance. Car manufacturers will set the car so that the light will turn on at regular intervals after being serviced. It will do this even when there is nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle. After taking the vehicle in for routing fluid checks and oil changes, they will be able to turn the light back off so you can drive on. If you want to know how much this will cost, call to ask how much the next scheduled maintenance visit will cost and you will get an idea.

Car Repair Problems with Belts

Belts have a tendency to slip or loosen. These can cause mechanical problems including timing issues. When these are registered by the computer, it will indicate that it is time to invest in car repair. Making sure that you are bringing in the vehicle to service the engine soon will alleviate any concerns about cost. Forgoing the problem and ignoring the light will only make the problem worse. In worst case scenarios, belts can snap off which will leave you stranded on the side of the road waiting to get a tow. You can avoid this kind of scenario by simply scheduling a maintenance visit soon.

Overheating Issues to Work On

Whenever the temperature of the engine starts to rise outside of the normal range, it can send warning signals to the computer. The check engine light is a warning to let you know that there is a possibility of further problems you might be encountering with your vehicle so you will be able to get it fixed as quickly as possible. Often, the issue with possibly overheating can be alleviated by topping off coolants or repairing radiators. There are some instances in which the coolant system has to be flushed out. This can cost a lot of money to repair because of the amount of work which is involved in the process. Remember that the sooner you bring in your vehicle, the less you will have to spend to get it fixed. This will help in making sure that you will be able to get your vehicle back faster as well. Do not waste any time whenever the check engine light is on as it could mean real problems.

Performing a General Car Maintenance

To ensure that your car runs as well as possible, for as long as possible, you may want to consider performing general car maintenance every ten thousand miles. This will ensure that everything is in working order. It will also help extend the life of your car. Performing general maintenance requires little to no experience, and is actually extremely easy to do. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.

Fluid Checks: Making Sure Everything is Level

Every ten thousand miles, as a part of your general car maintenance, you will want to check the fluid levels in your vehicle, even if you already frequently check and change the engine oil. Fluid checks are simple, but before performing them, make sure that your car is parked on level ground and has been off for at least five minutes. This allows all fluids to settle. First, check the engine oil. Locate the oil dipstick. Insert it into the oil, then pull it out and check the reading. The oil should be above low, but not above full. If your oil comes out black, it is time to change the oil in your car. If it comes out a caramel brown, you don’t need to change it yet, only fill it up if need be. Next, check the engine coolant. If the fluid is below the low level marker, fill it up. It’s very important that you do not open the engine coolant tank while the engine is hot. After you have checked the coolant level, if you have an automatic car, you will need to check the transmissions fluid. To do this, you first need to drive your car for a while in order to let the fluid heat up. Once you have done this, park on level ground, but leave the engine running. Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick. Dip the dipstick into the transmissions fluid. The color of the fluid should be a violet or red. If it is brown, you will need to change your transmissions fluid.

The Battery and the Tire Inspections

The battery is the easiest part of your general car maintenance check. You can tell a battery needs to be replaced by looking at it. If there are any cracks or leaks, the battery needs to go, in order to prevent corrosion. For tire inspections, although you should check them every month, during your maintenance, you should look for wear in the tread and make sure the PSI level is good. A worn down tread can cause slippage, so if you notice that your tires have little to no tread, consider replacing them soon. Use a PSI gauge to check the air level of your tires. You should have a reading close to what your tire says the max PSI is, which can be found on the sidewall of the tire. If you have the knowhow, you may also want to consider rotating your car’s tires. Due to the difference in wear between the front and back, this will allow you to get more life out of them.

When to See a Professional

If you noticed any issues that you couldn’t identify during your general car maintenance or tire inspection, it may be a good idea to bring your car in to a professional mechanic’s shop. Be sure to tell them what you were doing when you noticed the problem, as it may have some relation.

How Proper Maintenance Reduces Auto Repair Costs

Every driver has to endure maintenance costs on their vehicle. Reducing the auto repair costs allows each driver to make the cost of car ownership much easier to handle. Making sure to follow general car maintenance schedules makes sure that you will be able to save money on auto repair costs. The important thing to remember about car maintenance is that it is performed to reduce malfunctions in the engine and in other parts of the vehicle. By sticking to a maintenance schedule, it is possible to spend less on brakes. It is also possible to reduce the need for expensive engine repair. Through regular fluid checks, it is possible to maintain the engine and to reduce the costs of maintenance. All good mechanics should be able to complete the required maintenance on your vehicle to help you save money.

Spend Less on Brakes

The brakes on your vehicle have parts which are designed to wear out over time. The brake pads are among the first parts to get worn out as you are driving. Every time the brake lights come on, the pads are worn down a little more. The pads not only help to slow the vehicle so you can come to a complete stop. They help to reduce the amount of strain being put on the entire brake system. If the brake pads are not changed at the right time, it is possible that the discs can be eroded too quickly. The calipers can also be affected if the brake pads are too thin or have worn out completely. Changing the pads before there is a problem can lead to big savings.

Preventing Engine Repair

There are parts of the engine which must be operating properly in order to keep the engine operating properly. This includes the belts and hoses found in the engine. The belts help in generating electricity to maintain the proper function of the engine. Belts can also help in making sure that the water pump is circulating coolants throughout the engine. By making sure that the belts and hoses are operating properly, it is possible to prevent major engine repair from being necessary at any time. Replacing belts and hoses is a relatively inexpensive cost as compared to replacing more integral engine parts which malfunction when belts are not operating properly.

The Importance of Fluid Checks

There are fluids your engine depends on to maintain proper function. These fluids include the oil as well as things like coolants. Whenever you bring in your vehicle for general car maintenance, fluid checks are performed as a part of the normal maintenance. Checking on coolant levels can help to prevent the engine from overheating. By maintaining the engine temperatures, it is possible for you to prevent malfunctions in certain engine parts. When checking the fluids, it is possible to see if transmission fluids are at the proper levels as well. Oil changes are common during car scheduled car maintenance so that there is fresh oil in the engine. Changing the oil also helps in making sure that the right levels of oil are in the car for proper operation and to avoid additional engine troubles.

Checking Headlights and Other Preparations for a Trip

Planning a road trip can be a lot of fun. The ability to drive to faraway places is one of the reasons many people purchase a vehicle in the first place. Getting the freedom that a vehicle represents can help you to enjoy life more. Of course, there are certain preparations you should go through as you are getting ready to go on any trip. This can include making sure to check that all of the lights are working properly. It is also a good idea to check the tire pressure before hitting the open road. You may also consider investing in windshield wiper replacements before starting on any journey. With the right preparations, you can have a better journey as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing you did everything you were supposed to do.

Checking the Headlights and Brake Lights

Traveling on the open road means you will be traveling in close proximity to other vehicles. They need to be able to see whenever you are doing things. Seeing in the dark is very hard to do on a roadway. Making sure that all of your lights work properly will help in making sure that you are going to be able to stay safe while you are traveling. Dim headlights can be replaced so you will be able to see better while you are driving. Brake lights that are not working properly can be replaced as well. Some vehicles will need to have the headlight covers cleaned professionally so that it is easy to see the road ahead.

Checking the Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is very important in making sure that you are able to get the best fuel efficiency. Tires which are filled properly require more gas to keep going forward. They grab onto the road more and require more energy to move forward at the right rates. If filled to the correct levels, tires will help in gripping the road while still being able to easily glide forward. Properly inflated tires also make it safe to drive your vehicle. When you turn the tire, your vehicle will respond to the change. If the tire is not filled properly, there can be a sluggish response to any change in the wheel. This can make it difficult to avoid a collision.

Investing in Windshield Wiper Replacements

You may also consider investing in windshield wiper replacements. This is a great way to make sure you can see better through the windshield. New wiper blades have the ability to remove more dirt and grime from the windshield. Having new wiper blades also helps in making sure that when it rains that the water can be wiped out of the way. Dry glass is easier to see through than a sheet of water. By making sure that you also have the right levels of windshield wiper fluid, it is possible to clean the windshield whenever it gets dirty. The special formula of the fluid helps in removing dirt and grime. If the fluid is at the right levels, it is possible to remove all of the dirt from your windshield whenever you need to.

Guide to Buying and Maintaining Tires

The tires of the vehicle are among the most important elements. This is because without good tires, it is impossible to steer your vehicle correctly. Tires provide traction on roads and other surfaces. The size and the style of the tire can have an effect on fuel efficiency as well as your ability to maintain traction on certain surfaces. While buying great tires is a good starting point, you will need to maintain them so they will last as long as you want them to. Following the advice in this guide allows you to have tires which will last you as long as possible.

What Tires You Should Buy

Every vehicle has different requirements when it comes to the tires. The weight of the vehicle has a lot to do with the kind of tire you need to purchase. The type of tire is also dependent on what the vehicle is designed to do. Vehicles designed to be sporty often have wide wheels to grab the road easier. If the vehicle has four wheel drive capability and will be used off road, you will need a tire that has good traction for off road handling. Deep tread allows dirt to get in between the tread so there is more connection with solid surfaces. Always pay attention to the expected mileage for each tire so it will last as long as you want it to.

Maintaining Tire Alignment

The tire alignment is highly important for your tires. If all of the tires are not pointed in the same direction, it can cause a drag. Not only can this cause your car to pull to one side of the road or the other. It will also cause the tire that is being dragged to endure excessive wear. Uneven wear on the tire means that a bald spot on the tire can appear faster. It also causes a possibility in which the tire might become flat. If you are noticing that the car is pulling to one side, it is important to get this taken care of right away. Many suggest getting this done every time you purchase new tires.

Maintaining Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is extremely important to maintaining the life of the tire. The right amount of pressure in a tire ensures that even wear is possible. It also means that the right amount of traction is being delivered whenever the vehicle is accelerating. If you are unsure if your tires have the right tire pressure, you can use a tire gauge. Simply remove the nozzle protection and put the gauge over the nozzle. The white plastic stick slides out of the metal outer core to tell you exactly what the pound per square inch (PSI) of the tire is. If the PSI is off from what it should be, fill it using a tire inflation device designed for used with automotive vehicles. If you are unsure what the tire pressure for your tires should be, consult the inside door panel on the driver’s side. Never go by the information which is listed on the tire if there is anything written there. Correct tire pressure also helps you to get better fuel efficiency.