Many auto repair issues are difficult or impossible to diagnose without a trained eye and an understanding of automotive systems. However, many can also be easily and quickly diagnosed with common sense.
Observe your vehicle regularly and jot down notes so that you can relay specific symptoms to your mechanic in clear, descriptive terms. This simple tip could save you hundreds in unnecessary auto repairs. Contact RSC Automotive Repair now!
The check engine light, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) or engine performance warning light, indicates that your vehicle is experiencing an issue and needs to be repaired. This issue could be as minor as a loose gas cap or as serious as a misfiring engine. Either way, the car should be pulled over, and a professional automotive repair service should be sought as soon as possible. Failure to have this done could lead to more long-term damage that can cost more to fix in the future.
In some cases, the check engine light may come on for a temporary problem, such as an environmental factor that affects emissions. However, if the MIL is constantly on or is flashing, this can indicate a more significant problem that should be addressed immediately. If the MIL is flashing, it is a sign that the engine has to work harder to operate the vehicle and that the problem will likely worsen over time.
A check engine light can be a nuisance, but it is a crucial component of the automotive diagnostics system. The computer is constantly monitoring input signals to detect problems that may affect emissions. If these signals go outside government-mandated limits, the computer sets a code that turns on the check engine light.
To determine what the problem is, you can plug in an OBD-II scanner to read the codes. These can be purchased at most auto parts stores and are simple to use, even for do-it-yourselfers with basic mechanical skills. The code will tell you the general area of the problem, but a thorough diagnosis still requires the help of a trained technician.
Some of the more common issues that trigger a check engine light include low or loose fuel, bad spark plugs, over-due oil changes, faulty oxygen sensors, and leaking seals. If you can determine the cause of the issue, it is possible to perform some maintenance or make some repairs yourself to turn off that pesky check engine light. If the problem is more serious, you should schedule an automotive repair service with a reputable mechanic like Roseville Toyota.
Engine Overheating
A vehicle’s engine generates tremendous heat during operation. As such, the engine needs to stay within a certain temperature range to ensure it functions properly and safely. However, sometimes issues arise that cause the engine to overheat. An overheated engine can create a variety of problems, ranging from a simple repair to an entire engine replacement. The most important thing to remember is that an overheated engine should never be driven until the problem is resolved. Doing so can result in severe, permanent damage to the engine and other parts of the car.
Fortunately, modern vehicles are equipped with a wide range of safety features to warn drivers when the engine is overheating. Typically, the first warning comes from the temperature gauge on the dashboard. If the needle moves towards the red area of the gauge, that is a sign that the engine is too hot and needs to be turned off immediately.
Other warning signs of an overheated engine include a foul smell and steam from the front of the car. When the coolant reaches the boiling point due to high temperatures, it will turn into steam, much like water would. Seeing or smelling this steam coming from the radiator or radiator cap is another sign that your engine may be overheating and needs to be shut off immediately.
Once you’ve stopped the car and turned it off, it is vital to allow the engine to cool down for at least 15 minutes. While you’re waiting, keep an eye on the temperature gauge and watch as it lowers to a normal range. You should also contact a friend, tow truck, or roadside assistance for help.
Expert tip: If the engine is still overheating but you don’t have any roadside assistance, Reina recommends cranking up the heater. This will draw warmth away from the engine and into the passenger compartment, lessening stress on the cooling system.
Overheating can happen due to a number of issues, such as a faulty water pump or radiator, or clogged hoses from corrosion and mineral deposits. However, if you take preventative measures and regularly have your car checked for potential issues, you should be able to avoid an overheated engine altogether.
Check Engine Warning
The Check Engine Light, more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp, is one of the most well-known and most misunderstood indicators on the vehicle’s dashboard. It can indicate anything from a quick fix like a loose gas cap to something much more serious, like a misfiring engine. No matter what the problem is, it is important to address it as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
When the check engine light comes on, it’s a sign that there is an issue with the vehicle’s combustion and emissions systems. Ignoring the warning may lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased environmental pollutants, which is bad for you and the planet.
If the light turns on while driving, pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and inspect the vehicle’s performance. If it is shaking, emitting a strange smell, or acting in an odd way, it’s likely that the problem is much more serious and you should call roadside assistance.
The check engine light may come on for any number of reasons, from something as simple as a loose gas cap to a damaged oxygen sensor that can affect fuel efficiency and emissions. A quick inspection of the vehicle can usually find the source of the problem, but it is often more complex and requires professional help to diagnose and repair.
Many problems that trigger the check engine light are a result of old or worn components. Replacing these parts can help restore proper function and keep the car running smoothly.
The light may also turn on if the oil is overdue for an oil change, or if the oil is contaminated with water or debris. This can cause the spark plugs to not work properly, resulting in misfiring and other engine issues. Changing the oil will usually resolve this issue. It is recommended to visit a trusted and experienced auto shop as soon as the check engine light appears. They can perform a complete diagnostic to determine the root of the problem and recommend any necessary repairs.
Battery Terminal Corrosion
Corrosion is an automotive repair issue that can cause several different problems. For starters, it can lead to your car not starting or struggling to start. Additionally, it can cause damage to other components in the vehicle, such as electrical wiring and air conditioning lines. Ultimately, it can lead to the need for a full battery replacement. However, the good news is that if the battery terminals are not severely corroded, a simple cleaning can usually help clear up the problem.
Typically, battery terminal corrosion is caused by hydrogen gas escaping the battery. This gas can be released by the battery when charging or by the heat of your engine. This gas then mixes with other gases under the hood, the metal of your battery terminals, and the copper in your battery cables. This is what creates that white or off-white crusty gunk you see on your battery terminals.
The first step to preventing battery terminal corrosion is making sure the engine is off. Next, you will want to remove the battery cables from the terminals. You can use a wire brush or baking soda and water solution to scrub the terminals and lead contacts until they are clean. Then, you will want to rinse the terminals and cable contacts off with clean water and allow them to dry completely. Finally, you can apply an anti-corrosion grease to the terminals and leads. A product like this can be purchased at most auto parts stores and simply needs to be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that while corroded terminals can be cleaned, they often go hand-in-hand with other issues like leakage and frayed cables. If your battery is leaking, struggling to start, or has extensive corrosion that cannot be cleaned, then it is likely time to replace it. An automotive technician can recommend a new battery that will provide the power and longevity your car needs. They can also recommend a preventative service that will keep your battery in top shape for years to come!