News and Tips!

CODE READ

When the "check engine" light flashes on your dashboard, it generally involves the vehicle's electronic control system.This is composed of a series of sensors. . .
Read More About CODE READ

MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS

Young drivers responsible for taking care of automobiles for the first time in their lives should understand that oil is the lifeblood of their vehicle's engine. . .
Read More About YOUNG DRIVERS

SENSING TROUBLE

Most vehicles produced after 1980 are equipped with oxygen sensors that measure the oxygen content of the vehicle's exhaust gases. . . .
Read More About SENSING TROUBLE

CORE CONNECTION

The heater core is the radiator-like component that heats the cabin of a vehicle . . .
Read More About CORE CONNECTION

GOING SOFT

Brake pedals that feels spongy or that get substantially higher after repeated pumping likely have air in their hydraulic systems.. . .
Read More About GOING SOFT

HOW SOUND TRAVELS

When you hear suspicious sounds coming from beneath the hood of your vehicle . . .
Read More About HOW SOUND TRAVELS

THE PLOT THICKENS

In order for engine oil to lubricate properly, it must flow freely. While thinner 5-weight oil pumps well. . .
Read More About THEPLOT THICKENS

OPERATING OUTSIDE A VACUUM

Fuel injection systems rely heavily on information gathered about the motor's current operating conditions in order to calculate the. . .
Read More About OPERATINGOUTSIDE AVACUUM

RINGING ENDORSEMENT

When piston rings become so worn that they allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber on the intake stroke. . .
Read More About RINGING ENDORSEMENT

DIFFICULTY GETTING STARTED

When a vehicle's starter cannot get a vehicle going in the morning. . .
Read More About DIFFICULTY GETTING STARTED

IN THE ENDS

Excessive tire wear due to an inaccurate toe setting.. . .
Read More About IN THE ENDS

TURBO TALK

Turbochargers provide added power and efficiency by utilizing.. . .
Read More About TURBO TALK

WARPED IDEAS

The first check for a warped brake rotor is based on feel.. . .
Read More About WARPED IDEAS

DON'T SKIP THE MAINTENANCE

The good news is that longer recommended intervals between oil. . .
Read More About DON'T SKIP THE MAINTENANCE

ANYTHING LEFT IN THE TANK?

When vehicles are left in storage for long periods, their owners may. . .
Read More About ANYTHING LEFT IN THE TANK?

DON'T LOSE YOUR COOL

As a matter of preventive maintenance, it is highly advisable to perform a coolant flush on your. . .
Read More About DON'T LOSE YOUR COOL

BIG DIFF!

Because the "differential" is located under the vehicle towards. . .
Read More About BIG DIFF!

ENSURING STABILITY

Vehicles equipped with "electronic stability control" (ESC) have a. . .
Read More About ENSURING STABILITY

COOL!

If your vehicles air-conditioning system isnt working . . .
Read More About COOL!

How is your brake fluid Holding up?

One of the best ways to avoid deterioration of brake components . . .
Read More About How is your brake fluid Holding up?

A LOOK AT THE VARIABLES

With the goal of better fuel mileage, auto manufacturers are introducing more autos with . . .
Read More About A LOOK AT THE VARIABLES

POWER PLAY

The function of the cam (timing) belt is to maintain a fixed relationship between the . . .
Read More About POWER PLAY

HEADING FOR TROUBLE?

The good news is that auto manufacturers are increasingly. . .
Read More About HEADING FOR TROUBLE?

BEYOND REGULAR OIL CHANGES

The average interval between engine oil changes recommended by automobile manufacturers . . .
Read More About BEYOND REGULAR OIL CHANGES

TIES THAT BIND

A shaking steering wheel is one of the first symptoms of worn tie rods.. . .
Read More About TIES THAT BIND

ASSESSING ENGINE HEALTH

A "compression test" provides a relatively easy, inexpensive, and accurate way of assessing. . .
Read More About ASSESSING ENGINE HEALTH

TIME TO REBOOT

Constant velocity (CV) joints are flexible joints that are primarily used in front-wheel-drive. . .
Read More About TIME TO REBOOT

HOLDING ON

Whether it is a consequence of the recent economic downturn or improved quality,. . .
Read More About HOLDING ON

WISHING YOU WELL

The control arms that create the attachment between the frame and the. . .
Read More About WISHING YOU WELL

INTERRUPTED FUEL DELIVERY

The fuel pumps job is to deliver fuel to the injectors at the needed pressure,. . .
Read More About INTERRUPTED FUEL DELIVERY

WHATS THAT NOISE?

When drivers hear noise coming from the engine bay, they will likely stop their vehicles, place the. . .
Read More About WHATS THAT NOISE?

SENSING TROUBLE

The oxygen sensor helps determine the air-to-fuel ratio and works to reduce the amounts of . . .
Read More About SENSING TROUBLE

HOW MAINTENANCE AFFECTS MILEAGE

To get the most mileage from every gallon of gas, take these simple maintenance steps.. . .
Read More About HOW MAINTENANCE AFFECTS MILEAGE

OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT

When bushings associated with antisway bars, shocks/struts, body and rack and-pinion mounts,. . .
Read More About OPPORTUNITY FOR IMPROVEMENT

GETTING YOUR BEARINGS

When drivers hear a grinding noise that is followed by increased vehicle vibration. . .
Read More About GETTING YOUR BEARINGS

SLOPPY JOINTS

Simply put, ball joints are suspension components that connect the steering knuckles to the control arms.. . .
Read More About SLOPPY JOINTS

RUNNING INTO TROUBLE CODES

When the "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light in your vehicles instrument cluster. . .
Read More About RUNNING INTO TROUBLE CODES

NO PUSHING THE ESC BUTTON

"ESC" stands for "electronic stability control," the vehicle safety system that helps bring . . .
Read More About NO PUSHING THE ESC BUTTON

MISSING THAT OLD SPARK?

When an engine experiences start-up problems, low acceleration, rough idling, or sudden surges, . . .
Read More About MISSING THAT OLD SPARK?

MASTER PLAN

When there is extended travel in the brake pedal (the brake pedal depresses farther than normally intended),. . .
Read More About MASTER PLAN!

SO MUCH HOT AIR!

When your vehicles air-conditioning system isnt cooling the passenger compartment sufficiently,. . .
Read More About SO MUCH HOT AIR!

SHOCK VALUE!

While the terms "shock" and "strut" are sometimes used interchangeably,. . .
Read More About SHOCK VALUE!

CHARCOAL TIP

When the "Check Engine" light indicates that the evaporative emission control system. . .
Read More About CHARCOAL TIP

DELAYING SERVICE LEADS TO TROUBLE DOWN THE ROAD

According to a recent survey, many automobile owners are putting off needed maintenance. . .
Read More About DELAYING SERVICE LEADS TO TROUBLE DOWN THE ROAD

DEALING WITH POWER LOSS

One of the reasons behind an engine’s inability to produce sufficient power is poor ring seal,. . .
Read More About DEALING WITH POWER LOSS

ROUGH IDLING

While rough engine idling may be caused by any number of factors,. . .
Read More About ROUGH IDLING

Direct Injection Problems

In recent years, auto manufacturers have been introducing gasoline direct injection (GDI) systems . . .
Read More About Direct Injection Problems

ULTRA CLEVER

One new technology that car manufacturers are embracing to improve fuel mileage . . .
Read More About ULTRA CLEVER

CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE

The gasket sandwiched between the engine block and the cylinder head helps . . .
Read More About CYLINDER HEAD GASKET FAILURE

IDLE THOUGHTS

If you notice that your vehicle is exhibiting an inordinate amount of vibration . . .
Read More About IDLE THOUGHTS

NOISY STEERING

It is more than a little disconcerting when a driver hears noises coming from the . . .
Read More About NOISY STEERING

MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITIDE

One of the first pieces of equipment to appear on automobiles is a piece of plastic . . .
Read More About MAINTAINING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

DIMMING PROSPECTS

One of the first signs of a failing alternator is dimming headlights.. . .
Read More About DIMMING PROSPECTS

NOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS

One of the most frequent complaints concerning brakes involves low point of engagement. . .
Read More About NOT THE USUAL SUSPECTS

NOISES FROM UNDER THE HOOD

Noises coming from the engine area are often related to drive belts. . .
Read More About NOISES FROM UNDER THE HOOD

A FASTENATING TWIST

If you like to take a do-it-yourself approach to tightening lug nuts and . . .
Read More About A FASTENATING TWIST ?

WINNING WITH A FLUSH

The coolant that flows through the engine and radiator should be drained and . . .
Read More About WINNING WITH A FLUSH ?

GETTING (RE)PACKED FOR VACATION

If you are planning on hitching a trailer to your vehicle this summer,. . .
Read More About Getting (Re)Packed for Vacation ?

Caught In A Bind?

When the driver steps on the brake pedal of a vehicle outfitted with disc brakes,. . .
Read More About Caught In A Bind?

A DRAINING EXPERIENCE

It�s frustrating to find that, if your vehicle sits for more than a day or so,. . .
Read More About A DRAINING EXPERIENCE

On-Board Diagnostics

Introduced in the mid-1990s, OBDII (on-board diagnostics) has provided vehicles with nearly. . .
Read More About On-Board Diagnostics

PUTTING IN FOR A TRANSFER

A transfer case is the essential component in four-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles . . .
Read More About PUTTING IN FOR A TRANSFER

Blowing Smoke?

Vehicles that emit blue smoke from their tailpipes likely have engines . . .
Read More About Blowing Smoke?

Alternator Reality

It is the alternator’s job to keep the battery charged and help run all the electrical accessories. . .
Read More About Alternator Reality

WHY ALL THE FUSS?

If you�ve ever wondered why it is more complicated to diagnose an engine problem . . .
Read More About WHY ALL THE FUSS?

Reaching a Milestone

When an automobile�s odometer hit the 100,000-mile mark . . .
Read More About Reaching a Milestone

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

If you once learned that you should change engine oil every 3,000 miles. . .
Read More About TIME FOR A CHANGE?

Birds Chirp, Cars Shoudnt

A chirping sound coming from a vehicle can be . . .
Read More About Birds Chirp, Cars Shoudnt

The Assult on Batteries

If you do a lot of stop-and-go urban driving . . .
Read More About The Assult on Batteries

An Exhausting Problem

If a vehicle idles roughly or accelerates unevenly . . .
Read More About An Exhausting Problem

Serpentine Belt Check

It has been some time since auto manufactuers switched to . . .
Read More About Serpentine Belt Check

Holding Sway!

A sway bar (also called a stabilizer bar, anti-sway bar . . .
Read More About Holding Sway

Getting Your Bearings

Grinding or whirring sounds emanating from under a vehicle . . .
Read More About Getting Your Bearings

Give Your Engine the Spark it Needs!

Once lead was removed from gasoline formulations in the 1970s . . .
Read More About Give Your Engine the Spark it Needs

Fuel Pump Failure

Among other things, an engine�s performance strongly depends on . . .
Read More About Fuel Pump Failure

Bringing Things to a Halt

Recent attention to unintended acceleration problems may have some drivers asking . . .
Read More About Bringing Things to a Halt

Quit Stalling!

The safety hazard posed by a stalling engine . . .
Read More About Quit Stalling

Hot Under The Hood

Engine overheating is a problem that requires immediate attention . . .
Read More About Hot Under The Hood

Airbag Light Warning!

If the airbag light comes on in your vehicle . . .
Read More About Airbag Light Warning

From Out Of The Blue

Blue smoke coming from a vehicle�s tailpipe(s) upon start-up . . .
Read More About From Out Of The Blue

Bounced out of Contention

Most people are familiar with the �bounce test� that assesses the condition of shock absorbers . . .
Read More About Bounced out of Contention

When Things Start to Click

Not only is a clicking sound emanating from under the hood annoying . . .
Read More About When Things Start to Click

A Manyfold Decrease

Not only does a leak in the manifold severely compromise a vehicle�s ability . . .
Read More About A Manyfold Decrease

Accessories for Holiday Giving

For most car owners, the purchase of a vehicle is only the beginning. To further enhance . . .
Read More About Accessories for Holiday Giving

Intake Cleaning

If your vehicle seems sluggish, idles roughly, or "diesels" (continues to run after it is turned off). . .
Read More About Intake Cleaning

Sound Familiar?

One of the most universal means of assessing the condition of an automobile, especially an older . . .
Read More About Bangs, knocks, squeaks and squeals

Your Vehicles Curb Appeal

When homeowners prepare to sell their houses, they usually take the time to get them in the best . . .
Read More About Your Vehicles Curb Appeal

Non-Start Situation

Few things are more frustrating than having a vehicle that will not start. If the starter will . . .
Read More About Non-Start Situation

Coming Through in the Clutch

Certainly the biggest news involving automatic transmission has revolved around the "double-clutch". . .
Read More About Coming Through in the Clutch

Catalytic or Cataclysmic?

A catalytic converter is designed to remove hydrocarbons (HCs) and carbon monoxide (CO). . .
Read More About Catalytic or Cataclysmic?

Changing Expectations

You may already subscribe to the notion that regular engine oil and filter changes are . . .
Read More About Changing Expectations

Is it Automatic?

When an automatic transmission simply fails, there is little question as to what needs to . . .
Read More About Automatic Transmision Repair

Feeling a Bit Wobbly?

If your front-wheel-drive vehicle feels a bit wobbly on the road, it may involve the . . .
Read More About Feeling Wobbly

Vapor Trail!

When you start your car in the morning, it is normal for wisps of water vapor to emerge . . .
Read More About Vapor Trail

Ties That Bind!

Tie rods are suspension components that relay force from the steering center link or the . . .
Read More About Ties That Bind

Stat!

Poor gas mileage may be due to any number of cause, including an engine cooling system . . .
Read More About Stat

Sipes Improve Tire Traction!

If you have ever inspected the rubber sole on a pair of canvas boat shoes, you�ll have noticed . . .
Read More About Sipes

Sensing Trouble!

The oxygen sensor in your vehicle measure the amount of oxygen in its exhaust gases as . . .
Read More About Sensors

Recycling

While the automobile industry and its affiliates have largely taken responsibility for . . .
Read More About Recycling

A Look Back!

The rear defroster is one of those conveniences that you are likely to take for granted . . .
Read More About Rear Defrosters

Are You On Board?

Every vehicle sold in this country from 1996 to the present has the updated On-Board . . .
Read More About On Board Diagnostics

Idle Speculation

If your vehicle idles roughly, hesitates, and/or stalls, there may be a problem with . . .
Read More About Idle Speculation

Fluid Situations

If you discover a puddle of fluid beneath your parked vehicle, it is time to check for . . .
Read More About Fluid Situations

Fuel Consumption-Increase Efficiency/Lower Fuel Costs

Vehicle owners should be aware that there are factors within their control that can . . .
Read More About Lowering Fuel Costs

Getting All Geared Up

While the automatic transmission is designed to make seamless work of the job of changing . . .
Read More About Automatic Transmissions

Head Gasket Failure

White smoke from an exhaust pipe (even after the engine warm up) I likely due to the . . .
Read More About Head Gasket Failure

Cold Truth

Many vehicle owners take it for granted that their air-conditioning systems will perform . . .
Read More About Air Conditioning

The Dangers of Falling Behind

Many vehicle owners may be tempted to skip or delay some maintenance procedures in an . . .
Read More About the Importance of Maintenance

Disc Problems

Even small deviations in a brake disc can cause vibrations that can be felt at the brake . . .
Read More About Disc Problems

Electrical Outage

After the battery starts your vehicle�s engine, the alternator assumes its task of providing . . .
Read More About Alternators

Kids & Road Trips - They CAN go together!

So youve decided to go on a road trip with your whole family? Congratulations! Family . . .
Read More About Family Road Trips

Getting Back Into Recirculation

Not only is hesitation upon acceleration annoying, it can be downright dangerous, especially . . .
Read More About Recirculation

Now Thats Progress(ive!)

Some vehicles have progressive coil springs at each wheel. This type of spring changers its . . . .
Read More About Progressive Coil Springs

Belt Loosening

The serpentine belt that drives many of the accessories in your vehicle is subject to . . .
Read More About Belt Loosening

Check Your Boots

The constant velocity joints (CVJ) found on the drive shafts of front-wheel-drive vehicles . . .
Read More About Boots





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