A check engine light can give you headaches if you aren’t careful with how you handle it. In fact, the biggest mistake that drivers make is ignoring it or waiting too long to have it fixed. Next time you notice an illuminated check engine light, be curious and try to fix the problem as soon as you can. In some cases, it isn’t even a problem with the engine and can be as minor as a loose gas cap.  Common Reasons for Check Engine Light  Loose, damaged, or missing gas cap -  Make sure you tighten this every time you fill up! Failing Sensors - An oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor replacement is sometimes all it needs.  Worn Spark Plugs - If your vehicle is misfiring, it is probably due to old spark plugs. Overheating Catalytic Converter - A strained catalytic converter can cause hazardous fumes to leak. Be careful with this one! When a check engine light appears on your dash, one of the first things you should do is to check if your gas cap is fasten ... read more

One of the many car components that all drivers should know about is the vehicle battery. Just like your phone battery, it is the power source behind almost everything in your car. It has positive and negative terminals or connection points. While its design is easier to understand than the engine and transmission, there are many misconceptions about the battery. Let’s debunk some of these common myths! Myth #1: If your car doesn’t start, it is definitely the battery. While a drained battery is a very common cause of starting failures, there are other factors to consider. It is okay to check the battery first (as most people do). However, you may consider that the problem could be stemming from a faulty starter, alternator, spark plugs, and even fuel injectors. Myth #2: You don’t need to check a maintenance-free battery. Just because a car battery is labeled and marketed to be maintenance-free does not mean maintenance should be completely disregarded. In fact, AL ... read more

If your car's cooling system isn't functioning correctly, it could lead to severe problems—including engine damage. That's why it's essential to be aware of the signs that your cooling system may be in trouble, so you can take action before it's too late. Here are some of the top signs that your cooling system is in trouble: 1. Your engine is overheating If your engine temperature gauge is reading higher than usual, or if you see steam coming from under the hood, this is a sign that your engine is overheating. This serious problem needs to be addressed immediately, as continued overheating can lead to engine damage. 2. Your coolant level is low If you notice that your coolant level is low, this could signal a leak in the system. It could also indicate that your cooling system isn't functioning correctly and needs to be repaired. 3. Your car is leaking coolant If you notice coolant leaks under your c ... read more

The tread of a tire is something that the most individuals take for granted. They may have a broad knowledge that tread patterns and depths vary, but they may not fully comprehend the function of tire tread. Understanding the significance of tire tread and the various tread patterns will assist drivers in driving safely and comfortably. Let's examine tire tread patterns you may come across when shopping for new tires. Symmetric Tread Patterns A symmetric tread design is the most frequent. It consists of independent tread blocks throughout the whole tread face, with the same pattern on both the inboard and outboard portions. Tires with symmetric tread patterns permit the use of numerous tire rotation patterns. Asymmetric Tread Patterns Asymmetric tread pattern is meant to balance the requirements of dry grip and water dispersion/snow traction by varying throughout the tire's tread face. Asymmetric tread patterns often have bigger tread ribs/blocks on the outboard side to bo ... read more

Having a hard brake pedal can make it difficult to slow down or stop your vehicle, making it feel like you're standing on the pedal. A stiff brake pedal is a severe safety problem that should be fixed immediately since it makes it more difficult to slow down your vehicle. What causes the brake pedal to be stiff? Stiff braking is usually caused by an issue with the brake booster. Brake boosters increase the amount of force you can apply to your brake pedal, and they work in conjunction with the hydraulic fluid in the lines. A diaphragm separates the two chambers of a typical vacuum brake booster, which is situated between the master cylinder and the brake pedal. A low-pressure vacuum is created in the front chamber by removing air. Pressing the brake pedal in the back chamber allows air to enter. The air chamber's higher pressure forces the diaphragm and push rod toward the low-pressure side. The master cylinder's power-assisted push rod makes it easy to move. The master ... read more