What the Check Engine Light Could Mean

Every person who owns a car and saw the check engine light come on has groaned with the pain expecting an expensive repair bill. It can be unnerving when this light comes on, but there is no need to panic. In the certain times of the year, the severe weather that some areas experience can make being stranded very dangerous, especially for children. You should have some basic knowledge of the true purpose of this light and the possible meanings of its illumination so you can alert your mechanic.  

The Light, The Light!

The check engine light is an important part of the onboard diagnostics system in your car. Newer model cars are built with computers that monitor and control many facets of your car, such as the fuel ratio, performance of your engine, and the speed of the engine. It also monitors ignition timing and the automatic transmission if your car is equipped with one. Each problem that can occur has its own series of codes that are in the computer. When a problem occurs, the check engine light will light up and the computer generates a code that corresponds with the problem. Your mechanic can connect your car to their computer and read the code message so they can determine the issue. The light will illuminate for things as minor as a loose gas cap, worn out spark plugs and spark plug wires, malfunctioning oxygen sensor, to something more serious such as a blown gasket head. 

The Light is On, So What to Do?

If the check engine light comes on, you need pay attention to the behavior of the light because it does not always mean that you have a serious problem. When the light comes on, check to see if the light is blinking or remaining steady. A steady illumination could mean that you have a loose or missing gas cap, which you can easily replace or tighten back up. If this is the case, just tighten the cap until you hear an audible click. If it is missing, you will be able to find one at your local auto parts store. Keep your gas cap tightly closed because the vapors from the gas can escape. A blinking light could mean that you have a serious problem and you should take care of it immediately. This is when you should take it to a mechanic right away. If you are driving and you notice the light is blinking, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and shut off your engine. 

General Car Maintenance Can Be a Preventative Measure

You should make sure that you keep your car maintained and perform a safety inspection on a regular basis. This is your best defense to keep from seeing this light. Maintenance can alert you to problems that could be forming and you can have them corrected before they turn into a major problem. The mechanic can help you devise a maintenance schedule that is recommended by the car manufacturer. Whether you have an Asian car model, a European car model, or a domestic car model, you can be sure that you will be safe and secure on the roads and you will not have to worry about the dreaded check engine light. 

How Winter Affects Steering and Suspension Systems

Your car’s steering and suspension systems are very vulnerable during the winter. Winter can be difficult on a car with the freezing temperatures, sharp winds, snow, and ice that can make for treacherous driving conditions. However, if you have a regular winter vehicle safety inspection in addition to your general car maintenance, you can minimize your chances of service failure. When you take your car in for your inspection, you should make sure that the mechanic includes your suspension system with the service. If it does not, you can request it to be added. The steering and suspension systems play a vital part in how your car will perform on the road and it can affect the safety of your car and of the other drivers on the road.

The Winter Ravages on Your Systems

In winter, your car is constantly exposed to moisture, potholes, and road salt. The suspension system, since it is underneath the car, is particularly vulnerable to the hazards of winter driving and the elements. Water is often introduced into the system when the car is sitting in high water curbside or while trying to traverse flooded areas. This system needs adequate lubrication to keep debris and road salt out and to replenish the grease that has washed away. Another way that winter affects steering and suspension is with damage caused by potholes. Potholes occur from the water eroding the soil underneath the pavement as it freezes, thaws, and re-freezes to produce cracks. If you strike a pothole at a high rate of speed, the system receives a violent pulse. Over time, repeated violent pulses begin to weaken the structure of the struts and springs and adversely affect your control of the car. The ride becomes rough, you will feel every bump in the road, and you will not be able to control the car and be at risk for an accident.

Why is the Steering and Suspension Systems Important?

The purpose of the suspension system is to provide protection from the jolts and jostles of the road and the steering helps you control the car. The shock absorbers and springs absorb the bumps and imperfections of the road and provide a comfortable ride. There are several types of suspension systems, but they all provide the same service. It also provides stability for the steering, which makes it easier to handle the car in a safe manner. In other words, the steering is used to guide the car, and the suspension system makes it easier to guide the car. 

What Else is there to Know?

You can avoid many problems with your steering and suspension by having it inspected when you have your winter safety inspection done. Your owner’s manual should have information regarding a schedule for inspections for these systems and you can consult with your mechanic to devise a plan to keep your car in good condition in the winter. You can also request to have the systems inspected during your general car maintenance appointments. This way, your mechanic can keep a close eye on your car and can alert you to any problems that may be presenting themselves. This will keep small problems now from becoming large, more expensive problems later. 

Learning the Ways of ASE Master Technicians

If you are interested in entering the field of automotive mechanic technology, you need to
make sure that you have the proper training and education. Science has introduced many
advances in all industries, and the automotive industry is no exception. Technology has far
advanced this field and has created a need for mechanics that are knowledgeable about the
changes. Growth in this field continues to grow as the need for more mechanics grows. Car
manufacturers are creating cars that are increasingly unfriendly to the do-it-yourselfer and
this trend will only create the need for even more mechanics in the future.

What Does ASE Mean?

ASE is an acronym that stands for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.
It is a nonprofit organization that certifies mechanics with a series of tests so that the
consumer receives the best repair service. Even though it is not affiliated with the federal
government, it provides specific guidelines and training tracks that conform to the standard
that is set. Automotive shops that have ASE-certified mechanics will have the logo
displayed on the premises. Since a car has several systems, ASE provides several
certifications for each car system. If you need brake work done, you should look for a
mechanic who holds an ASE master certification in braking systems. It is possible to find
mechanics that can repair a car with the speed and accuracy to rival a master technician, but
certification will let you know that the work will be approached with professionalism and
proficiency.

Any Schooling Involved or Just Training?

Most jobs require at least a high school diploma, and the automotive industry is no
exception. If you do not have your diploma, you should pass the GED test before you enter
an ASE master certification program. There is no formal post-secondary education schedule,
but you would benefit greatly by taking a few basic courses in automotive technology at a
community college. You will be able to choose a specialization to focus your training on.
For instance, if you are interested in heating and cooling systems, you will be able to
become certified in the heating and cooling systems specialization modules of the training.
If you choose an area of specialization, you will need to be able to pass all of the tests that
accompany that area. It is important to note that you will be responsible for paying the
required fee associated with each test.

What about Certification?

To become an ASE master technician, you will need to be able to pass eight examinations.
Each exam covers a specific topic and you can take them in any order. The examinations
will cover engine repair, steering and suspension, brakes, manual transmissions, automatic
transmissions, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, and engine performance. To

keep your certification, you will need to retake each exam every five years. It is important to
note that you will have to incur a fee for each test that you take for the initial certification
and your subsequent recertification tests. The recertification process is used to gauge your
learning process and to keep you abreast of current and emerging technology in the
automotive industry.

Clean Those Headlights and See Better This Winter

Most people do not think about their headlights until they notice that they are driving in the
dark without them or they notice that the beams of light are dim or distorted. Driving
without proper headlights can be very dangerous, especially when driving at night. Most law
enforcement officers will issue a citation if you are seen with inoperable headlamps. These
globes of light play a very important role in vehicle safety in general and in winter safety in
particular. Inspecting your headlights should be a part of your routine general car
maintenance. All of your hard work of faithfully doing fluid checks, winter safety
inspections, and tune-ups will be for naught if you are unable to drive because your lights
are dirty.

Cleanliness is Important

Headlights are covered by a thin plastic covering. Over time, that plastic can discolor and
turn milky and appear hazy. Road salt, blacktop, tar patches, and other chemicals in the
environment speeds up the discoloration. This discoloration and opaqueness of the film can
affect the quality of light. You will not have good visibility, as the light emanating from
behind milky plastic will appear distorted and dim. Not only does it affect your ability to see
others, it also affects your ability to be seen by others. The result could be a nasty accident.
The plastic is difficult to clean once it discolors, but you can purchase headlight-cleaning
kits that have special cleansers and polishers that will help to restore the brightness. You can
also hire a professional to clean them for you or have the entire headlight cover replaced.

Can Someone Else Do it For Me?

If you do not want to tackle this project, you can take your car to a professional. A
professional cleaning will give you the best possible result. You should look for an ASE
master technician who has certification in auto bodywork. They will have the knowledge
and experience needed and the appropriate equipment and materials they need. They will be
able to use stronger products on your headlights to renew the shine that you will not be able
to access. It is important to use a product that will remove the road salt and other chemicals
from the headlights as completely as possible. The salt will eat at the headlights and the
body of your car if you do not clean it off regularly.

What Else is there to Know?

Keeping your headlights clean will keep you safe on the road during the winter. You will
have greater visibility and your fellow road warriors will have better visibility of you,
especially in winter. The snow, ice, slush, and hail makes the roads slippery. The risk of
hydroplaning and reduced traction can spell disaster. Your clean headlights will produce
beams of light that will make it easier to see rough patches in the road, disabled cars in your
path, pedestrians, and other traveling hazards. They will also make you easier to be seen by

others so they can avoid a collision with you. If you are unable to get your headlights
cleaned, you may need to have a professional replace the headlight covers for you, which
could involve waiting on parts from the manufacturer and cost a lot of money.

The Parts of the Fuel System

When you begin the task of performing your annual winter safety checks, be sure to check the fuel system. Your car is a housing unit on wheels that is operated by a symphony of systems: electrical, exhaust, brakes, and fuel systems. In order to make certain that you will have a trouble-free winter is to inspect all of the systems of your car and make any engine repairs or car repairs needed. The fuel system is one of the most important parts of the car, and if it is not in good shape, you may find yourself facing some big car repair bills.

A General Description of the Job of the Fuel System

The fuel system is the system that delivers the exact amount of fuel to the engine so that the cylinders will combust and produce power. Most newer cars use the multiport injection system, which means that gas is injected directly into the engine cylinder rather than into an intake manifold. This pressurized system allows you to save money at the gas pump and comply with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Sensors will alert the delivery system when you need more or less gas. It will deliver more gas if you need to drive uphill or if you are towing an object, and it will decrease the amount of gas if it senses that you are about to come to a stop. 

The Components and What They Do

Some of the major parts of the fuel system are the fuel tank, fuel transfer pump, injection pump assembly and injectors, and a filter. The entire process begins when you start the car. Gas is pumped up from the gas tank through the transfer pump. The filter is in place to filter out any dirt or debris that may be in the gas. The gas is then squeezed through injectors in the injection pump assembly as a fine mist. The mist is delivered to the intake valve. When you step on the gas pedal, the throttle valve is opened. The throttle valve controls the air intake into the engine. The engine control unit, which processes the information received from sensors, helps the valves and injectors monitor the air intake, oxygen concentration, and fuel rate. The spark plugs produce a spark in the cylinder and spark the atomized gas particles that are sprayed from the injectors. The car will then start. 

Care, Problem Solving, and Winter Safety

A common problem for fuel systems is contamination. Contaminants are introduced into the system through the fuel tank when you put gas in it. The higher-level octane fuels have a lower percentage of contaminants because it has gone through additional refining processes. Dirt and debris in the fuel tank can clog the fuel supply line or the injectors. If the injectors are clogged, you will have problems with performance. It is important to have the fuel filter changed. Some gasoline makers include detergents in the gas to keep the lines and injectors clean. Keep the lines, pumps, and nozzles free from dirt and dry. When you have your winter safety check done, you should make sure that your mechanic or professional include the fuel system. 

WHAT IS COOLANT?

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a half-and-half mixture of a form of glycol and water. The glycol guarantees that the fluid does not turn into ice under harsh winter conditions, as well as prevents the coolant from reaching the boiling point in extreme heat. Coolant is a green or red fluid found in your radiator. Coolant serves the purpose of keeping the engine temperatures stable under all climate conditions. Coolant contains additional additives that prevent rust and corrosion in the radiator helping to prolong the engine’s components. Not only does coolant regulate the temperature of the vehicle, but it also lubricates the moving parts it comes in contact with.

HOW CAR COOLING SYSTEMS WORK

The cooling system on vehicles circulates fluid through pipes and passageways in the engine. As the liquid passes through the hot engine it absorbs heat, which cools the engine. When the fluid leaves the engine it passes through the radiator, which transfers the heat from the liquid into the air by blowing it through the exchanger. The water pump helps by sending the fluid to the outside of the compartment. The fluid leaving the pump flows through the engine block into the radiator and back into the pump, cooling the engine in the process. 

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF LOW COOLANT

Coolant is an important element of your vehicle. When a car runs low on coolant, problems with your engine start to occur. Often times signs of low coolant can go unnoticed. However, when levels get low enough, the car will begin to exhibit signs that should prompt you to get your vehicle looked at. One of the most common signs of low coolant is a sweet odor that may come into the vehicle. If this happens, have the floorboard beneath the carpet on the passenger side of the vehicle checked for dampness. Keep an eye on the temperature gauge. You will quickly be alerted if the engine begins to run too hot.  Steam originating from under the hood is also not a good sign. This can be symptomatic of low coolant and an overheating engine. Low coolant in a car engine typically causes the heat in your vehicle to quit functioning. By having our technicians examine the heater core, we can discover if any leaks are present. Lastly, if there is a greasy type of film on the interior of the windows, this can depict problems with your coolant, not just that your windshield is dirty. 

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE’S COOLING SYSTEM

The cooling system is the core of the engine. It should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to keep all the components running optimally and extend the life of the parts. In order to maintain your vehicle’s cooling system, you should have the radiator flushed. This prevents engine deposits and debris from gathering inside the radiator, which leads to overheating. You should inspect the radiator hoses for leaks, because when leaks occur the hoses becomes brittle and cracks, causing the vehicle to overheat. Similarly, check the water pump periodically for water stains on the pump housing or looseness in the shaft pulley. Water pumps can develop cracks in the seals or the bearings can go bad causing problems under the hood. Ignoring these signs of your car’s cooling system going bad can lead to damaging problems. It is important to stay on top of maintenance to reduce problems before they develop. 

What is a Car Transmission?

A car’s transmission is essential to your car’s proper function, because it allows you to switch gears and run the car. A transmission is an assembly of parts that allows power to be sent from a power source that drives the vehicle. Some transmissions use gears and a clutch to covert the speed of the vehicle. Transmissions are needed because it helps regulate the maximum RPM in which the engine can go without damaging the part and exploding. The RPM range depicts the amount and horsepower and torque needed for the vehicle to work properly. 

HOW DOES AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WORK?

An automatic transmission is the simplest form of transmission in that there is no clutch pedal or gear shifting needed to operate the vehicle. However, transmissions are one of the most important and complex pieces of your vehicle. The automatic transmission’s primary job is to allow the engine to operate in a narrow range of speeds while providing a wide range of output speeds. Once the vehicle is put into drive, it is ready to be driven and no further shifting is needed.  This is unless reverse or park is required, because manual transmissions change gears without driver input.

HOW DOES A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WORK?

Manual transmissions are more difficult to operate because of the clutch and gear operating system. Most manual vehicles use a five-speed transmission that applies one of five different gear ratios to the input shaft to produce a different RPM value. In order to know when you should shift gears, you should pay attention to the RPM on the dashboard. Once the RPM reaches a certain number that is when you will know to push down on the clutch and use the shifter to move the gear up or down. This allows the car to stay at the appropriate RPM for the speed in which you are driving.

INDICATORS OF MY CAR TRANSMISSION GOING BAD

Replacing a transmission can become extremely costly.  That is why it is important to pay close attention to the signs of your transmission going bad before it is too late.  Our technicians can help with this by taking a look underneath your vehicle to check for any leaks.  We will specifically pay attention to any red color in the transmission fluid. If the transmission fluid is cloudy, muddy or has a burnt smell to it, this means that the fluid should be changed. If you feel vibrations or jerks when you are shifting gears, this can mean that your vehicle is low on transmission fluid and should be looked at. Any type of grinding noise coming from under the floorboards is a concern and can indicate a major problem. Also, when switching gears if you notice an unexpected delay this is yet another sign of a failing transmission. A bad transmission can lead to problematic results, including breakdowns and accidents. If you are aware of these signs and what they could signify then you have a chance at catching the transmissions problems before bigger issues arise. By listening to your vehicle you are able to repair potential issues, which can be more cost effective in the long run.