Tag Archives: check engine light

​How to check the tire pressure

​How to check the tire pressure

Did you know that your tires can lose air pressure without you even noticing? You could be cutting down on your car's performance If you're not checking your tire pressure regularly. Check the pressure every two to four weeks, and always before traveling or if you're carrying additional loads. Tires without the right amount of pressure in them tend to wear out faster. Could also lead to collisions, crashes, and a general loss of control over your vehicle. There are several reasons you need to check the pressure in your tires. Some of the most important are: Optimize tire performance and fuel economy  Enhance durability and performance  Bypass sidewall flexing and tire squirm Evade heat and rolling hazards Responsiveness, traction, and handling Checking your air pressure is easy; all you need is a tire gauge. When you close the valve of the tire, the gauge will display the Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).  The proper PSI is usually slightly different f ... read more

Why are the lights in my car dim?

Why are the lights in my car dim?

Headlights are an essential component of your car. As it helps you see outside it also helps alert other drivers of your presence on the road. If your headlights seem dim, there may be an underlying problem that needs to be corrected. Below are 5 reasons why your headlight might be dim. 1. Bad Bulb: A bad bulb is the first cause of a dim headlight to be considered. Headlights don’t blow out, they dim over time, and rarely do both headlights dim at the same rate. 2. Bad Alternator: A common explanation for faint lights in your vehicle is a weak alternator. A damaged alternator will only cause the lights to dim or flicker when the car is on. This is because the alternator charges the battery, and if it stops charging while driving, the battery will drain. If you notice that the lights brighten and dim as the engine revs up and down, the alternator should be checked immediately.  3. Bad Ground: A bad ground can result in lower than required voltage being delivered to your ... read more

Why is my electric power steering not working

Why is my electric power steering not working

Power steering allows the driver to steer the car without applying a lot of force, some vehicles use hydraulic power, and others use electric motors. An electric power steering system deals with sensors and electronic control units, so it needs calibration and programming. After the physical inspection of the electric power steering system, the auto repair shop needs to implement a new diagnosis process including using the scan tool and troubleshooting the electrical components for the power steering system.   Symptoms for electric power steering failure: Vibration and pulsation when turning the steering wheel. EPS Warning lights are on. Hard to steer left or right. Whining noise coming from the power steering motor. Vehicle pulling in one direction.   Causes for electric power steering failure: Damage to electronic power steering control unit. Bad sensors like steering angle sensors and vehicle speed sensors. Failing electric motor. The system needs calibration ... read more

How to choose the best auto repair shop

How to choose the best auto repair shop

Finding the best auto repair shop for your car or truck for car maintenance or repair there is no single clue to what makes a good auto repair shop, but there are some things you should look for. Ask for recommendation for the best auto repair shop in the area by asking friends, family member, neighbors. Look on the internet for a local mechanic with great customer feedback and reviews. Auto repair shops should be certified by the Automotive Service Excellence, and have Professional mechanics. After you have chosen the right auto repair shop, allow the mechanics to handle minor repairs. If you continue to be satisfied with their services and professionalism, trust them with more complex jobs.  

Why my traction light is on

Why my traction light is on

Traction control limits wheel slip when acceleration and the torque applied, most vehicles have a traction control system in them. Speed sensors on each wheel detect which wheel is spinning faster than the other. The ABS activates on the slipping wheel to slow its speed, so it will be able to grip the road again. A spinning tire has more grip than a sliding tire. If the front tires are sliding, your ability to steer will be hard, you may not be able to steer at all. Below are some causes that cause traction control lights to come on. Bad wheel speed sensors:  each wheel has its own speed sensor and all sensors connected to the traction control system and engine control unit. Bad steering angle sensor: The sensor is located in the steering wheel, and it calculates the angle of the steering wheel and the rate in which it is being turned. Bad road conditions: The traction control system may not be able to handle it if the road conditions are too severe, like a lot of snow or ic ... read more

Why is my check engine light flashing

Why is my check engine light flashing

When the check engine light comes on it tells you that you have a problem with one of the systems in your car, and you should bring the vehicle to your auto repair shop, and get it checked by a certified experienced mechanic. When the check engine light is flashing that means it is serious. The engine is misfiring and unburned fuel is getting to the exhaust system. This will damage the catalytic converter. If the check engine light starts flashing you should immediately stop and get your vehicle towed to an auto repair shop. Spark plugs, Ignition wires, and coils when they have a problem it will cause the check engine light to be flashing. Other areas like Fuel injectors, Pistons and rings, Timing belts and chains, and cylinder heads all when they have a problem it will cause the check engine light to be flashing. If your check engine light is on or flashing, schedule your appointment today, our auto repair shop is proudly serving Northwest Houston, Copperfield, and Cypress area. It is ... read more

Why my car shaking when I brake

Why my car shaking when I brake

Warped rotors most likely will be the cause. The heat caused by the friction between the brake pads and the rotors can cause the rotor to warp. Cars with drum brakes, damage drums will cause a brake pedal pulsation when braking. Sticking brake caliper also will cause the steering wheel to shake too, and also           will cause the brake pads to get prematurely damaged. Our certified mechanic can inspect and determine what is causing your vehicle to shake while you are braking.  If you need brake service and repair, schedule your appointment today, our auto repair shop is proudly serving northwest Houston, Copperfield and Cypress area. It is our pleasure to serve you

Why is my car shaking?

Why is my car shaking?

A damaged or broken motor mount will cause your car to be shaking at idle, mainly when the gear selection on drive or reverse. Unbalanced drive shaft and worn out CV axles, it will cause your car to shake while you are driving. If you feel the shaking only with the steering wheel, the cause of that will be in the suspension system, like tie rods, shocks, ball joints and bearings. Jerking and shaking when pressing on the accelerator, it could be ignition and tune up related items, like an ignition coil, spark plugs or injectors. If your car only shakes when you apply the brake, that indicates a problem with warped brake rotor, or stock brake caliper. Tires play a significant role in how your car rides, when there is a problem with your tires, it is going to affect the entire ride. ​Regardless of what causes your car to shake, it is important not to ignore it and have it looked at quickly by an experienced mechanic, to avoid bigger problems and costly repairs

Why my brakes locked up

Why my brakes locked up

  Common causes for brakes locking up, wrong brake fluid being used or overheated brake components. Damaged calipers, rotors, or excessive worn brake pads will cause the brakes to lock up. Also if the car has damaged shoes or wheel cylinder, defective ABS component, or accidentally engaging the parking brake, all that will cause the brakes to lock up

Why my brake pedal is hard

Why my brake pedal is hard

A bad brake booster is one of the most common causes of a hard brake pedal, a lack of vacuum pressure in the brake booster could also cause a hard brake pedal. Failing a vacuum pump or power steering pump, damaged vacuum hose or seized caliper could also be the cause. Sludge in the brake line, brake fluid absorbs water, over time this will build up sludge in the brake system. Brake fluid should be clear. If your vehicle can't stop or slow down effectively, stop by your nearest auto repair shop for brake inspection and repair