Rivas General Auto Repair

Check Engine Light – What to perceive

admin — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:36:44 +0000

When we talk about check engine light or CEL then it is actually the warning indicator. It means that it has been determined by the computer of your vehicle that any system or some component of the vehicle is not in operation properly. As soon as the light gets on, the module of engine control stores a couple of “diagnostic trouble codes”. Even if engine module turns off the light the DTCs still remain. For addressing a problem of check engine light, retrieval of the DTCs is performed and some reasonable troubleshooting information is followed for finding the problem.

Some of the most common scenarios are given here that can be experienced by someone with the Check Engine Light.

One of the common things is that the light flickers and gets on and off. If your “Check Engine Light” gets on when you are in city and it gets off on freeway, it may be due to some fault in driving conditions in city. In such a case you will have to pay some attention to any difference in the driving or the running of the car when illumination is generated in Check Engine Light. If you feel any kind of change in the performance of the vehicle then you should drive your vehicle as less as you can and get it checked from some professional the soonest. If you don’t feel any kind of change in the performance then you can easily drive it to your destination but you should get it inspected as soon as you can.

Another common condition is that the light just gets on and keeps its state. If there is such constant illumination in your Check Engine Light and you don’t notice any apparent performance problems then certainly there is some permanent fault in your vehicle’s emission-control system. When such a fault occurs, computer controlling vehicle’s emission system often runs the backup program and it persists as soon as the fault is there. The vehicle should be serviced the soonest it is possible.

Another common scenario is the permanent illumination in the Check Engine Light and some performance problems are there. This depicts that there is some serious problem in some crucial component of the emission control and the engine management system. It often involves some system or component that is required by the vehicle for running. So as it is critical, therefore you should drive as less as you can. In most cases, it is not safe to drive the vehicle in such a state. The vehicle may stop at any time. It will be the best approach to pull it over to the safe place and get it inspected.

One should always take care of these things when such a scenario occurs regarding your Check Engine Light and you will certainly find these tips to be very much helpful in understanding what to perceive from a specific light condition, and knowing what you should do at that particular time. So just make sure that you will follow these and you will be at the safer side.

Checking Car fluids

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:21:38 +0000

If you drive a car, then you must know the recommended maintenance checks. It is crucial for the engine to work efficiently. Therefore, checking fluids on a regular interval keeps your valued asset in good condition. It can be really expensive for you if you are not maintaining your car properly.

For better performance and to avoid breakdowns you should check your car on monthly basis. Such regular checks keep you away from any potential problems. There are certain maintenance tips which you can follow:

The very first step is to check the engine oil. The engine oil must be checked when engine is in warm. The oil level should be close to full. If the oil is black, it needs to be changed.
The brake fluid should also be checked. It will take no time at all. It is better to keep it in check as too low level can make applying the brakes harder and can even cause faster wear and tear of brakes.
To prevent the engine overheating, coolant is used which is also known as radiator fluid. It is essential as it keeps the engine cool. Check for the amount of fluid present as a low level can cause engine breakdown. Caution. Never open the radiator when the engine is hot or you may be burned by streaming hot coolant.
If you want to steer your car smoothly keep the power steering fluid at the proper level. The fluid should be checked when the car is warmed up.
If your car has an automatic transmission, then you have to check for one more fluid i.e. automatic transmission fluid. It should be checked monthly or before a long trip. Warm up the car and check the dipstick. The fluid should be pinkish-red in color. Transmission fluid that is brownish or dark should be changed.

There are many fluids to be checked in vehicle. But don’t worry, the job is very simple. Just a few minutes of maintenance checks helps avoid problems and saves your precious money too. The better you take care of your car, the longer will it last.

Car Engine Maintenance Tips

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 06:42:42 +0000

Maintenance is the word which you must know if you one a car. A car without maintenance is just like a machine without tools. Maintenance is a must thing for each and every type of car.

Open the hood and inspect the car’s engine. A regular maintenance schedule is what keeps your engine and systems operating properly. It is the owner’s responsibility to take care of its asset as today it is really expensive to purchase a sports car and if it is not maintained properly your precious money will go in vain. Maintaining a car engine is crucial to the owners as its best feature is its performance engine responsible for its great power and speed.

For maintaining your sports car, you should follow a regular regime on regular basis. There are some tips which will surely help you.

It is must to keep the engine oil and filter in check after every 3000miles. Engine oil and filter provide proper lubrication.
Check for any leakage in the engine compartment as this is a sign of broken tube or any rubber seal.
Check for brake fluid and coolant as these are crucial fluids for your engine’s top performance.
Spark plugs should be checked as they can affect your fuel efficiency.
Check for any wear and tear of the engine belt as such problems can be hazardous.
You should make a proper record of your car maintenance. It will help you, in case you have forgotten when you changed the engine oil and checked the other essentials.