More than a New Year’s Checkup- Visit Your Tempe Car Repair Center Today If You Experience Any of These Problems

Car trouble is always frustrating, but whether it’s something that seldom happens to you, or if it occurs all too frequently, it is something that Tempe car owners have more control over than they realize. If you follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual about car maintenance you are much less likely to find yourself in need of major auto repair.

Along with keeping up on routine car maintenance, listening to your car is an important habit to develop. Paying attention to these warning signs can help keep you from ending up stalled alongside of the road with your hood up, and can ultimately help prevent costly major auto repair.

Difficulty Starting

A vehicle should start as soon as the ignition key is turned. If your vehicle fails to start or requires several attempts, then there is a problem. The word ignition is used because when you turn the key, that starts the sequence of events that lead to igniting the fuel within the cylinders of your engine. There are many things that can fail along the way such as your battery, starter, or spark plugs. It’s also possible that the problem may be in your fuel injection system. Even if your car does start you may have problems keeping it running, especially when you have to come to a stop. Today’s cars contain numerous sensors that can cause problems when they go bad, such as oxygen sensors along with the engine control unit which uses the information it receives from various sensors in order to regulate the air to fuel ratio.

Indicator Lights

Some cars have separate lights in order to warn you that your vehicle has a problem. There may be an oil light, temperature light or low fuel light. Most cars today have gauges that let you know where your temperature and oil pressure stand, and just one light, the “check engine light” to let you know about problems. Your car’s computer continuously monitors the engine system’s components. When the check engine light comes on it may not be anything serious, but it emits a code that your Tempe auto repair shop can read. This code lets them know which system needs attention. In addition, indicator lights can alert you that it’s time for car maintenance, such as an oil change. In some vehicles the check engine light will flash in order to indicate a more serious problem.

Unusual Smells

Antifreeze has a distinctive, sweet odor; once you have smelled it you will recognize it. If you smell antifreeze, it is leaking from your radiator or a hose. A word of warning; antifreeze also has a sweet taste and it only takes about a teaspoon full to poison an animal, so if you suspect you have a leak be sure to park your vehicle where animals can’t get to it. Now back to the subject of unusual smells. Any kind of a “hot” smell, anything from the smell of an overheated iron right up to the smell of smoke means it’s time to stop driving. If a break is locked up it can actually catch fire.

Brake Noise

Pay attention when you apply your brakes. The pedal should only go down a little way, nowhere near the floor. Today’s brakes come with a built in wear indicator that will make a continuous squealing sound once your brake pads get down to a certain point. If you don’t go in for car maintenance you may begin to hear a grinding sound and feel a vibration when you apply your brakes. If you put off replacing your brakes you risk losing much of their stopping power and may need extensive brake repair.

The Front End Pulls to One Side

When you are driving down a straight stretch of highway you may notice that your steering wheel is not in a completely straight position, because your car is pulling to one side and you are steering against it. Your car is telling you that you need a front end alignment, possibly along with tie rod ends or other front and wear items.

Exhaust Smoke

If you smell something burning and/or see excessive smoke coming from your exhaust pipe it may indicate an oil leak. A black film on your cars bumper just above your exhaust pipe is another indicator. An oil leak can create serious problems and you should take your car to an auto repair shop immediately.

Fluid Leaks

During the summer when you have been running the air conditioner you may notice some fresh water dripping under the front end of your car after you park. This is completely normal. If you see any other type of fluid such as antifreeze, oil or transmission fluid you should take your car to your Tempe auto repair shop to find the source of the leak before it causes serious problems.

Your car’s best friend is the owner’s manual. Today’s cars are different than those of just a decade ago. The intervals recommended between car maintenance jobs has increased, but that makes it even more important that you don’t go beyond the time or mileage recommended in your owner’s manual to have your car serviced. In addition, if you experience anything unusual, like any of the problems mentioned above it’s time to get that car a checkup.

At Scottsdale Muffler and Automotive we are experienced in every area of automotive maintenance, repair and customization. We do everything from routine maintenance to replacing engines and transmissions. All of our work is performed by trained and experienced Tempe mechanics, educated to stay up to date on the latest automotive innovations. Our reputation, along with our many loyal, repeat customers lets you know you can count on us for quality work at a reasonable price. Contact us today to learn more.