What it Means When the Check Engine Light Comes On

Posted on June 8, 2022 by gcsjunk

Uh oh. The one light on your dashboard you don’t want to see come on just did. What does it mean when your Check Engine Light lights up? Well, the answer isn’t always so clear. Continue below to learn some top reasons why Check Engine Lights come on, plus what you should do now that yours is illuminated.

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Check Engine Light Basics

Also known as a Malfunctioning Indicator Lamp (MIL), the Check Engine Light is designed to do just that: indicate when there is a malfunction occurring within one of the systems in your vehicle. Is your Check Engine Light solid or flashing? In most cases, this light will illuminate in a solid orange, yellow, or amber color. If the Check Engine Light is flashing, it is typically indicative of a more serious automotive malfunction or breakdown.

Common Causes of an Illuminated Check Engine Light

In most cases, a Check Engine Light will come on because the gas cap is loose or needs replaced. So, always check this first before moving forward with diagnosing and illuminated Check Engine Light. In moderate cases, the Check Engine Light will illuminate if one of the vehicle’s internal systems is experiencing a malfunction or decline in performance. In serious cases, a Check Engine Light can come on as a result of misfiring, an overheating catalytic converter, or an internal fire hazard. In these occurrences, the MIL will generally present itself in flashing form. In rare cases, the MIL will illuminate for no reason at all.

One of top reasons why Check Engine Lights come on is because a part needs to be replaced, such as:

↔ Mass Airflow Sensor
↔ O2 Sensors
↔ Catalytic Converter
↔ Ignition Coils
↔ Spark Plugs
↔ Fuel Injectors
↔ Thermostat
↔ Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Control Valve
↔ Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Solenoid

How to Diagnose a Check Engine Light

There are two ways you can go about diagnosing the reason why your vehicle’s Check Engine Light came on. You can take your car into a local auto shop and have a mechanic diagnose the issue using an industry specific code reader. You can also choose to purchase your own code reader and perform diagnostics yourself. You can expect a mechanic to charge you anywhere from $75 dollars to $120 for Check Engine Light diagnostic service.

Over-the-counter code readers drastically range in price, anywhere between $25 and $800, so you have quite the selection to choose from. The pricier the device, the more accurate the readings are likely to be. Also, the more expensive code readers typically offer additional features separate from Check Engine Light diagnostics. This is why they cost more. The cheaper code readers may not provide the most accurate diagnostics, which may require you to take it in for professional service in the end. So, he was when making your purchase selection. If you are going to perform your own Check Engine Light diagnostics.

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Why Did My Car Battery Corrode?

Posted on May 31, 2022 by gcsjunk

As someone who’s been driving for many years, you’ve come to learn quite well the importance of your car battery. Car batteries work ongoing maintenance and routine replacement. Without proper care, car batteries will decline in both efficiency and performance. If you’ve been having problems starting or maintaining charge in your car battery, you might want to pop open the hood and take a look at its current condition. If you notice a white, scum like film accumulating around and within the battery terminals, it is an indication of battery corrosion.

Continue reading to learn more about battery corrosion, including what causes it to happen and what you can do about it.

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Identifying Car Battery Corrosion

Car battery corrosion is common, especially in old car batteries. It is easy to diagnose a corroded car battery because the bright crust that forms on and around the battery terminals is hard to miss. It looks similar to dried-up toothpaste, ranging in colors from white to greenish or light blue hues. It starts white, but once, but upon exposure to moisture, it will turn to a greenish or blue color. Furthermore, corrosion crust accumulates in large masses, so once it is discovered, there is usually a large deposit to deal with.

What Causes a Car Battery to Corrode?

When a car battery is corroded, the crust impedes the electrical connection because it is a bad conductor of electricity. It causes a transient current flow, which means the electricity circles right back to the battery just keep the battery charged. Your car might turn on, but the engine will not be able to start.

The most common causes for car battery corrosion development include overcharging, gas escape, and old age. If your car battery is overcharged, the fluid within the battery terminals will expand. This will cause an overflow of liquid inside of the car battery, which can basically flood the terminals with acid. Acid causes corrosion, which in turn generates corrosion development.

Gas escape is another common reason why car batteries develop corrosion. This usually depends on the type of car battery and how it’s placed within the vehicle. Car batteries have tiny vents that allow hydrogen gas to flow through them. Sometimes these hydrogen gases can come in contact with the battery terminals or car cables, thus triggering corrosion. As already mentioned, old car batteries are more prone to car battery corrosion.

What To Do About Battery Corrosion

If your car battery is corroded, you must take a closer look to determine your compatible options. You see, just because a car battery is corroded does not mean that it is junked. It is possible to clean the corrosion off of a car battery, so long as you have the right materials and use the right methods. If your battery is new, you should try cleaning the corrosion before replacing the battery altogether. If your battery is old, or approaching the 4 to 5 year mark, battery replacement is the best option for you. Sell your used car battery to a Louisville scrapyard for cash on the spot!

To clean the corrosion off of a car battery, you will need baking soda, petroleum jelly, anti-corrosion pads, a stiff bristle brush or wire brush, safety goggles, work gloves, clean water, and rags. Always disconnect your battery cables starting with the negative (-) cable first before you begin cleaning your car battery. Combine the baking soda, usually around a teaspoon, with the petroleum jelly to create a paste. Apply the paste all over the corrosion and scrub away with your anti-corrosion pads or stiff bristle brush. Thoroughly rinse the car battery when you are finished, then allow it to dry completely.

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5 Reasons Why Your Car is Shaking and Vibrating

Posted on April 18, 2022 by gcsjunk

A car that is shaking, vibrating, or jerking is not performing the way it was manufactured to. If this describes your current driving experience, you can safely assume there is a malfunction or two happening within your vehicle. Continue reading to learn the top five reasons why your car might be shaking and vibrating, plus what to do if the underlying cause renders your vehicle a total loss.

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Diagnosing Car Shaking and Vibrating

Identifying unusual movement in your car is an important part of car care. It is right to acknowledge car shaking, pulsing, and/or vibrating as unusual vehicular performance. An effective way to determine what is causing the underlying problem behind vehicle shaking and vibrating is to identify when the unusual movements take place. For this reason, it is important to begin your initial examination by asking yourself a few questions.

Does your vehicle shake and vibrate when you are idling? Driving? Speeding? Pressing the brakes?

Do you feel the movement coming from your steering wheel? The seat? The brakes? All around?

Is the movement accompanied with other warning signs, like strange noises or smells?

Has your vehicle sustained any recent impacts, like hitting a pothole or driving over a curb?

The answers to these questions can help you faster identify the problem behind your vehicle shaking and vibrating.

Common Causes of Vehicle Shaking

When it comes to diagnosing car shaking, a mechanic will initially take a look at these five automotive systems and parts:

Tires

If your car tires have uneven wear and tear, poor tread, or the tread has separated, it can cause the vehicle to shake or stagger while driving. To fix this issue, you will need to take your car into a local shop for tire balance and rotation service. If your tires are too worn, you may need to replace some altogether.

Wheels

Do you feel the shaking when you are driving? More so at higher speeds? Do you feel it below your feet, coming from underneath the car? Like tires, poor wheel condition can also cause cars to shake, jerk, or pulsate. In most cases, a quick trip to the tire shop for a wheel rotation and tire balance will fix this problem. However, the car shaking could be caused by loose lug nuts or broken bearings.

Steering and Suspension

Your vehicle’s steering and suspension system can fall subject to certain malfunctions that can cause vehicular jerking and shaking. This underlying culprit usually presents itself when accelerating. If you feel the shaking in your car increase as you speed up or take off from a stopped position, it could be due to problems within the steering and suspension system. Such problems include a broken drive shaft, worn CV joint, or even a bent axle.

Brakes

Faulty or defective brakes are a common cause for car shaking. If you are feeling this happening when you are pressing on the brake pedal or coming to a stop, your car could be experiencing physical defects with the brake pads, brake rotors, or disc brakes. If you feel the vibrations and jerking mostly in the steering wheel, or smell a burning odor when it happens, it is likely due to a stuck brake caliper.

Engine

If this is happening to your car when you drive or stopped in idle, the engine could be the area of concern. In most cases, it signifies that the car engine is not getting enough spark, air, or fuel. In most cases, bad spark plugs or wires are to blame. Dirty or clogged air filters and loose motor mounts have also been known to cause this problem.

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Did My Car Battery Die Prematurely?

Posted on March 30, 2022 by gcsjunk

Did you recently replace your car battery with a new one, and now your new one is dead? If so, you are probably puzzled as much as you are frustrated. After all, car batteries cost money, your hard-earned money; plus, they are required if you want your car to get you to where you need to be, like work or school. So, why did your car battery die so soon?

Continue below to learn how long car batteries are designed to last, plus which factors can drain a car battery faster.

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Average Car Battery Lifespan

There are several different types of car and truck batteries on the market. However, the average automotive battery is designed to last between three and five years. If your new car battery recently died after replacing it, this bit of information might frustrate you even more. But there could be good reason why your car battery died prematurely.

Things That Drain a Car Battery Faster:

Driving Patterns

Your driving patterns and habits can have a significant impact on the lifespan of your car battery. For instance, if you frequently take short trips, you could be further draining your car battery. Each time you start your car, you expend more battery power, and short trips on a more frequent basis does not allow your car battery to fully recharge between trips.

If you would leave your car parked for extended periods of time, it can also drain a car battery pretty fast. Car batteries naturally self-discharge after a long period of in-operation, which is why it is recommended to remove car battery before storing a vehicle for an extended period of time.

Weather and Climate

Nature can also play a role in a quickly draining car battery. Extreme temperatures is one of the most common reasons why car batteries drain prematurely. One way to avoid this is covering your car engine with a thermal blanket during the colder seasons. This will keep your car battery and internal components warm, allowing it to work more efficiently.

In extremely hot conditions, car batteries can drain quickly due to heat-induced deterioration. For this reason, it is important to park in the shade or within a structure during the warmer seasons of the year.

Car Maintenance

There is a very good reason why automakers put together a factory scheduled maintenance plan for your make and model vehicle. Proper car maintenance is vital to the safety, longevity, and performance of your vehicle. If you do not take good care of your car battery, it will die prematurely. It is important to have your car battery cleaned on a routine basis to prevent battery corrosion.

If you notice a white or greenish buildup around your battery cells, use an old toothbrush and a baking soda water mixture to gently clean them off. In addition to cleaning your car battery, you want to regularly check that it’s properly mounted and that all cables are fastened. If the car battery gets knocked out of place, even slightly, it can immediately begin overworking, and thus, drain of power faster.

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Which Side is My Gas Cap On?

Posted on January 24, 2022 by gcsjunk

The question of gas cap locations has been floating around for generations. Not sure which side of the car your gas cap is on right now? Is it on your side? Is it on the passenger side? Continue below to learn how to instantly identify which side your gas cap is on without even getting out of your car, plus some industry facts on why gas cap sides are different among vehicles.

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The Frustrating Gas Cap Scenario

We’ve all been there before; whether you’ve just purchased a new vehicle, borrowing someone’s car, or driving a rental, at some point in your driving career you have surely pulled up to the gas station only to instantly remember you have no idea which side the gas. Fortunately, there is an instant hack on how to figure out which side the gas cap is located on a vehicle without even getting out of the car.

Gas Cap Locations are Labeled on the Dashboard

Okay, so you pull up to the gas station and you can’t remember which side the gas. There is an easy trick to figure this out without leaving your car seat. Simply take a look at the dashboard. Although the location can differ, the gas cap location is typically indicated in the fuel gauge.

You should see an arrow or dot next to the fuel tank icon on your dashboard. This is the side your gas cap is on.

Why Gas Cap Sides Can Be Different

You may notice that throughout your life, you’ve had cars with gas caps on the left side and on the right side. Why is this? Well, the location of the gas cap really depends on where the car comes from, namely which manufacturer produces the vehicle.

For instance, Japanese cars like Toyota and Mitsubishi typically place their gas caps on the left side of the vehicle. Japan a left-hand traffic country, so having the gas cap on the left side of the vehicle comes naturally to their culture. In countries with right side driving traffic, having the gas cap on the left side can be beneficial as well. Many car owners prefer the gas cap on the driver’s side.

Additionally, automakers will place gas caps on either side of the vehicle depending on how the vehicle is designed internally. Sometimes certain parts are larger or smaller, and the fuel tank fits better on the left side rather than the right side, or vice versa. In another example, domestic automakers like Chevy and Ford like to place their gas caps on the right side of the car.

Lastly, there are local, state, and federal legal requirements denoting the specifications of fuel tank location in a vehicle. Automakers must follow these regulations to ensure that the location of the fuel tank cannot cause foreseeable ignitions. This is why gas caps are never located in the back of the vehicle. In the case of the collision, it could cause the entire car to ignite into flames.

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How to Tell if Your Car is Leaking Transmission Fluid

Posted on January 12, 2022 by gcsjunk

Transmission fluid is just one of the seven vital automotive fluids every vehicle needs in order to operate safely and efficiently. If you suspect that your vehicle is losing transmission fluid through a leak, it is important that you catch the leak early on and resolve it right away.

Continue reading to learn how to identify the common signs of a transmission leak, plus how to make back cash if your transmission breaks down.

The Importance of Transmission Fluid

Transmission fluid is vital for both manual and automatic transmission vehicles. For vehicles with manual gearboxes, this commonly burgundy but sometimes green fluid is responsible for lubricating all of the internal bearings, gears, and moving parts of a car engine, which prevents unwanted friction and grinding.

In vehicles with automatic transmissions, or self-shifting transmissions, the transmission fluid works to keep all moving parts and bearings properly lubricated. It also generates and assists with hydraulic pressure and friction, which allow all of the internal parts to perform, and even helps keep the transmission cool.

Identifying a Transmission Fluid Leak

Transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles ((50,000 kilometers). By keeping up on routine maintenance, you can avoid transmission fluid leaks and additional mechanical problems. If your vehicle is leaking a mystery liquid, and you think it might be transmission fluid, here are some of the signs to look for that may prove your suspicions to be true:

Color

If the fluid leaking from your vehicle is brown or red in color, it could very well be transmission fluid. Although some transmission fluid is green, the majority of transmission fluid on the market is read. Over time, it may become darker and appear browner in color. The only other automotive fluids that might be green or red are windshield wiper fluid and coolant, but both solutions are much thinner in comparison to transmission fluid, having a watery-like viscosity.

Smell

You may be able to identify the mystery liquid leaking from your vehicle through touch and smell. Transmission fluid has an oil like consistency and may smell a bit like petroleum. Sometimes prior transmission fluid can smell burnt, which indicates that it’s time for to be changed.

Location

Try to identify where the leak is coming from. Typically, transmission fluid leaks occur near the front or midsection of the vehicle. If the leak coming from your car is located more towards the back, it could be a different kind of leak entirely.

Acceleration Power

When driving your vehicle, if you notice that it’s taking longer to accelerate, or you are having difficulty shifting, it could be that your vehicles losing transmission fluid. Transmission slipping is another common indication that you may be low on transmission fluid.

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Important Safe Driving Tips for Winter

Posted on December 20, 2021 by gcsjunk

Tomorrow is officially the first day of winter! Most of us cannot believe it’s already here, while the rest wonder what took so long! Whether you love the winter season or not, driving safety is a number one priority this time of year. Kentucky experiences a wide range of unpredictable and predictable winter climates, including rain, sleet, hail, ice, and of course, snow.

If you or your teen plan to be on the road this winter, be sure to review these important seasonal safe driving tips below!

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Driving and Road Safety Tips for Winter

Not only does winter weather pose a wide range of road and driving hazards, but it can also damage vehicles. For these reasons, it is important to review the top safety tips for driving in winter. Do this for yourself, then review them with your teen drivers too!

Stay Current on All Car Maintenance

All mechanics will tell you that the number one, most effective method of automotive protection is regular scheduled car maintenance. Like our own bodies, our cars need routine service to ensure all parts and systems are in good condition. You always want to catch a small problem early on, before it can become a devastatingly costly and invasive repair.

Routine car maintenance is an important factor when it comes to road and driving safety. A vehicle that is in good condition is dependable, and therefore, capable of keeping you and your passengers safer on the road. Be sure your car battery is charged up and that all automotive fluids are clean and topped off, too!

Avoid Fatigued Driving

Whether from medication, lack of sleep, stress, or substance, fatigued driving is one of the most dangerous kinds of driving. Never operate your vehicle if you are drowsy, sleepy, or otherwise distracted or un-alert, even if you are just driving down the street or a few minutes away. This driving safety tip is even more critical in the winter season when roads are more inclement and hazardous due to rain increased precipitation and poor visibility during the daytime.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

If your windshield wipers are more than a season or two old, you might want to consider swapping them out for a new pair before the peak of the winter season is upon us. Not only are windshield wipers notorious for wearing down fast, but windshield wiper innovation has boosted dramatically in the past few years. Better technology means better protection against that precipitation and poor visibility we mentioned before. Don’t forget to replace the back window wipers, too.

Invest in Good Tires

The better the tires, the more traction and protection you have on the road. If your car tire are old, now is the perfect time to invest in a great set. Like wipers, tire technologies continue to grow, so you cannot go wrong with new tires before the winter season. If you are not in a position to buy new car tire, just be sure that your current ones are properly inflated before hitting the road this winter.

Drive With a Full Tank of Gas

Although it’s not practical to keep your gas tank full at all times, you can do your best to always drive with a sufficient amount of fuel. You can even keep a reserve gas can in the trunk if you ever run out of fuel, unexpectedly.

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Facts About Engine Sludge

Posted on November 11, 2021 by gcsjunk

Each year you have your vehicle, it incurs more and more wear and tear. Many types of wear and tear are imminent and cannot be controlled or avoided, but many others can. With regular scheduled car maintenance, you can protect your vehicle from excessive or premature automotive damages. If you neglect to take a car in for routine service, your vehicle can eventually experience serious mechanical malfunctions and breakdowns. One such result of poor car maintenance is engine sludge.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about engine sludge, including where it comes from, why it’s harmful to a vehicle, and how to get rid of it responsibly.

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Automotive Engine Sludge is a Serious Problem

Engine sludge is a destructive substance, and therefore a serious problem, as it can lead to several mechanical breakdowns and defects within the engine and other automotive systems within the vehicle. Even just a little sludge can eventually damage the engine and its inner components, overtime. For this reason, it is imperative to have engine sludge problems treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more damage will result. If engine sludge is never dealt with, it can render a vehicle a total loss.

What You Need to Understand About Engine Sludge:

► Engine Sludge is Formally Motor Oil

if you’re wondering where the engine sludge is coming from in your car engine, the answer is motor oil. Engine sludge comes from oil It is generated when oil is oxidized or contaminated. If you fail to get an oil change, engine sludge can begin to develop.

Oxidation, or as you know it, resting, naturally occurs to oil overtime. Although it is imminent, excessive oxidation can be abated with routine car maintenance and oil changes. It is important to keep your car oil clean to avoid engine sludge production.

Motor oil can become contaminated by the gasoline you put in your car. Overtime, contamination can lead to the development of engine sludge. Not only should you stay current on routine oil changes, but you should also use at top-quality motor oil to prevent engine sludge formation.

► Engine Sludge Will Damage Your Motor

Engine sludge is a serious problem because it can cause major damage to your motor. When engine sludge is present in your engine, the lines are obstructed with gunk, therefore reducing the flow of motor oil through the engine. This can lead to excessive heat and friction, which can damage all components within the car engine. Engine sludge can cause ignition problems and overheating engines too.

►Engine Sludge Can Only Be Repaired Professionally

If your car has shown signs of engine sludge development, it is important to take into a licensed mechanic and have it repaired. Only an automotive shop will have the proper resources and technologies to properly eliminate the engine sludge buildup within your motor, safely and without damaging any other components. They can also put you on a routine car maintenance schedule that will prevent engine sludge formation in the future.

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