The Check Engine Light and Your Car
I remember the first time my check engine light came on. It brought the fear of an eminent car failure with flames and smoke. My mind was telling me the end was near. Yes I was a little panicky and wondering if I should call a tow truck. I have since learned that is usually not the case.
The Check Engine Light
In most cases, when your check engine light comes on, there’s no reason for alarm. Be concerned, but don’t panic. It’s a common problem and often indicates something minor. It could be something as simple as a loose gas cap however more typically, there may be an issue with your emissions.
While your car won’t pass an emissions inspection if the check engine light is on, this won’t cause your car to stop running. In fact, it’s very rare that the check engine light signals an actual engine problem that will cause you to break down. So unless the light is flashing or you notice other signs of an engine problem, such as your car running sloppily or making unusual noises you do not need to stop your car. Just call us to make an appointment to come in soon. We will run a scan to determine what caused the light to come on.
Yellow vs. Red Indicator Lights
An easy way to remember which lights indicate the most severe problems is by color. Just remember that yellow means caution and red means stop. Since your check engine light illuminates in yellow, you should use caution, but don’t get alarmed unless you notice other problems with your car.
On the other hand, an indicator light that illuminates in red is a warning that there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. Some typical indicator lights that illuminate or flash red include brake, temperature and oil indicator lights. When these lights illuminate or flash red, you should pull the car off as soon as you can find a place out of harm’s way, and stop the car. Then immediately call us.
Here are some problems that the indicator lights could signal when they illuminate red:
- Temperature - Your car could be overheating and there’s the potential to fry your engine.
- Oil - Your car might have low oil pressure, which can cause your engine to throw a rod bearing or worse.
- Brakes - Your brakes may not be working properly.
- Battery – There could be an issue, such as an alternator malfunction, that could lead to a dead battery. The alternator is the component that keeps the battery charged and supplies voltage for other systems while the engine is running.
Don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is equipped to handle all your Toyota and Lexus service needs. AHR is smaller so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call for appointment at 770-492-7437
Regular preventive maintenance is the best single thing you can do as a car owner to keep your car running safer, longer and save money on major repairs in the future.
Our Value Added Oil Change Basic’s
Getting your oil changed at ToyoTechs is not just an oil change. We complete a full safety inspection on your vehicle from top to bottom and give you the real heads up as to what your vehicle needs now and what can wait till later.
Below are the maintenance safety checks that are performed at every value added oil change. If you have any specific questions concerning your vehicle as always please ask your service advisor.
- All fluids are checked, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant.
- All hoses and belts checked, to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear.
- Brake system inspected including the brake pads, rotors and drums. (Have your brakes checked twice a year if you're a high mileage driver).
- Exhaust system inspected for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers. (Exhaust leaks should be corrected within a reasonable amount of time)
- The steering and suspension system inspected including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.
- Tires checked, including tire pressure and tread. Tires inspected for bulges and bald spots.
- 7. Wipers and lighting inspected so that you can see and be seen. We check that all exterior lighting is working properly and visual inspection of worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation
Don't forget about our other shop Atlanta Hybrid Repair. AHR is equipped to handle all your Toyota and Lexus service needs. AHR is smaller so often it's easier to get an appointment. Gas powered and hybrids are welcome. Located at 5630 Peachtree Blvd. 1 mile away from the main shop across the street from Wendy’s and the Kia dealership. Call for appointment at 770-492-7437
Regular preventive maintenance is the best single thing you can do as a car owner to keep your car running safer, longer and save money on major repairs in the future
Why Keeping Debris Off Your Car is Important
When leaves dead bugs and other debris slides down your windshield it gathers around the base of your windshield covering the vents that carry the fresh airflow into your car. The air then flows into the interior of your car going through your cabin air filter. The leaves, dead bugs and road debris will work its way through the airflow system in your car and possibly work its way into your A/C evaporator core.
YIKES !!! This is a really big deal because if your evaporator core becomes damaged or clogged it is a $2000 plus repair that involves removing the dashboard from your car.
As part of your regular maintenance you want to replace your cabin air filter every 6 months or when dirty. (We always check the cabin filter during every oil change.) This in turn will help keep out the debris from moving into the air you breath and from moving further down to the evaporator core.
Little details like this can save you thousands over the life of your car ownership.
In the photo below notice all the debris located next to the vent.
