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Why is my Check Engine Light On?

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Why is My Check Engine Light On?  If you’ve ever been driving and noticed your check engine light start to blink, you know it can be alarming. Let’s break down what it means when that light starts blinking and what it signifies when it shifts to a steady glow. Understanding Your Check Engine Light: Blinking vs. Steady Blinking Check Engine Light: What’s the Deal? A blinking check engine light is a clear signal that something serious is happening under the hood. Most commonly, it indicates an engine misfire, which can lead to significant damage if left unchecked. If you see that blinking light, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Pull over safely and refrain from driving until the issue is resolved. Steady Check Engine Light: Time to Take Action When the blinking light transitions to a steady glow, it doesn’t mean the problem has disappeared. Instead, it suggests that while the issue may not be immediately critical, it’s still present and needs attention. This steady light ofte...
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Why Are My Brakes Grinding?

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  Why Are My Brakes Grinding?   As a responsible vehicle owner, it can be alarming to hear your brakes make a grinding noise. Not only does it disrupt the tranquility of your ride, but it also raises concerns about your safety on the road. The grinding sound is a sign that something is amiss with your braking system. In this blog, we will delve into the possible causes behind your grinding brakes. We will also try to help with understanding the urgency of the issue, and the necessary steps to fix the problem. Worn-out Brake Pads: One of the most common reasons for brakes to grind is worn-out brake pads. Brake pads are designed with a thin layer of friction material that wears down over time due to regular usage. When the brake pads become excessively worn, the metal backing plate may come into contact with the brake rotor, resulting in a grinding noise. Ignoring this issue can lead to further damage to your braking system, including rotor damage, which can be more expensive ...
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Why Won't My Car Start?

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Why Won't My Car Start?  There could be many reasons why a car won't start, but some of the top reasons bad batteries. Fuel or ignition system issues could also be the problem. Problems with starter motors, alternators, and timing belts are other reasons.  Faulty sensors or bad starting relays might also be the cause.  Dead Battery: A dead battery is one of the most common reasons why a car won't start. If the battery is old or has been drained, it may not have enough power to start the engine. Fuel System Issues: If there is a problem with the fuel system, the engine may not get the fuel it needs to start. This could be due to a clogged fuel filter, a faulty fuel pump, or a problem with the fuel injectors. Ignition System Issues: The ignition system creates the spark that ignites the fuel in the engine. If there is a problem with the ignition system, the engine may not start. This could be due to a faulty ignition coil, spark plugs, or wiring. Starter Motor Issues: The s...
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How Often Does My Car Need an Oil Change?

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  You may be wondering: How often should I change my car's oil? The frequency can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of engine oil used. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations listed in the owner's manual. We all used to know to change the oil every 3,000 miles or every three months, whichever came first. The technology in Engine oil has advanced. Better engines are produced. Both of these have resulted in longer oil change intervals. Most automakers now recommend oil changes between 7,500 to 10,000 miles, or every 6 to 12 months. That is for normal driving conditions. If you drive in extreme heat or cold, or in dusty areas, or frequent short trips, you may need to change your oil more often. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or every 3 to 6 months, as recommended by many manufacturers. Synthetic oil may allow for longer oil change intervals than conventional oil. Synthetic oil generally lasts longer and provides better e...
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Why does My Car Shake When I Brake?

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Why does My Car Shake When I Brake? You may be wondering why your car Shakes when you brake. There are a few different reasons that could happen.  One is that the Brake Calipers are Sticking. The Rotors could also be Warped. It could also be a Tire or an Alignment issue. If you notice your Car Shaking While Braking, it’s best to get it Inspected by a Certified Mechanic right away. Visit our Website Find us on Facebook!
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Why is my Car Overheating?

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It's not fun when your Vehicle Overheats, and you may be wondering, "Why is my Car Overheating?" There are a few common reasons why your Vehicle can Overheat. One important thing to keep in mind is that the best thing to do if your Car Overheats, is to let it cool off! Pull over if needed. Driving "In the Red Zone" can do serious damage to your vehicle. Here are common reasons of Overheating: Stuck Thermostat. The Thermostat regulates your engine temperature. Sometimes the Thermostat can get stuck closed, which restricts Coolant flow. Low Engine Coolant Level. An Engine Coolant line or seal leak decreases the Coolant level in the system. If the Coolant Level is too low, it prevents proper cooling. Water Pump failure.  If the Water Pump fails, then it can't circulate the engine coolant to remove excessive heat. Radiator Restriction. If Coolant / Antifreeze can’t flow through your radiator, the heat gets trapped in the engine. Restricted He...
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Why Does My Car Squeal When I Start it up?

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Why Does My Car Squeal When I Start it up? You may be wondering, Why Does My Car Squeal When I Start it up? There are several reasons it could be Squealing, but the usual cause is your vehicle's Belts. If the Belts are Worn or Cracked, they can Slip, which makes a Squealing or Screeching Noise. If the car (and Belt) is cold and/or dew covered, slippage is more of a problem until the rubber warms up and the belt fits tighter on the pulleys. It's best to get your car inspected frequently (at each oil change is best!) to prevent belts wearing and possibly breaking. At My Auto Works in Woodland, we do a free Pro Tech Check with every vehicle to make sure your car stays in top shape and make you aware of any safety concerns.
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