Monday, December 6, 2010

Does A Check Engine Light Always Equal A Major Problem?


 The answer to that question is NO not always. The fact of the matter is just the simplest little thing can throw a code and cause the check engine light to come on. We have seen many cases in which a customer comes in for a check engine light checkout dreading the results only to find out that it is a simple, inexpensive fix. For example last week my check engine light came on. For about a week before that it was eating through coolant but we couldn't figure out why. One of the mechanics did a checkout and come to find out it was the coolant cap. If left unchecked it could have become a major problem.Take note of the cracks in it, they are what caused the coolant to seep out and why the check engine light came on. Yes something that simple can cause the check engine light to come on. Needless to say I was very happy.  I have included pictures of my coolant cap so you can see. Moral of the story is yes sometimes a check engine light can be a major problem but not always. That's why it is always best to get it checked out as soon as the check engine light comes on.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

What to do if your gas pedal sticks while driving.

   Picture this, you are driving down the road and you are coming up to a stop light with traffic coming in all directions. You go to brake, only to find out you cannot stop your vehicle. This nightmare has happened to Tracy. Luckily, Fred taught her what to do should this ever happen.   First of all let me clarify that the brakes were in good working order. Instead it was a stuck gas pedal. She tried to unstick it but could not. As she approached the stop light, she could not stop the vehicle. She pulled over into a clear turning lane, shut the engine off, and put the vehicle into park. Had she put the vehicle into park before shutting the vehicle off, she could have damaged the transmission and the engine. As a result of knowing what to do, she avoided a possible accident and I am happy to say although it was a frightening experience,both her and the vehicle remained unharmed.