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5 Common Check Engine Light Problems

5 Common Check Engine Light Problems

When the check engine light illuminates many drivers will ignore it, thinking it is an error, since their car seems to be running just fine. Truth is, it isn't an error. The check engine light often comes on in relation to a small malfunction within the vehicle that if left unchecked will grow into a much worse problem. Be sure to get to the auto shop for further diagnostics if your check engine light comes on. The following are five common check engine light issues. Loose gas cap If the gas cap is loose, broken or otherwise ill-fitting it could allow fuel to evaporate out of the filler hose. This would be detected by the EVAP system, which then illuminates the check engine light. Be sure to always tighten your gas cap after a fill up. Oxygen Sensor The oxygen sensor is located in the exhaust system and helps calculate the proper air to fuel ratio. If the sensor malfunctions it could result in excessive amounts of gasoline being burnt, thus decreasing your fuel efficiency. This could ... read more

Why Fix a Small Oil Leak?

Why Fix a Small Oil Leak?

If you have spotted something leaking from your vehicle it is understandable to be concerned. The first thing you will want to do is determine what sort of fluid it is, as your car uses a number of liquids to operate. Oil leaks will appear as dark brown or black on the ground, and should they become wet, a rainbow sheen will be seen.For some reason many people believe a small oil leak isn't a big problem. While it's true that as long as your oil level doesn't fall below the minimum as dictated by the oil dipstick your car shouldn't suffer any negative effects, it's still smart to fix small oil leaks. Here's why. It'll get bigger Ignoring a small oil leak will allow it to get bigger. It isn't uncommon for even low mileage cars to begin to leak oil, so always pay attention to the ground where you park. If you spot an oil leak it is best to visit a local shop that can determine where it is coming from and give you an idea of how soon it should be fixed. If it's completely overlooked that ... read more

Common Auto Parts that Need Routine Replacement

Common Auto Parts that Need Routine Replacement

We rely on our cars and trucks day in and day out to get us everywhere we need to be. The only way they'll continue to do so is by ensuring that they are given proper maintenance. Routine maintenance services include replacing certain car parts that will wear out or otherwise lose the ability to do their job as the miles add up. The following are a few of the most common auto parts that will, at some point, require replacement. Air Filter The air filter is tasked with preventing dirt and other particles from entering the engine. If the air filter becomes dirtied it will prevent the proper flow of air and cause the engine to run poorly. Fuel Filter Like the air filter, the fuel filter prevents contaminants from getting into the engine via the fuel line. A clogged fuel filter will prevent the motor from running right, or at all. Spark Plugs and Wires The spark plugs are fed an electrical charge that creates a spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture. Dirty or corroded spark plugs wil ... read more

Expert Foreign Auto Repair in Denton

Expert Foreign Auto Repair in Denton

Many people who own a vehicle manufactured or designed in a country outside of America believe that they will have to return to the dealership to have their car serviced for routine maintenance or unexpected repairs. This simply isn't true. By identifying a local auto repair shop that provides professional import auto repair, you can save hundreds of dollars on service for car, truck or SUV. At Strande's Garage, we offer just that. As a NAPA Auto Care Center staffed by ASE certified technicians, you can count on us for quality car repair, no matter what you drive. European Auto Repair Many manufacturers of fine automobiles are based in Europe. Our team has access to the latest diagnostic and repair equipment to ensure that we're able to fix any issue, on just about any car. German Auto Repair - German engineers were pioneers in the automobile industry, and they continue to revolutionize the way we drive. We provide repairs and maintenance for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, V ... read more

Does My Car Need Transmission Service?

Does My Car Need Transmission Service?

The transmission is a complex mechanism with an important job, which is to transfer the power created by the engine to the wheels. If the transmission is unable to operate as it was designed to do so, you will need to visit the repair shop, or else you may end up with a car unable to move. There are several common signs of transmission trouble, including the following. At the first sign of a problem be sure to contact a reputable transmission repair shop. Grinding Sounds One of the most common symptoms of transmission trouble is a grinding, whining or squealing noise that occurs as the transmission shifts. This can occur with both automatic and manual transmissions and can represent a few different issues, including low tranny fluid or worn gear teeth. Popping Out of Gear If your manual transmission vehicle pops out of gear as you accelerate in first gear there is a good chance that the clutch plate has worn thin. However, this issue can also be caused by engine oil leaking onto the c ... read more

How to Find a Great Auto Repair Shop

How to Find a Great Auto Repair Shop

If your vehicle has begun to run rough or if it is due for factory scheduled maintenance, then you know it's time to find a trustworthy auto repair shop. When searching for an honest car care center using an Internet search engine you'll likely find many options. So with all the available shops out there, who do you know who to bring your car, truck or SUV to? There are several qualifying factors that you should search for to ensure that you will not only get outstanding auto repair service, but that you will feel as if you're part of the auto shop family throughout your service. ASE Certified The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, is the auto industry standard when it comes to certifying technicians. Be sure the shop you select employs ASE certified technicians so that you know the repairs done on your car will be conducted by skilled mechanics. Free Verbal Estimates A friendly auto shop should offer free estimates to give you a clear idea of the cost of fi ... read more

3 Reasons Oil Changes are 100% Necessary

3 Reasons Oil Changes are 100% Necessary

There are many lessons that get drilled into the heads of young people; respect your elders, no elbows on the table and change your oil every 3,000 miles, to name a few. That last one is less of a mannerism and more of a necessity for your personal vehicle. Oil is the lifeblood of every automobile on the road and it needs to be drained and replaced every so often according to manufacturer's recommendations in order to prevent massive engine damage. But how does oil prevent engine problems? Here are three things that an oil change does to keep your car running smooth! Removes Engine Sludge As oil circulates through the engine block it collects dust, dirt and other contaminants that may have made their way inside the motor. As these things are gathered the oil turns from a silky smooth to a muddy substance that makes the motor struggle to create power and it can potentially become starved for oil. When the old oil is drained during an oil change and the oil filter is replaced all ... read more

How to Tell if it is Time for Suspension Repair

How to Tell if it is Time for Suspension Repair

The suspension system of your car has a few purposes. While it is mainly understood as a comfort feature that helps prevent excessive bouncing by absorbing the bumps and dips in the roadway, it also ensures all four wheels remain on the ground. As a comfort and safety component it is important that you provide it with any repairs and maintenance it may need throughout the car's lifetime. If you ever notice any of the following symptoms of suspension failure be sure to contact your local auto shop. One corner is low Does it seem as if one corner of your car is dipped, but the tire itself is fully inflated? This may indicate failed suspension parts. If the shock or spring has collapsed on itself it will result in the dipping, which can cause the car to be more difficult to control and also cause excessive tire wear. Oil on the shocks Hydraulic shocks use a special oil to help absorb the unevenness of the road. If the your car doesn't seem quite as comfortable as it used to, run a rag ov ... read more

Minor Auto Maintenance to Improve Performance

Minor Auto Maintenance to Improve Performance

Drops in performance are common as cars age and rack up the miles on their odometers. Thankfully a lot of these performance issues, which can result in poor fuel economy or difficulty accelerating, can be reversed with minor auto maintenance. If your vehicle is giving you any sort of performance trouble be sure to contact your local auto shop so that proper diagnostics and services can be conducted, but chances are, it'll take minor maintenance to get you back up to speed. The following are a few simple services that will certainly help restore performance. Fuel Filter A clogged fuel filter is going to prevent the correct amount of gasoline from getting to the engine. This will result in the motor struggling to produce power as it doesn't have enough gas to burn in the combustion chamber. Replacing the fuel filter is relatively simple on most cars and trucks. Air Filter Another issue that can cause problems in the combustion chamber is a dirty air filter. If the filter isn't allowing ... read more

Automotive Safety: Signs of Brake Failure

Automotive Safety: Signs of Brake Failure

Drops in performance are common as cars age and rack up the miles on their odometers. Thankfully a lot of these performance issues, which can result in poor fuel economy or difficulty accelerating, can be reversed with minor auto maintenance. If your vehicle is giving you any sort of performance trouble be sure to contact your local auto shop so that proper diagnostics and services can be conducted, but chances are, it'll take minor maintenance to get you back up to speed. The following are a few simple services that will certainly help restore performance. Fuel Filter A clogged fuel filter is going to prevent the correct amount of gasoline from getting to the engine. This will result in the motor struggling to produce power as it doesn't have enough gas to burn in the combustion chamber. Replacing the fuel filter is relatively simple on most cars and trucks. Air Filter Another issue that can cause problems in the combustion chamber is a dirty air filter. If the fi ... read more