AUTONET TV

What?s That Yellow Squiggly Line Anyway? (What Warning Lights Mean)

You may have noticed when you start your vehicle, you’ll see several symbols light up on the dash.  They’re different colors and shapes, and sometimes it’s hard to figure out what each of those symbols mean.

They are warning lights and symbolize something in your vehicle is sending you a message.  It’s the result of today’s vehicles having lots of computers.  The good thing about having so many of these warning lights is they can let you know there’s an issue in need of attention before a more serious failure.  

Sometimes it can be challenging to figure out what each light means, so here are some of the most common ones.  One looks like your vehicle’s engine from the side, the Check Engine light.  It alerts you to something as simple as a loose gas cap to a far more serious problem like an overheating engine.  When the Check Engine light comes on, bring it into our shop.  If it’s blinking or flashing, it likely has more urgent issues, so bring it in sooner.

Another warning light looks like a genie lamp with a drip at the end, and it’s the engine oil light. When it comes on, it means something’s wrong with the oil pressure, and that can be a sign of serious engine problems.  Don’t ignore the oil light and bring it in for service as soon as you can.

One warning light looks like an old-style thermometer with a bulb at the bottom and degree marks on the side sitting in fluid.  That’s all about your coolant level, and when it comes on, your engine may be overheating.  It’s another one that’s telling you to bring it in to us for service quickly.

When your brakes aren’t working right, a light comes on that looks like a circle with a pair of half circles at the sides and an exclamation mark in the middle. Driving with malfunctioning brakes is dangerous, and it’s another warning light that should prompt you to get your vehicle looked at very soon.

If you see a light on your dash you don’t understand, try looking it up in your owner’s manual or bring it into us so we can help decipher it.  Warning lights are there to help you, and so are we.

All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903

10 Things That Are Lowering Your Fuel Economy

Regardless of whatever current gas prices may be, if you could use less gas, wouldn’t you? Well, here are 10 things that are robbing you of better fuel economy that you can change for the better:

   •    Not enough air in your tires.  Underinflated tires have a smaller rolling diameter and more resistance to rolling.  Keep them inflated properly, plus ask us about more fuel-efficient tires.

   •    Faulty oxygen sensor.  A faulty or dirty oxygen sensor can cause your engine to burn too rich a mixture of air and fuel.  That can also trigger a Check Engine light.  Have us check yours.

   •    Oil age and type.  Contaminated or improper viscosities of engine oil can create more resistance in your engine.  Have regular oil changes and consider newer high-mileage oils.

   •    Bad wheel alignment.  When your wheels aren’t lined up straight, they have more resistance.  Let us check your alignment and straighten things out if necessary.

   •    Aging ignition system.  When’s the last time your spark plugs, spark plug wires and coils were changed? Misfires can rob you of good mileage.

   •    Dirty fuel injectors.  They can be inefficient if they’re not clean.  Have us check yours to make sure they’re working as they should.

   •    Fouled fuel filter. After filtering impurities out of your fuel, the filter may be clogged and affect your engine’s performance.

   •    Worn out or stuck brakes. This creates drag on the wheels and prevents you from rolling freely down the road.  Have us inspect yours to see how yours are.

   •    Worn piston rings.  These form a seal in the cylinder walls so you have top compression. When the seal is sloppy, down goes your fuel pressure and mileage.

   •    Poor maintenance.  If you don’t keep your engine’s systems running efficiently, they can nibble away at your fuel economy.  

Let us help you keep your eye on each one of these so you aren’t wasting money and gas.

All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903

Don?t Meddle with the Pedal (Brake Caliper Replacement)

If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are it has disc brakes, and one of the components of that type of brake is called a brake caliper.  The caliper allows the pressure from your foot on the brake pedal to eventually move brake pads against discs in your wheels, which then slow and stop your vehicle.  

If you have disc brakes on all 4 wheels, your vehicle will have 4 calipers.  If you have them just on the front wheels, you’ll only have 2 calipers.  Because your wheels and brakes do their work outside and on the road surface, they are exposed to a lot of dirt and debris, as well as enduring heat, cold, moisture and tough treatment in daily driving.  

Your calipers have seals that are susceptible to the heat generated during the repetitive stops in normal driving, which can take a tough toll on those seals. If you drive when your vehicle’s brake pads and rotors are worn, you can ruin your calipers in the process.  

Here are a few signs that a caliper might be failing:  Your vehicle is pulling to one side when you apply the brakes.  Your pedal goes down to the floor when you push on it.  You hear squeaking from the wheels while braking.  You notice brake fluid on the pavement underneath your vehicle after you’ve parked it for a few hours.  

If you are getting any of those warning signs, it’s important to have one of our technicians determine what’s going on.  There are several brake components that contribute to your vehicle’s safe operation, including the calipers, pads, rotors, brake lines and brake fluid.  

Regular brake maintenance is recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to prevent dangerous surprises.  And when you see issues, have your brakes serviced as soon as you see signs of trouble.

All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903

Rumble from Down Under (Muffler Replacement)

We’ve all noticed them at one time or another on the street: a car or truck that drives by and the deep roar from their exhaust system sounds like a drag racer on the line.  But what happens when that rumble is coming from under YOUR vehicle? Well, it could be a sign your muffler needs attention.

You may notice other signs if your muffler needs to be replaced.  Your fuel economy may have plummeted, the smell of exhaust is blowing into your cabin, or your engine isn’t running in its usually smooth manner.  Or you may notice your vehicle’s temperature gauge is showing it’s running hotter than usual.

Mufflers sit under your vehicle, so they are exposed to all sorts of nasty things every day, and every season.  It may be dirt or salt from the road that gets kicked up on it, or you may rough it up with the potholes and speed bumps on the road.  Also, moisture from rain and snow combined with chemicals and brine can literally dissolve your muffler and other components of your exhaust system.

When you start to notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to head on over to have one of our technicians look at your exhaust system.  Under normal conditions, mufflers may last anywhere from five to seven years.  But when they start to go, to ensure your vehicle runs the way it should, you should have your muffler (and the rest of the components in the exhaust system) inspected and replaced if necessary.

Ideally, it makes sense to have your muffler and exhaust system inspected regularly when you have other routine maintenance done to your vehicle, such as oil changes and tire rotations.  That way, you can know sooner rather than later that your muffler is on its last legs before your (noisy) vehicle begins to draw the wrong kind of attention from other drivers.

All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903