Automotive Repair Archives - Page 4 of 11 - Ferber's Tire & Auto Service

The check engine light is known as a pain to many drivers. Seeing that amber light pop up lets, you know your car needs attention. The check engine light appearing itself isn’t a death sentence. A lit check engine light is vague, so it could indicate something as small as a loose gas cap or something more severe like a misfire or bad o2 sensor. What about when your check engine light is flashing?

Unfortunately, a flashing check engine light indicates you have a more serious problem. The most significant difference between a solid check engine light and a flashing light is urgency and severity! Less experienced drivers may ignore a check engine light because of how wide-ranging the issue could be, but if your check engine begins to blink, it’s a problem you can’t ignore. If your check engine light is flashing, we highly recommend you pull over and have your vehicle towed to a mechanic you trust. Typically, a flashing light indicates an engine misfire issue, especially if you notice your car running rough or sluggishly.

As you’ve learned today, a flashing engine light must be taken seriously for the protection of you and your vehicle. There’s no way to know the exact issue regarding a flashing light, so we recommend taking your vehicle to an ASE-certified shop. For auto service, you can trust in Ashland, Virginia; look no further than Ferber’s Tire and Auto, where we can handle any of your automotive needs!

WHY IS MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING?

The check engine light is known as a pain to many drivers. Seeing that amber light pop up lets, you know your car needs attention. The check engine light appearing itself isn’t a death sentence. A lit check engine light is vague, so it could indicate something as small as a loose gas cap or Read More

WHAT IS A CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO VALUABLE?

Starting in the mid-70s, various governments wanted to reduce harmful emissions and lower the air pollution coming from our car. After about 20 years, the catalytic converter became essential for every vehicle exhaust system. The catalytic converter takes toxic gases and transforms them into a less harmful form. Poisonous or harmful gasses such as carbon Read More

WHY DOES A LOOSE GAS CAP TRIGGER A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT?

So, you’re driving, and your check engine light pops up. Concerned but wanting to be responsible, you google what might have caused your light to turn on. You’re shocked to learn that several sources state a loose gas cap can trigger a check engine light. So, what’s the reason? Let’s start by stating that, yes, Read More

HOW A CAR THERMOSTAT WORKS

Coolant travels through the engine and radiator, gaining heat as it moves along. The thermostat prevents coolant flow until the engine warms up to around 195-220 degrees. The thermostat responds to changes in the engine temperature. If the engine temperature gets too hot, the thermostat opens to allow cool air to flow and cool it Read More

10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON GAS

There’s never been a better time to maximize your dollar at the pump with gas prices rising to all-time levels. Getting the best fuel efficiency possible goes a long way to help you and your vehicle. Here are a few tips that save you that hard-earned cash.

THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR

The mass airflow sensor (MAF) is a key part of your vehicle’s electronic fuel injection system. Typically located between the intake manifold and air filter, its job is to measure the amount of air entering your engine. The mass airflow sensor uses a small electrically heated wire called a hot wire to correctly measure the Read More

SIGNS OF A FAILING STARTER

As the name suggests, the starter plays a critical role in powering your vehicle. The starter is typically attached to the engine or transmission, the starter functions as an electric motor that kickstarts a complex chain of events to start your car. So, what are the signs of a failing starter? Starters fail for design, Read More

SIGNS OF A FAILING IGNITION COIL

The ignition coil’s job is to take low voltage from the battery and transfer it to the higher amount needed to ignite your spark plugs and start your engine. As part of the ignition process, your vehicle will perform poorly or not at all without a properly running ignition coil. As a critical part of Read More

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY TIRES BALANCED?

Nothing can be more frustrating than a vibration that occurs at highway speeds. Balancing tires reduce tire wear and provide a smoother ride. Surprising enough, tires aren’t manufactured perfectly round. Sometimes even with new tires, weight isn’t evenly distributed. There are some spots on your tire that are heavier than others. When new tires are Read More

SIGNS OF A FAILING IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER

The ignition lock cylinder is the cylindrical and mechanical part used to start your car. Housed inside the electrical component that locks the ignition known as the ignition switch. It’s often welded onto the steering column and is usually located on the right side, behind the steering wheel. While many modern automobiles have transitioned to Read More