The Light Many Drivers Fear (Check Engine Light)

Ask just about any driver about one thing they fear seeing inside their vehicle and they’ll say it’s the Check Engine light coming on. You know, that little light on your instrument panel that is in the shape of a vehicle engine, often accompanied by the words Check, Check Engine, Check Engine Service, or Service Engine Soon.

There are so many different reasons that light shows up, from something as simple as a loose gas cap to a more serious problem that requires immediate attention.

The Check Engine light comes on because a component of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system is telling you something isn’t operating normally. Your vehicle has a lot of sensors built in, all tied together by computers. When the sensors are showing that things somewhere aren’t functioning the way they should be, they alert the vehicle’s diagnostic computers and tell you something’s amiss.

The simple rule is if the Check Engine light is on steadily, it’s something you should have checked soon but it’s not urgent. If it’s flashing or has turned red or orange instead of yellow, get your vehicle checked out as soon as possible. If you don’t, you may be facing some costly repairs.

Here are a few problem areas that may trigger your Check Engine Light.

Something’s wrong with the emissions equipment. Maybe too much fuel is getting into the catalytic converter, or the exhaust gas recirculation system isn’t working right. Because some of these components are expensive to replace, it’s worthwhile to have a technician look at your vehicle sooner rather than later.
Your ignition system isn’t working right. That means spark plugs, coils, and wires. If your engine is misfiring, that could translate into an illuminated Check Engine light.
The transmission isn’t behaving the way it should. The transmission works in tandem with the engine, so if a sensor sees something wrong there, it will tell the vehicle to turn on the Check Engine light.

As you can see, there are many things that can cause the light to come on, and when it does, it really is a good idea to find out why. When you bring your vehicle in, we have an electronic device that can read a code or multiple codes stored in your vehicle’s computers. That will provide the technician with clues pointing to the cause of the trouble and helps pinpoint where that trouble is.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)

The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle’s hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened.

Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashboard to the left of the steering column) and listen for the hood to pop up slightly. (It doesn’t open all the way because it has a safety latch to prevent you from accidentally opening it up while you’re driving.) Then, you get out and find the latch, usually through the grille near the hood. There’s a little handle on it which you push, slide or pull (there are a few different types) at which point the hood can be opened up all the way.

But in this driver’s case, the hood would not release at all when he pulled the handle inside. Not knowing what to do, he called his service advisor, who told him to bring it over. The reason? A hood with a broken latch could be a safety hazard since it is possible it’s not securely closed. And in this condition, it’s possible for the hood to suddenly release while you are driving, obscuring your view of the road.

Latch issues can be caused by many things, perhaps a broken cable between the hood release and the latch. It’s possible that cable just detached or frayed after being opened so many times. If a hood release cable isn’t kept lubricated, it can corrode and just lock up.

In this driver’s case, the cable had corroded and broken, so it had to be replaced. Unfortunately, many times you won’t know you have a problem with your hood latch until one time you pull it and it breaks without warning. When your vehicle is in for routine maintenance like an oil change, a technician will often keep an eye out for signs that your hood latch needs attention so you don’t get “locked” out of your engine compartment.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com

I Can See Clearly (Wiper Blade Replacement)

Warm weather can bring severe storms, and when the rain is coming down hard, that’s one time you really need to be able to see as clearly as possible out your windshield. Having wiper blades that are fit for the job are important to maintain that safe view.

Maybe you live in a climate where you use blades made for winter weather and you have haven’t changed them since the weather changed. Those blades are made of heavier materials and don’t work as well in warmer temperatures. Blades made for warm temperatures are lighter and clear water better in the warmer months.

The general rule of thumb is you should change your blades every six months, but if you use them a lot, you might have to change them more often. A couple of signs that your blades need changing? If you are seeing streaks on the glass or hearing a chattering sound when your wipers are working, time for a new pair.

Wiper blades have cleaning windshields on vehicles for more than 100 years. The original designs have a multi-part frame that are better for flatter windshields. But newer vehicle designs now have curvier windshields, so a more recent design is called a blade wiper. It’s designed to conform better to the glass so cleans it better.

Conventional wipers also aren’t as aerodynamic as blade wipers. Wind buffeting can reduce the pressure they apply on the rubber to the glass. With a spoiler as part of their design, blade wipers are pressed more tightly to the glass, an advantage in clearing water from it.

Another option is hybrid blades, essentially a conventional blade with a plastic shell around the wiper’s frame that makes it more aerodynamic and, some say, gives it a more aesthetic look.

There are lots of choices, so consult our service professionals for a recommendation on which blade fits your needs—and budget—best. Keep your eyes on the road and keep your windshield sparkling clean, rain or shine.

Autotronics of St. Peter
111 Jefferson Avenue
St. Peter, MN 56082
507.934.9290
http://autotronicsstpeter.com