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Check engine light on — What to do? What to do when your check engine light comes on? There are two types of check engine lights: solid and flashing. A solid check engine light does not mean you should freak out. In most cases, if your vehicle is running ok, the cause is something fairly simple. As long as the engine is starting, accelerating and the transmission is shifting normally, you can continue driving it. But make an appointment at a reputable shop to have it checked out. If you … Read More
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Why is my check engine light on? What does a check engine light mean? Vehicle computers are very sophisticated and can routinely test each system in the vehicle, fuel, spark, exhaust, emissions, etc. The emissions laws state what minimum standards the vehicle must meet, so when the vehicle computer tests emissions and the results come up outside of spec, it will set a check engine light and store a trouble code. Check engine lights aren’t limited to just emissions issues The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is one of the vehicle … Read More
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Thread repair tools to fix stripped threads How to fix stripped bolt threads or shaft threads To fix stripped threads on a bolt or shaft, use a thread file or a thread chaser How to use a thread file Use a thread file to restore stripped threads when the starting threads are stripped or deformed. Or, use a thread file and oil to clean rusted threads. How and when to use a threaded hole chaser and threaded rod/bolt chaser If you’re trying to restore threads on a bolt or axle … Read More
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Bump stop on strut or shock What is a shock/strut bump stop A bump stop is a rubber or urethane molded device inserted onto a shock or strut piston to prevent metal-to-metal contact when a shock or strut is fully compressed when the vehicle “bottoms out.” Why shocks and struts need a bump stop In an extreme compression event where the spring is fully compressed, the shock or strut mount can hit the shock or strut body with high force, damaging the shock or strut. So the bump stop is … Read More
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How many amps does a car need to keep it running? It takes a lot more amps than you think to keep your car running. This question comes up when a a battery dies and the owner thinks they can let it idle to recharge the battery. Or, the question gets asked when the alternator dies and the owner wants to drive it a shop or home instead of getting a tow. Here’s how many amps your car needs to keep it running When your engine is running, you have … Read More
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Swollen lug nuts — What causes lug nuts to swell and how to remove them What is an acorn lug nut? An acorn style lug nut protects against water intrusion into the threads. That feature, by itself is a great idea. But there are two ways to make an acorn style lug nut: 1) weld a steel cap over the end of the lug nut prior to chrome plating the entire lug nut, OR, 2) form a thin aluminum cap over the steel lug nut. The first method is more … Read More
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Perform a coolant drain and fill at home It’s hard to do a full coolant flush at home (see why here). But it is a bit easier to do a coolant drain and refill yourself. Here’s how. Ignore the recommendation to drain coolant from the radiator drain The old plastic drains break and leak In the old days metal radiator contained brass drain petcocks. But modern radiators have plastic side tanks and plastic drains. The drain sits unused for almost 10 years before you decide to open the drain. I … Read More
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Everything you need to know about car maintenance checklist guides You bought a new or used car and promised yourself you’d maintain this vehicle better than their last one. After driving it for a year, you take it in for its second oil change and are told that it’s time for its first major “service,” and that’s going to cost $800. It’s right there in the owner’s maintenance checklist guide. That’s when your promise to maintain your vehicle starts to fall apart. You question whether your vehicle really needs all … Read More
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Kia Hyundai car theft settlement — What’s included in the settlement? On May 18, 2023, Hyundai Motor America and Kia America, Inc. announced an agreement to resolve class action litigation with owners of certain Hyundai and Kia vehicles with KEY IGNITION SYSTEMS. The settlement does not apply to vehicles with push-button ignition Kia and Hyundai vehicles covered by the settlement Vehicles Included In Class Action Settlement 2011-2022 Hyundai Accent 2011-2022 Hyundai Elantra 2013-2017 Hyundai Elantra GT 2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra Coupe 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring 2011-2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2018-2022 Hyundai … Read More
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Kia owner alleges vehicle stolen AFTER anti-theft software was installed Source: Devin Bartolotta / Eyewitness News (WWL) Published: 10:16 PM CDT May 15, 2023 First case of Kia stolen after security software upgrade reported in New Orleans Updated Kia Optima stolen and totalled New Orleans resident Taylor Rose’s 2020 Kia Optima was stolen in the early morning hours on April 15, 2023. Rose had just had her Kia’s software updated to the latest Kia anti-theft software at Premier Kia of Kenner. The stolen vehicle was found. But photos from the … Read More
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