Do you get nervous when the CHECK ENGINE light comes on? We understand.
Did you know the average car driving around daily is around 8 years old? Maintenance is the key to keeping it running healthy and from running into bigger problems.
Think of the light as a way to problems and extend the life of a car. Often, it's warning about problems that can be avoided by keeping up with regular maintenance before it turns into something big and expensive. Don't panic, we have the 5 most common problems and about what it can run you. Free, quality advice.
Faulty oxygen sensor
The sensor measures the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust and tells the car's computer how much fuel is in the tank. The car's gas mileage will go down and send incorrect information to the computer. It can be $200+/- to repair.
Loose or missing gas cap
This happens a lot! I know it sounds obvious but believe it or not we have this happen often. We tighten the gas cap for free, or replace it for a few dollars. If it's not replaced, gas will evaporate from the car and decrease its gas mileage. That means more frequent refills at the pump and who wants that?!
Broken catalytic converter
Prevention can stop you from paying in the neighborhood of $2,000. The catalytic converter uses a catalyst — a metal like platinum — to convert harmful gases left over from combustion to less harmful emissions.
A catalytic converters generally won't fail unless a related part, like a spark plug goes bad. Keep up with scheduled maintenance and you can dodge the bullet.
Malfunctioning mass air flow sensor
This sensor measures the amount of air supplied to the engine, which determines how much fuel should be delivered. When it goes south, the car will move forcefully and spill in fuel so you get a decrease in fuel economy. This goes from $450+/- to have it repaired.
Misfiring spark plugs
Spark plugs are small but essential, since they make the car go by igniting the compressed fuel in an internal combustion engine. Misfiring spark plugs can affect engine power and fuel economy and can also cost you a big ticket item, the catalytic converter.
The most expensive cars to repair? Hybrids. They remain rare enough that their parts are pricier and fewer technicians are trained to fix them. We are trained for this at Bill Tyson's and will always work to get you a fair price with the best warranties.
Just remember, don't panic. It can be a simple fix. We are happy to do it no matter what the fix is. Our mechanics in Royal Palm and Wellington are ready to give you an
oil change, find out about your check engine light and even check out your car with a 21 point inspection. Its better to know how your
brakes are doing before they go out! We are here to help.
Bill Tyson's Auto Repair, the name you know is the name you trust.
