article thumbnail

What’s Up With That Check Engine Light Reader? Can I trust it? Should I go to Autozone?

Girls Auto Clinic

Lately, I’ve been getting questions from our #sheCANic community and friends wondering if they should buy a device to read the codes set off by the dreaded check engine light. For this reason, companies are offering services and products to help drivers decipher and decode their check engine lights.

article thumbnail

Catalytic Converter Problems

The Mechanic Spot

Catalytic converters are important to every vehicle because they convert harmful compounds from your engine’s emissions. When your vehicle has a faulty catalytic converter, it usually causes your check engine light to come on. Your check engine light will illuminate if your catalytic converter is overheating.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

What Does a Service Engine Soon Light Mean + How to Fix It?

RepairSmith

We’ll explain what a “service engine soon” light means and why it turns on, so you can identify which car part needs a little love. We’ll also tell how it differs from the dreaded check engine light and how to turn it off. This Article Contains: What Does a Service Engine Soon Light Mean?

article thumbnail

Adulting Hack with Girls Auto Clinic

Girls Auto Clinic

My goal was to help other women learn from my mistakes and to change their perceptions about cars. Part of being an adult is taking care of the expensive things you must buy to live. A house and your cars will always be the most significant personal purchases you make in life.

article thumbnail

Purge Valve Replacement: Why It’s Important + Costs Involved

RepairSmith

This throws off the air-fuel ratio, resulting in rough idle , reduced fuel economy (often accompanied by the check engine light), and difficulty starting your vehicle. An active check engine light : The ECU monitors the amount of released fuel vapor and triggers the check engine light if it’s deficient or excessive.

article thumbnail

6 Common Clogged Air Filter Symptoms (How to Fix It)

RepairSmith

Well, your car might be struggling to breathe — all thanks to a clogged air filter. A clogged air filter can affect your engine performance, bring down your fuel economy, and damage other important car parts. That’s because your engine can’t keep the combustion process up due to the lack of air supply.

article thumbnail

What is the Knock Sensor Replacement Cost + Is it Worth?

RepairSmith

This unassuming little device detects abnormal vibrations in your engine, helping prevent any damaging knocking sound that can lead to severe performance issues. However, like any car part, the knock sensor can wear out over time, leading to the question: how much will it cost to replace it?