“Check Hybrid System” Warning (5 Causes and How to Reset)

check hybrid system warning light

Hybrid vehicles have an electric motor as well as a combustion engine like a traditional vehicle. Hybrids are the best of both worlds, using the combustion engine for long range and regenerative braking for increased efficiency in the city. While hybrid vehicles offer significant advantages over vehicles that strictly have a combustion engine or an … Read more

5 Symptoms of a Bad ECM (And Replacement Cost)

ecu

The engine control module (ECM), also referred to as the engine control unit (ECU), is a critical component which links your engine to the central computer of your vehicle. The ECM manages most of the functions of the engine, based on the information it receives from other systems and electronic components within the vehicle. If … Read more

6 Symptoms of Bad Spark Plugs (And Replacement Cost)

dirty spark plug

Spark plugs, present in all gasoline-powered internal combustion engines, have one very important purpose: to ignite the air/fuel mixture within the combustion chamber to start a car and keep it running. They are also designed to transfer heat away from the combustion chamber to prevent pre-ignition (or igniting the fuel too early).  Making sure the … Read more

4 Symptoms of a Bad Diesel Glow Plug (and Replacement Cost)

bad glow plug symptoms

Whether you’re a first-time diesel owner or have spent most of your life driving diesel trucks, you should have a basic understanding of the important role that glow plugs play in your engine. A diesel engine cannot start and operate properly without the heat generated from this plug, especially when the outside temperatures start to … Read more

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion (5 Easy Steps)

clean battery terminal

Having trouble starting your car? Don’t replace your battery just yet. Older cars often have corroded battery terminals. Corrosion resists the flow of electricity, and can make a good battery act like it needs replacement. Here’s how to turn a $200 fix into one that’s nearly free. Identifying Battery Corrosion When your terminals are corroded, … Read more

7 Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Injector in Your Car

fuel injectors

Modern internal combustion engines operate with a precisely tuned balance of air and fuel. Fuel is delivered into the combustion chamber in very specific quantities through components known as fuel injectors. What is a Fuel Injector? A fuel injector is an electronically controlled device which sprays a fine mist of fuel under high pressure. The … Read more

5 Symptoms of a Bad Distributor Cap (And Replacement Cost)

bad distributor cap symptoms

On older engines, distributors are used instead of ignition coils. The distributor cap transfers electricity to the spark plugs through a series of spark plug wires. This entire process happens each time the cylinders of the engine demand a spark to ignite the air and fuel mixture inside of them for combustion. Signs of a … Read more