Check engine lights are very generic and can be caused by many different problems. It is often thought that a scanner plugged into your car will instantly tell you what is wrong and should be done for free because it is that easy, however, this is a big misconception of diagnosing a vehicle’s problem. Scanning a vehicle for codes is just the very start of diagnosing a problem, after that there are many routes that a skilled technician has to take to pin point the very problem that caused that check engine light to come on. Here at Atlas Automotive we focus on doing a full diagnoses of your problem and not play a guessing game out of your check engine light.

Reduce your Speed

Most automobile safety experts agree that hydroplaning is most likely to occur at speeds greater than thirty-five miles per hour. As soon as the first drops hit your windshield, slow your speed considerably. It is best to drive five to ten miles slower than the speed limit, even slower in heavy rain or windy conditions. Sudden increases in speed, such as those required to pass, put you at a greater danger of hydroplaning. Avoid sudden accelerations at all costs.

Properly and Regularly Rotate and Balance your Tires

Keeping your tires in tune will also help prevent your car from hydroplaning on wet roads. It is advisable to have your vehicle’s tires rotated and balanced every other time you have your oil changed, approximately every seven to ten thousand miles.

Choose High Quality Tires that are Designed to Prevent Hydroplaning

This is particularly important for drivers who live in areas of the country with frequent rainfall. Replace your tires regularly. Driving on slick or bald tires can be detrimental on wet roadways.

No Cruising in the Rain

Never use your vehicle’s cruise control function while it is raining or while driving on wet roads. If you were to begin hydroplaning while driving with the cruise control on, it will take additional time for you to disable the function before beginning to regain control of your vehicle.

Avoid Puddles and Standing Water

Try to avoid any place on the roadway that you can see has collected water. It only takes a small film of water to cause hydroplaning. If you can actually see standing water, it is highly probable that your vehicle will hydroplane as it drives over it.

We all know that there are times when money is tight and there are multiple problems that arise all at once with a car or truck. Our Service Writing team here at Atlas Automotive will help advise you on what to prioritize in repairing your vehicle. Some repairs and service jobs are more important than others and are higher up on the list of things that need to get done. Let us help you set up a plan on getting your vehicle back on the road and keeping it reliable.

We know that being without a car can be very challenging and we have partnered up with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. If you need to get a rental while your car is being repaired we can get you discounted rates on whichever vehicle you want to rent. We will work hard and do what we can to get your car back up and running in a timely manner.

Your tires should be rotated about every other oil change, or every 5,000 miles. Neglecting to rotate tires is a major cause of premature tire wear. Tire rotation is an easy service to forget about and if put off too long your tires will become uneven in their wear and the life expectancy drops drastically.

With the cost of a new vehicle on the rise, maintaining your current vehicle makes more economic sense than purchasing a new one.

The average price of a new passenger vehicle is nearly $34,000. In the early 1970s, the average new vehicle cost only about $3,900 While the price of a new vehicle has skyrocketed over the years, the good news is that today’s cars are lasting longer than ever before. Keeping your current vehicle, and maintaining it at recommended intervals, protects its trade-in value and postpones the sting of new-car prices.

Regular Maintenance is Key. The best way to ensure a vehicle’s longevity is to observe a regular service schedule. Keep up with fluid and filter changes, tire checks and other routine maintenance. Over time, some car parts and components wear out or become damaged, so the smart investment is to replace these typical wear items before long-term damage ensues.

Heed the Warning Signs. Vehicles have ways of communicating that trouble may be on the horizon. Illuminated dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine light, indicate that key vehicle systems need inspection as soon as possible. Pay attention to any new or unusual vehicle sounds, such as squealing, thumping, hissing or grinding as they can indicate a problem. Unusual smells, such as burnt rubber, hot oil, gasoline, rotten eggs, burning carpet or the sweet smell of syrup can also indicate a serious problem.

Keep It Clean. Washing and waxing a vehicle on a regular basis protects its value. A thorough cleaning inside and out prevents the buildup of dirt and damaging chemicals that can harm the finish, reduces the potential for rust from road salt, and ensures proper visibility needed for safe driving.

YES. The failure of a timing belt in many cars can result in major engine damage. The cost of repairing an engine with a broken timing belt is much greater than the cost of a timing belt replacement. Timing belts are one item that you do not want to forget about. When they brake they often go out without any warning can can completely ruin your engine.

Battery cables and terminals should be cleaned and inspected periodically to make sure they provide a good electrical connection.

Combine your trips – sounds so simple but if you live in town sometimes it’s easy to just run out and get things as you think of them. A warmed up engine is more fuel-efficient. When you first start your engine even if you live in a warm climate it is cold and it burns more gas.

Don’t waste gas by idling – how many times have you gone through the drive through lately or are waiting for someone. If you are going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, shut your car off and restart it when it’s time to move.

Change your spark plugs – seems that nowadays spark plugs last forever, but a fouled spark plug can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 30%.

Drive with windows open if you are going less then 60km/hr. Obviously I wouldn’t suggest this in the winter but in the summer time for sure. If you are going over 60 km/hr. then close your windows, as your car will be more aerodynamically efficient.

Check your tire pressure – Most people have at least one under inflated tire on their vehicle. When your tires are low it creates a greater rolling resistance and the engine has to work harder to get through the air. Kind of like riding a bike with low air. You have to work a lot of harder to pedal the bike!

Don’t use cruise control in hilly areas – If you are using cruise control and going up and down hills what happens is the engine holds you back as you are going down the hill to try and maintain the speed you’ve set the cruise control at and as you go up the hill the transmission will have to downshift to give you the necessary power to get up the hill. Keep your momentum up as you go down the hill to help you get up the hill.

Get rid of the extra weight – are you driving around with your kids hockey equipment and your gym equipment and water softener salt in the back of your car? If so, you are going to burn more gas.

Take off your roof rack – if you don’t use it, take it off.