What Can Cause a “Service Engine Soon” Light to Come On?

Regular engine service is the best way to make sure your vehicle provides you with reliable transportation as long as you want it to.  If you think you are starting to experience engine issues, the “Service Engine Soon” light illuminating on the instrument panel could be the first warning sign.  Unless your car doesn’t run at all, head to your auto repair shop and ask for a diagnostic test.  Your auto mechanic will plug a small computer underneath the dashboard to “read” what is happening under the hood.  Potential issues can be diagnosed while they are small problems before they turn into a major engine repair.  

If you’re wondering what can cause a “service engine soon” light to come on, there are few reasons. It could be an easy fix or something more serious is happening under the hood.

1. A Loose or Faulty Gas Cap – If the gas cap is loose, fuel vapors leak out and can throw the complete fuel system off, reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions.  Replacing the gas cap may take care of the issue.
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor – The oxygen sensor monitors the unburned oxygen from the exhaust, and how much fuel is burned.  If the sensor is faulty, it cannot provide the right data to the computer, thereby reducing gas mileage and increasing toxic emissions. 
3. Failing Catalytic Convertor – The catalytic convertor reduces exhaust gases by converting carbon monoxide and other harmful materials into harmless emissions. If it fails, your gas mileage decreases, and your car won’t accelerate when you step on the gas pedal. 
4. Mass Airflow Sensor is Faulty – The mass airflow sensor tells the car's computer to add the proper amount of fuel based on the air going through to the engine.  If it fails, toxic emissions will increase, the vehicle may also start to stall, and gas mileage will poor. 
5. Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires – The spark plug seals the combustion chamber and provides a gap for a spark to jump across and initiates combustion in your engine.  If they are going bad, they will misfire.  They simply want to be replaced.

Now, do you understand what is “key” to a well-running engine?  To put it simply—take care of all service items as recommended by the manufacturer, thus helping prevent a major and costly engine repair.  

If you want to know more about what can cause a “service engine soon” light to come on, consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about a needed engine repair and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.  

What Are the Signs of a Bad Muffler?

Many drivers want to keep their vehicles running at the highest performance level potential.  This means that all car maintenance items should be kept up-to-date, including the muffler and exhaust system.  Today’s newer vehicles have a computer sensor that monitors fuel economy and overall performance, pinpointing an issue before it gets serious.  The exhaust system is most effective when it is operating quietly in the background.  Inappropriately, this means it is often “out of sight; out of mind” until an issue starts to develop.  

What are the signs of a bad muffler?  When mufflers become worn out, they are unable to effectively "muffler" the sound of the vehicle's exhaust.  Mufflers normally last 5 to 7 years, but they can become worn out prematurely due to some problems.  Here are 3 common issues that you will notice:

1. Noisy Muffler – A good exhaust system should keep your car running quietly and not sound like a roaring lion.
2. Decreased fuel mileage – If your fuel efficiency has decreased and you find yourself filling the tank more often than normal, have the exhaust system checked out.    
3. Obnoxious odor – Toxic emissions should be directed outside and away from your vehicle through the muffler.  If you smell exhaust fumes inside your car, there is a leak or some other issue that wants to be checked out. 

How does a muffler gets damaged, you wonder?  There are some causes of issues that could develop in exhaust systems, some of them unavoidable:

• Exposed to the salt used on icy and snowy roads, or the ocean.
• Driving too fast over speed bumps, low clearance potholes, or other objects in the road
• Excessive use or custom fabrication not recommended by the manufacturer.
• Condensation from the exhaust pipes rusting out the seams of the muffler so starts to leak exhaust gases and noise.

Do you want to know more about what are the signs of a bad muffler?  Consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive for more information about mufflers and exhaust systems and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.

Are Oil Changes Necessary?

Many Auto mechanics may hear this question from new and inexperienced drivers.  You don’t have to own a vehicle for very long to hear it said—oil changes are necessary if you want to keep your car running.  In addition to your trusted auto mechanic, the best way to find out what kind of oil to usage and the correct mileage interval recommended by the car manufacturer is to read the owner’s manual.

So why are oil changes necessary?  Because oil deteriorates and loses its efficiency, you may start to notice one or more of the warning signs below of a needed oil change:

1. Dirty Oil – Clean fresh oil is amber in color, but as it collects dirt and particles as it circulates through the engine, it will look dark and dirty.  
2. Noisy Engine – When the oil starts to break down, it loses its efficiency in lubricating the engine. You may start to hear knocking, rumbling, or even roaring coming from the engine.
3. Oil Change Warning Light – This little light indicates that the level of oil is too low. Even though you may get by for a little while by adding quart oil, it’s time for an oil change, especially if the oil has turned dark.  
4. Exhaust Smoke – Smoke coming from the muffler, could be an indication of oil leakage or that there are damaged or faulty parts in the engine. 
5. Smell of oil – If you smell oil while inside your car, it means there’s a leakage. If the smell is mixed with the smell of gas, your vehicle is overheating and oil is burning in the exhaust area.  If left unattended, serious damage could be taking place in the engine. 

Here are some of the benefits of keeping up with regular oil changes:

• Extends the life of your engine
• Optimizes your car’s performance
• Prevents excessive engine wear and tear
• Keeps engine parts lubricated
• Prevents engine overheating

Even though oil changes are relatively simple and cheap, a lot of car owners neglect this service, thinking they are saving money.  Though, the cost of engine repair is far greater than the cost of an oil change service. Many auto repair shops offer oil change coupons for their customers so be sure to take advantage of these savings.

If you’re still wondering why are oil changes necessary, consult our ASE Certified Technicians at Rum River Automotive about our oil change coupons and to make an appointment.  Since 1997, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in Princeton, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Milaca, MN, and Zimmerman, MN.