Engine & diagnostics
Check engine lights, warning lights, electrical systems, transmission faults, and what diagnostic fees actually cover.
Engine diagnostics →June 14, 2023
The heart of your vehicle's electrical system is the battery
A weak battery does not just cause a no-start. It can trigger warning lights, erratic transmission behavior, and intermittent electrical faults. Here is what to know.
Read article →November 2, 2022
Warning Lights on Your Vehicle's Dash, Part 2
Part two of our dashboard warning lights series covers safety-critical indicators: the brake light, ABS warning, traction control, and tire pressure monitoring system lights.
Read article →October 26, 2022
What Are the Warning Lights on Your Vehicle's Dash?
Your dashboard warning lights are your vehicle's way of communicating. This article explains what the maintenance required and check engine lights mean and when to act.
Read article →November 10, 2021
What Should I Do If My Vehicle Is Overheating?
If your temperature gauge hits the red zone or you smell something sweet under the hood, the right response is immediate: pull over and turn off the vehicle before serious engine damage occurs.
Read article →April 15, 2020
Do Pocket-Sized Plug-in Devices for Your Vehicle like FIXD or HUM Diagnose Your Car?
FIXD and HUM are popular plug-in devices that read diagnostic codes, but reading a code is not the same as diagnosing your car. Here's what they can and can't do.
Read article →August 8, 2019
How Are the Starting and Charging Systems in Your Vehicle Working?
As cold weather approaches, it's a good time to have your battery, alternator, and starter inspected. A weak system that starts today can leave you stranded tomorrow.
Read article →June 27, 2019
What Should I Do if My Vehicle Is Overheating?
Overheating can warp aluminum cylinder heads and destroy engine bearings in minutes. The right response is to pull over and call a tow. Here is why that decision pays off.
Read article →March 28, 2019
Plug-in Devices Don't "Diagnose" Car Problems
Consumer plug-in tools like Fixd and Hum can read trouble codes, but they cannot perform the pinpoint testing a qualified technician uses to find the actual root cause of a problem.
Read article →March 21, 2019
Get a Professional Diagnosis for Your Vehicle
A proper vehicle diagnosis is far more than reading a trouble code. It requires a trained technician, professional equipment, and hours of systematic testing to find the actual root cause.
Read article →February 1, 2018
Supplemental Restraint System
SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System, the proper name for your vehicle's airbag system. When that dashboard light comes on, your airbags have been disabled and won't protect you in a crash.
Read article →May 29, 2014
Which Battery Is Best?
A dead or weak battery is the leading cause of starting trouble. Knowing what CCA and reserve capacity mean helps you choose the right replacement.
Read article →January 8, 2014
What Is the SRS Light Illuminated on My Dash?
SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System, your vehicle's airbag system. When that warning light comes on, the airbags have been disabled and will not deploy in an accident.
Read article →October 2, 2013
Is There a Magic Tool to Diagnose the Check Engine Light on Your Vehicle?
Many people think a scan tool can instantly tell you what's wrong with your car. Trouble codes only describe the condition the computer detected. Pinpoint testing by an experienced technician is still required.
Read article →July 29, 2013
What Indicates Your Vehicle Is Having a Transmission Issue?
Delayed engagement, slipping, shuddering, or a stuck gear are all signs your automatic transmission needs attention. Catching problems early can prevent expensive repairs.
Read article →June 21, 2011
My Check Engine Light Is Flashing: What Should I Do?
A flashing check engine light signals a catalytic converter damaging condition. Pull over safely, shut off the engine, and have the vehicle towed. Do not keep driving.
Read article →May 20, 2010
Why Did My Car's Headgasket Blow?
Most head gasket failures trace back to neglected coolant maintenance. Acidic coolant erodes the gasket over time. Here is how to prevent it and what to do if it happens.
Read article →