Austin's Best Choice for Auto Repair

Perhaps one of the most annoying aspects of driving is when that check engine light comes on. Some vehicles have separate lights for common issues so you can investigate the issue and correct it, without a trip to the mechanics. But for other cars, the check engine light can be generic. Sometimes it may even turn on or off, making it even more frustrating. Here are just some of the things that can go wrong, and that should be checked out quickly: Failure in the Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow sensor will alert your vehicle's computer to add the correct amount of fuel based on the amount of air that's flowing through to the engine. If the sensor is faulty, emissions can increase. This means that your car has the potential for stalling potentially at unsafe times. This sensor can fail due to an improperly installed air filter, or one that's never been replaced. It's important to replace your air filter at least once per year as this will help keep the sensor from failing. Spark Plug ... read more

Almost all modern vehicles today have a smart dashboard that will display an illuminated warning light for when something has gone wrong in the vehicle. These can be as simple as low gas or a burned out headlamp, or as complex as an engine failure. But before you totally panic, you should understand what the check engine lights can mean. If it's a burned out headlamp, you can wait until after work to have it fixed, while a transmission failure should be dealt with immediately. Here are a few of the most common causes for a check engine light. The Oxygen Sensor Needs Replacing This sensor is what's responsible for monitoring unburned oxygen from the exhaust. It helps to monitor how much fuel is burned. If the sensor is faulty then it can result in a decrease in gas mileage. Most vehicles have 2-4 sensors so your technician can use the scanner to figure out which one it is. Possibly a Loose or Faulty Gas Cap This is one of the most common issues, but it's simply enough to fix. The cap ca ... read more