It's been a couple of years since you has the car tuned up but it still seems to be running fine. Leave well enough alone, right?
WRONG!
On most vehicles today, malfunctions may be camouflaged by computers whose function is to keep the engine running as efficiently as possible as long as possible. When they no longer can compensate for mechanical discrepancies, they may just fail. The vehicle is disabled. Periodic diagnostic checks and maintenance can prevent this sometimes disastrous situation.
Symptoms of engine trouble on most vehicles today are subtle. It's not easy to tell if your car needs a tune-up because the symptoms are masked by computerized controls. Preventive diagnosis, done periodically, can keep your vehicle running trouble-free for years. Short of that, if you do detect a change in your vehicle's performance, make a note of it and report it to your technician for further diagnosis and corrective measures.
Power Loss
How long since the fuel filter was changed? A dirty filter is a common cause of power loss. As noted under "poor gas mileage", there can be many causes of this condition, most of which can be located with a diagnostic procedure.
Poor Gas Mileage
By keeping a regular check of gas mileage (miles driven divided by gallons used) you can tell if your engine is losing efficiency. Increased gas consumption may be accompanied by other symptoms listed in this pamphlet.
NOTE
Poor gas mileage also may be due to:
• Under inflated tires
• Engine running too cold
• Transmission malfunction
• Dragging brakes
• Misaligned wheels
Stalling
This can be caused by incorrect idle speed adjustments, a malfunctioning sensor or switch, dirty fuel system parts, spark plugs or other engine deficiencies.
Does it stall when:
• Hot?
• Cold?
• With air conditioning on?
To make diagnosis easier, make note of when it happens and advise your technician.
Hard Starting
This is the most common form of car trouble. It's usually due to some unperformed maintenance. If the starter cranks the engine, the electrical system probably is ok. The culprit could be a starting sensor (on fuel injected models) or the choke mechanism (on engines with carburetors). Frequently, starting failure can be traced to an electronic component or a computer controlling the ignition system.
Knocking
This noise generally is heard when the engine is under load, such as when accelerating or climbing a hill. While it often may be caused by a tankful of inferior gas, ignition knock frequently is a sign your engine needs attention. It also can be caused by a build up of carbon inside the engine.
Late model cars are equipped with a knock sensor which "hears" the sound and makes corrective adjustments. But it cannot compensate for a severe malfunction, a condition which can affect engine performance, even damage the engine.
Remember: here at The Wright Import in Cumming,Georgia we are always available to serve you. Come by or call anytime.
The Wright Import Service Center
(770) 888-0100 2636 Business Dr, Cumming, GA 30040 Map it | Get directions Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Business Dr and GA-20
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