SPONSORED: NAPA Know How Tips from Jeff’s Performance Plus

Tyler Ochs

Tyler Ochs

Published April 25, 2019 4:33 am
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SHIPPENVILLE, Pa. — Cars these days can do a lot, but despite being high-tech machines with hundreds of sensors, they aren’t great communicators.

Often times your vehicle speaks in code, flashing a check engine light to let you know you need to plug in a code reader to find out what’s wrong. And even then, it can be tough to nail down the underlying problem. Furthermore, many issues trigger the check engine light … but not all do. There are other ways your ride might be asking for help.

When your car alerts you that something is wrong, will you know how to listen?

1. Check Engine Light

Everybody knows about this one because it’s bright and in the middle of your dash. And it’s been said a million times: If you see it, look into it. Check engine lights alert you to the benign and the very serious, but they always let you know something’s wrong. Don’t ignore it!

2. Performance

Anytime your vehicle behaves unusually, you need to find out what’s going on. Engines require a high degree of precision, and even if something is a little off, it can have dire consequences. Look for telltale signs such as higher than normal fuel consumption, excessive smoke from the tailpipe, and things like inconsistent rpms, stuttering or stalling out. All those are likely air and fuel issues. Also, listen for sounds under the hood — squealing, grinding, clanking — these indicate mechanical problems that need to be adjusted or repaired ASAP.

3. Drive Feel

Again, know your vehicle’s baseline behavior. If your ride is bumpy, pulling to one side or you visibly confirm tire wear, you could have problems with the car’s steering, alignment or tires. And like everything else, each component in these systems affects many others and quickly multiplies your problem. Always take note of whether your brake pedal feels unusually soft or firm and get that checked out immediately. Brakes aren’t something you want to mess with.

4. Leaks

Cars rely heavily on a number of fluids for lubrication, combustion, cooling and actuation of major hydraulic components. Generally, if you have a leak, you have a big problem. Aside from the frustration of constantly having to top off, you run the risk of depriving your car of what it needs to operate safely. At best, low fluids such as oil can precipitate catastrophic engine failure. When you get into braking and steering systems, leaks can have deadly consequences. Think of it as your vehicle literally crying for help.

5. Smells

The nose knows! Do you smell burning? Then something is probably burning! Does it smell sweet and syrupy in the passenger compartment? That would be coolant, likely from the heater core. The idea of mold might sound minor, but beyond the smell, it’s also a health concern and can be a major pain to get rid of.

The bottom line is, it’s hard for your car to tell you exactly what’s going on but it really, really wants to. And it’s going to find a way to let you know one way or another. Before that happens, learn to understand some basic car alerts to know when something’s wrong with your car.

If you are noticing any of the previously mentioned indicators, be sure to give Jeff’s Performance Plus, a Certified NAPA AutoCare Center, a call and have your vehicle checked today.

Jeff’s Performance Plus is one of 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations and will diagnose the issue and have your vehicle back in shape in no time. Jeff’s Performance also offers free local pick-up and delivery for your convenience.

Jeff’s Performance Plus is located on the River Hill at 10760 US-322, Shippenville, PA. They can be reached by phone at 814-226-6900, on the web at jeffsperformanceplus.com or on Facebook here.

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