If the engine warning light on your dashboard lights up, it’s never a good sign. But don’t panic just yet! There are a few possible reasons why this may happen, and some are relatively easy (and inexpensive) to fix. Read on for more information!
1. Loose Gas Cap
Many people are surprised that a loose or damaged gas cap can cause your check engine light to come on. The cap is responsible for sealing the fuel system and keeping gasoline fumes from escaping. A loose cap will cause your car to run less efficiently and may trigger that dashboard warning. Fortunately, this problem has an easy fix – simply tighten the gas cap until it clicks!
2. Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Another possible reason for a check engine light is a faulty oxygen sensor. This sensor monitors and reports the O2 levels in the exhaust system. A faulty O2 sensor can cause the engine to run lean (not enough gas and too much air) or rich (too much gas and not enough air). Either alternative can damage the engine over time. To fix a faulty oxygen sensor, have your mechanic replace it with a new one. Read the rest of this entry »
Are you thinking about buying a used car in Frederick, MD? If you want to ensure you’re getting something of quality that’s going to last you, there are a few important tips you should keep in mind.
Buying a Used Car in Frederick, MD? 4 Tips for Finding a Quality Vehicle
1. Buy From the Right Place
One of the most important things to consider when looking for a used car is where you’re purchasing your vehicle. You can try to find a good deal from a private seller, but expect to put in a lot of work.
Your dealership is committed to customer service, so when you shop there, you can anticipate a much smoother shopping experience and quality cars.
2. Do Your Research
Before you start shopping, you should know what you’re looking for and how you can spot a good deal. Consider what kind of vehicle you’re looking for and what would suit your needs best.
If you plan on doing some heavy hauling, you might want to consider a truck. A sedan might be ideal if you want something small and easy to drive. Keep a few different models in mind and look up the prices for similar vehicles, so you have a clear idea of what to expect when you visit your dealership. Read the rest of this entry »
How Often Should You Replace Your Spark Plugs?
The spark plugs in your car are one of the essential parts of your engine. They’re what ignite the fuel that turns into energy for your vehicle, and they can only do their job when they’re in good condition.
Check Engine Light
If you keep getting warnings from your dashboard that something is wrong with your engine, this may be a sign that you need to replace a spark plug. Worn plugs can trigger the check engine light.
Engine Misfires
If your car’s engine is misfiring or missing, it could indicate that a spark plug has failed. Several issues can cause a misfiring engine, but a failing spark plug is one of the most common culprits.
Misfiring stresses the catalytic converter and can lead to more severe problems down the road. A misfiring engine may cause rough idling and an increase in vehicle emissions. Read the rest of this entry »
5 Signs of a Faulty Ignition Coil to Keep an Eye On
Your car’s ignition coil is a crucial component in its ignition system, as it converts the relatively small amount of power that your battery creates into a charge big enough to fire the cylinders of your engine. Because of its crucial position in your car’s ignition system, a faulty ignition coil can cause various problems in your car. Here’s a quick list of a few different signs that might point to trouble brewing in your car’s ignition coils. Read on to find out more!
5 Signs of a Defective Ignition Coil
1. A Loss of Power While Driving
One of the first (and most dramatic) signs of a failing ignition coil is a sudden loss of power while driving your vehicle. You may experience this as your car feeling slower than usual when you put the pedal down or a sudden, jarring loss of acceleration. This is a definite sign that you should get your vehicle’s ignition coils checked out!
2. Hard Starts and a Stalling Car
Ignition coils that are worn can prevent your vehicle from starting correctly when you try to turn it on, making it difficult to start the engine when you need to. This could also result in your vehicle stalling and turning off when you come to a stop. Definitely not an ideal thing to have to happen at rush hour! Read the rest of this entry »
With nearly 1.5 million crashes a year caused by damp pavement and rain in the United States, wet weather is something that you should take seriously if you want to stay safe behind the wheel. Read on for advice on navigating these hazardous conditions in Frederick, MD.
5 Smart Tips for Driving in Wet Weather in Frederick, MD
1. Prepare Well
It’s impossible to predict exactly when and where a cloudburst might strike, but you’ll be better able to cope with it if your car is downpour-ready. Always make sure that your:
- Wiper blades are clean and effective
- Windshield and windows are clean inside and out
- Air conditioning works well enough to defog the windows
- Headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn indicators are in good working order
- Tires are properly inflated with good tread
Making an effort to keep your car well-maintained will protect you on the road, whether it’s wet or dry, but if you’re caught in a sudden rainstorm, you definitely don’t want to have to cope with unnecessary worries. Read the rest of this entry »
Every driver learns the correct way to drive. Over time, however, some drivers can pick up bad driving habits. These drivers tend to rationalize their habits as easier and more convenient than following the written and unspoken driving rules. When driving in Frederick, MD, we’d like to advise you on bad habits to avoid when you’re on the road.
3 Bad Driving Habits To Avoid in Frederick, MD
Tailgating
Every driver has seen someone tailgating another vehicle. Tailgating greatly reduces the distance between two cars and risks an accident. If the car in front suddenly jams on the brakes, a tailgating driver will very likely cause a rear-end collision. Most tailgating drivers ignore this logic and believe they can anticipate and quickly react to prevent an accident.
Tailgating is illegal in Maryland, as it’s contrary to driving safety. A traffic officer can issue a citation even if the tailgater hasn’t caused an accident. We always advise staying at least 3 seconds behind any vehicle in front of you while driving. This distance gives a good driver enough time to react to any actions by the driver ahead of you. Read the rest of this entry »
You’ll need a driver’s license when you’re ready to cruise down the road in one of our quality pre-owned vehicles. And if you’re searching for licensing information, read more to learn some of the requirements for getting your Maryland driver’s license.
1. Proof of Identity, Age, and Residency
To get a license, you must verify your identity, age, and that you live in Maryland. Documents that will sufficiently prove your identity and age include a copy of your birth certificate (original or certified), a valid U.S. passport, and a valid permanent resident card. You must also provide your Social Security Number and two documents that prove you live in Maryland, like a utility bill or bank statement.
2. Vision Test
You must prove that you can see well enough to drive before you get licensed, and you can do this in two ways. A vision screening assesses your visual acuity and continuous field of vision, and you must pass it at the MVA. Or you may also prove sufficient vision by getting tested by your optometrist or ophthalmologist and asking them to complete a form that you can submit at the MVA. Read the rest of this entry »
Is Your Car Overheating? 8 Common Causes
Is your car overheating? There are many reasons why the temperature rapidly increases and causes your car to overheat. Some overheating issues require a quick fix, and others will need the attention of a qualified technician. Below are the most common causes of overheating.
1. Cooling System Issues
When your engine overheats, the cause is often a failing cooling system that draws heat away from the engine. Regular car maintenance is crucial to keep the cooling system properly working to prevent overheating and severe damage to your car.
2. Low Coolant Levels
If there’s not enough coolant, your car will overheat. Check the coolant regularly and top it off to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. It’s also vital to replace the coolant at the recommended intervals because when it gets old, it won’t effectively perform the task of cooling. You’ll find the information, the proper method for refilling the coolant, and the recommended coolant replacement intervals in your owner’s manual. Read the rest of this entry »
4 Car Engine Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore
No matter what vehicle you drive, it needs an engine to keep running smoothly. Like most people, you depend on your vehicle to get you from place to place daily. If anything were to happen to your car, life would get tough. To ensure your vehicle is always in good working condition, there are some engine problems you shouldn’t ignore.
1. Stalling
After you start your car, your engine is supposed to continue running. If it stalls while driving down the road, this can create a hazardous situation. Having your engine stop in the middle of the road leaves you vulnerable. Even a small hesitation could result in a big accident.
2. Strange Sounds
There are normal sounds that your engine is supposed to make, and then there are sounds that let you know there might be an issue. Knocking is one of those sounds you should be concerned about, as this could indicate an issue with your engine cylinders. Read the rest of this entry »
If you’ve ever been driving in Maryland, you know that there are a lot of slow drivers on the road. This can be frustrating, especially when trying to get somewhere quickly. We will give you three tips for dealing with drivers on Frederick, MD, roads. Hopefully, these tips will help make your driving experience smoother!
3 Tips for Dealing With Slow Drivers on Frederick, MD Roads
1. Stay Calm and Focused While Driving
Getting angry at drivers slowly driving on the road won’t solve the problem and may even worsen the situation. It’s important to stay calm and focused while you’re driving. This way, you’ll be able to better deal with the driver in front of you.
If you start to feel angry, try taking deep breaths or listening to calming music. This will help you keep your cool and avoid road rage. It can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that they’re just doing their best. Getting angry won’t help the situation and could even make it worse.
2. Change Lanes When Possible
Changing lanes may be the best way to get around them if you’re stuck behind a driver. This should help you avoid the driver and get to your destination faster. This is especially true if you’re in a hurry and must get to your destination quickly. Read the rest of this entry »
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