Electrical Lights – Dash Instrument Warning Lights: Check Engine Warning Light

Check Engine Warning Light

The Check Engine Light

This is a fault-registering system connected to sensors all over the car, engine, fuel and emissions system and is an indication that you may need mechanical repairs or electrical repairs. When the check engine light comes on, it can mean many things. There are something like 4,000 unique OBD2 codes that can be stored. Handheld OBD2 diagnostic tools can be plugged in to the OBD2 port which is normally under the dash on the driver’s side or centre console or engine bay. These tools can read out the fault code and/or reset the system to contain no codes. Codes are split into two categories – historical/inactive, and active. The historical codes are lists of things that have been detected in the past but are no longer an issue, whilst the active codes are things that are a problem right now. Codes are subdivided into B-codes (body), C-codes (chassis) and P-codes (powertrain).

P0440 OBD-II code. This is the most common code you’ll find and it’s the first thing you should check. P0440 is the code for Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction which covers a multitude of sins. The one thing it covers that you can check is your petrol cap (gas cap). Most new cars have a pressurised fuel system and vapour recovery loop. If you’ve filled up with petrol and not twisted the petrol cap until it clicks, you’ve not sealed the fuel system. It won’t pressurise and the OBD2 system will log a P0440 code. In fact, on a lot of cars, that code is so common they’ll actually have some way of telling you to check the gas cap. In some Honda’s, for example, if a P0440 code is logged, the dash scrolls “CHECK GAS CAP” across the odometer display. So if you get a check engine light, check the petrol cap first and see if the light goes off. Note: even if the light does go off, the code will likely still be stored in the OBD system and will show up next time it is checked. If it isn’t the petrol cap then you’ll need to call for a technician to attend and diagnose the source of the code.

Fuel Economy – Tyre Pressure And Servicing

Correct Tyre Pressure Helps Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy – Tyre Pressure And Servicing

Check your tyre pressures regularly – once a week is ideal. Bad tyre pressures can affect fuel economy very noticeably. It’s easy to do and there is no excuse not to. Air pumps are readily available at all major service stations.

Another way to ensure fuel efficient driving is to have you car serviced regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Also driving smoothly, slow gradual acceleration, changing gear to neutral when not moving such as at lights or when parked will save fuel usage.
Call for our service technicians to come out to service your car at a time that suits you.

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ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Long Term Storage Tips to Preserve Your Car

If you are not going to use your car for more than a month, store it properly to prevent unnecessary car problems or damage upon your return.

Depending on the conditions in which you are storing your car, the period and the type of car, these tips may help to preserve your car for future use.

  • Fill the petrol tank to help prevent condensation from accumulating in the petrol tank.
  • Wash and wax the car thoroughly to protect the finish.
  • Place a vapour barrier on your garage floor. A 4-mil polyethylene drop cloth will do.
  • Leave the park brake off (if appropriate) to help avoid brake corrosion.
  • Put the car on jack stands (if appropriate) to take the weight of the vehicle off the wheels and tyres.
  • Depending on how long you will be leaving the card, disconnect and remove the battery to keep it from draining (refer to our tips on disconnecting and reconnecting your battery). Place the battery on a trickle type charger. Or periodically drain the battery, using a small light bulb, and then recharge it with a low-volt charger.
  • Plug the tail pipe with a rag to prevent moist air from infiltrating into it.

About the Author
Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/

Check Your Belts

Cracked Fan Belt

Check Your Engine Belts

At the front of your engine there will be a series of rubber drive belts that loop around various pulleys, driving everything from the alternator to the air conditioner compressor.

Rubber perishes, more so in extreme conditions like those found in an operating engine bay. Should the belt driving the alternator break, the charging system will then fail to charge the battery and other systems eventually leaving the vehicle without power. Should a timing belt break during operation, serious damage could cause car engine problems.

Get your timing belt and accessory drive belts checked every 40,000 kilometres, preferably replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres (as required) or as specified in the manufacturers manual. Our service technicians can check your timing belt and other engine belts during your next car service.

About the Author
ACE Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Roadside Assistance | Vehicle Inspection
CALL 13 20 42
www.acemobile.com.au

Everyday Driving Tips

Everyday Driving Tips – Helpful Tips

When you drive with care every day, your car will reward you with longer intervals with less car problems or need of repair.

To follow are some good tips that will help you save time, money wear and tear on your car:

  • Do not pump your accelerator during start up. This is a quick way to add years of wear to your engine, especially if it’s cold outside.
  • Accelerate slowly when you begin your drive. The most wear to the engine and drive train occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes of operation.
  • Warming the engine by letting it idle in the driveway is not a productive. The engine doesn’t operate at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
  • Decrease the strain on your engine and automatic transmission by shifting to neutral at red lights. Otherwise, the engine is still working to push the car even while it’s stopped.
  • Avoid accelerating quickly and driving at excessively high speeds, especially when it’s very hot or very cold outside. Driving in such a manner will result in more frequent repairs.
  • To extend the life of your tyres, drive with care. Avoid fast starts, stops, and turns, potholes and objects on the road. Don’t run over curbs or hit the tyre against the curb when parking. Observe posted speed limits.
  • When turning your steering wheel, don’t hold it in an extreme right or left position (such as full lock) for more than a few seconds. Damage the power-steering pump can result from such use.
  • Consolidate your short driving trips. Most of the wear and tear, as well as the pollution your car generates, takes place in the first few minutes of driving. Doing several errands at once, during low traffic hours if possible, will keep your engine happier longer.

By following these tips you should find that when you take your vehicle for it’s car service that you will have less wear and tear.

About the Author
Superior Mobile Mechanics
Car Service | Car Problems | Car Fleet Servicing
CALL 1300 309 828
www.superiormobilemechanics.com.au/