Signs There’s a Crack in Your Car’s Exhaust Manifold

You may never need Advantage Auto Service to replace your exhaust manifold. A cracked exhaust manifold is rare, but it can happen if you are driving the automobile when the engine is too hot. In this case, the metal out of which the manifold is made will succumb to the heat and crack. Consequently, this leaves you with exhaust leaking into the engine and the problems listed below.

Reduced Performance

One of the first things that you will notice is that your engine is not performing as it normally does. Consequently, a cracked manifold can reduce the engine’s performance. The reason why is that the engine fills up with the exhaust that leaks out of the manifold. The exhaust can interfere with the combustion being produced in the combustion chamber. This affects your engine’s ability to produce power.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

This also reduces the fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the exhaust causes the engine to run inefficiently. When this happens, the engine burns through the fuel quickly in an effort to produce power. Consequently, you will notice that you do not get the normal mileage out of a full tank.

Tapping, Squealing, Hissing

The exhaust also makes noises as it leaks out of the cracked manifold. The best time to hear this noise is when you first fire up your automobile. You may hear tapping, squealing, or hissing. This noise will come from the engine because the exhaust manifold is connected to the engine block with bolts.

Heavy Burning Odors

Another sign that your exhaust manifold is leaking is heavy burning odors coming from the engine. These odors are being caused by the exhaust. The exhaust overheats the engine because it heats up the engine parts. Consequently, your engine will also run too hot.

Heavy Exhaust Odors

Another odor that is heavy is the actual odor of exhaust. You will be able to smell the exhaust as it leaks out of the manifold and is drawn into the passenger cabin. This makes driving your vehicle dangerous, so we recommend that you avoid inhaling the exhaust by having your vehicle towed to our shop.

Check Engine Warning

Finally, you have learned a lot goes wrong when the exhaust manifold starts to leak. The result is an illuminated check engine light. The engine control module will turn the light on because various system sensors will send it malfunctioning codes.

Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, is here to help, so call us today if you suspect that you have a cracked exhaust manifold.

Signs Your Car’s Mass Airflow Sensor Is Dirty or Bad

The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is located in your engine in the air duct. You will find it in the duct between the throttle body and your air filter box. This sensor detects the amount of air flowing into the engine and reports the quantity to your engine control module (ECM). Using this data, the ECM adjusts the amount of air and fuel in the combustion chamber to ensure your engine detonation is efficient at all times. Advantage Auto Service lists the signs of a bad or dirty MAF below.

Acceleration Trouble

Your car, truck, or utility vehicle needs air and fuel in order to accelerate. If the MAF is reporting incorrect numbers, or if it has died altogether, the ECM may make adjustments to the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber that causes your vehicle to lag when you attempt to accelerate.

Bad Gas Mileage

The efficiency of how the air and fuel are burned in the combustion chamber can also affect your gas mileage. It doesn’t matter if there is too much air or not enough air. Your engine will work too hard because the mixture is off and you will find yourself visiting the service station more often than normal.

Black Tailpipe Exhaust

If the MAF triggers the engine control module to release excess fuel into the combustion chamber, your engine will have no choice but to burn off that unnecessary gasoline or diesel fuel. The consequence is you’ll notice black exhaust flowing out of your tailpipes.

Check Engine Light

The ECM may make the check engine light turn on because your engine isn’t running efficiently. Sensors throughout the engine will detect that there is too much or too little air and they will send an error code to the ECM. Because the MAF doesn’t have a light of its own, you’ll get a check engine warning.

Engine Hesitation or Surging

Too much or not enough fuel can also make your engine hesitate or surge while you are driving along. Hesitation indicates that there is too much air and your engine needs more gasoline. Surging indicates that there’s too much gasoline and this excess fuel is increasing your power in spurts.

Rough Idling

You may also notice that your vehicle is idling roughly. This is because there is an uneven amount of air and fuel in the combustion chamber and your engine is struggling to prevent stalling. Again, a dirty or bad MAF can cause this problem with inaccurate readings to the ECM.

Call Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, if you suspect that your mass airflow sensor is dirty or going bad. We’ll inspect the sensor and clean or replace it if necessary.

Spreading Vehicle Maintenance Knowledge in Cobb County

Advantage Auto Service joined forces with local advocates on February 3rd, 2024, to host an Automotive 101 training session. In partnership with the Cobb Marietta Junior League and Smyrna Business Exchange BNI group, the event occurred from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., providing a comprehensive learning opportunity for participants.

Introducing Basics of Automotive Care

The session equipped volunteers from the Cobb Marietta Junior League with knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance. By the end of the event, attendees could identify signs of tire wear and change a dirty air filter themselves.

Empowering Women in the Community

This collaboration matched Cobb Marietta Junior League’s mission to foster women’s leadership and community engagement through education and service. By empowering these volunteers with practical automotive know-how, the event aligned with the league’s core values.

With their new skills, the Cobb Marietta Junior League volunteers will serve as ambassadors of automotive literacy within their community. By sharing maintenance tips with fellow league members and other women in Cobb County, they will help others gain empowerment and self-reliance.

Maintaining a Service Mindset

“Our goal at Advantage Auto Service is to provide exactly that–auto service–to the community. That means performing our paid services with excellence, but it also means being a valuable asset to Marietta, Cobb County, and the greater Atlanta area as a whole,” said owner and Smyrna Business Exchange BNI Member Eric Nicholson. “We look forward to showing up for the community in other ways when opportunities like this present themselves.”

About Advantage Auto Service

Advantage Auto Service opened more than 20 years ago and has served as a premier auto shop and local business to the Marietta community. We stand behind everything we do, and always work on the customer’s behalf.

We are proud members of AAA, ASA and NAPA Autocare.

If you need vehicle repair or maintenance, call our office to get help from a team of quality technicians.

Why a Pre-purchase Inspection is Essential for Your Next Used Car

You’ve found your dream car! It’s got all the features you were looking for, and it’s within your budget. But, before you sign on the dotted line to buy that used car, it’s important to get an inspection done. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is an essential step you should take in the car buying process. The PPI can give you a clear idea of the car’s condition, any potential problems it might have, and estimate repair costs.

Peace of Mind

A PPI is the best way to determine if a car is worth its asking price. It’s an excellent tool to uncover any significant issues that may cost you a lot of money in the long run. With a PPI, you’ll know if the car has any outstanding repairs, oil leaks, brake issues, or electrical problems before you buy it. The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road with a faulty car. A PPI can provide that peace of mind you need.

Price Negotiation

A PPI can be an excellent tool to negotiate a fair price for a car. After the inspection, you can discuss the results with the seller, and if significant repairs are required, you can negotiate to either, lower the asking price, or cover the cost of repairs. Not all repairs may be a deal breaker, but it’s essential to know about them and what it will cost to get the car into good condition.

Avoid Hidden Damage

Sometimes, a car may look great on the outside, but it has hidden damage on the inside. A PPI can look beyond the cosmetics of the car to reveal any potential issues. The inspection can assess the car’s engine, transmission, and all the other mechanical components. A PPI will give you insight into the car’s condition, it’s past, and any potential problems it might have down the road.

A pre-purchase inspection may seem like an inconvenience, but it’s worth the time and effort. It can save you from purchasing a car with significant issues, help you negotiate a fair price, and provide the information you need to make an informed decision. A PPI can provide peace of mind, help you avoid hidden damage, and ensure that you’re buying a car that’s both safe and reliable. So, before you buy that used car, take the time to get a PPI. You’ll be glad you did!

Filters and Fluids: Essential Maintenance for Your Vehicle’s Longevity

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and extending its lifespan. When it comes to auto repair and maintenance, paying attention to your oil, filters, and fluids is crucial. Filters help keep harmful contaminants out of your engine and cabin, while fluids ensure proper lubrication, cooling, and functionality of various components. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of filters and fluids in auto repair maintenance, their role in vehicle performance, and essential tips to keep them in optimal condition.

Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your vehicle’s engine. It prevents dirt, dust, debris, and other contaminants from entering the engine, ensuring clean air for combustion. Over time, the air filter becomes clogged, restricting airflow and reducing engine efficiency.

A dirty air filter can lead to decreased fuel economy, reduced power output, and even engine damage. Regularly inspecting and replacing the engine air filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations prevents the need for further engine service.

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter is responsible for filtering the air that enters your vehicle’s interior through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It traps dust, pollen, pollutants, and other airborne particles, ensuring clean air for you and your passengers. A dirty cabin air filter can lead to unpleasant odors, reduced HVAC performance, and increased allergy symptoms. It’s important to check and replace the cabin air filter regularly to maintain good air quality inside your vehicle.

Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle’s engine. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps dissipate heat generated during combustion. Over time, engine oil degrades, losing its lubricating properties and becoming contaminated with dirt and debris. Regular oil changes are crucial to maintaining engine health and preventing premature wear and damage. Consult your vehicle’s owner manual for the recommended oil change intervals and use the proper oil viscosity grade for your engine.

Transmission Fluid

The transmission fluid serves as both a lubricant and a hydraulic fluid in automatic transmissions. It helps facilitate smooth gear shifts, reduces friction and heat, and protects internal components from wear. Over time, transmission fluid can break down and become contaminated, leading to rough shifting, slipping gears, and transmission damage. Regularly checking and changing the transmission fluid according to the manufacturer’s recommendations is essential for ensuring a properly functioning transmission.

Coolant/Antifreeze

The coolant, also known as antifreeze, plays a vital role in regulating engine temperature and preventing overheating. It circulates through the engine and radiator, absorbing heat and dissipating it through the radiator. Over time, coolant can become contaminated or lose its effectiveness, putting your engine at risk of overheating. Regularly checking coolant levels and flushing the cooling system at recommended intervals can help prevent engine overheating and costly repairs.

Other Essential Fluids

In addition to engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, several other fluids require regular attention:

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid transfers the force from your foot on the brake pedal to the brakes themselves. Regularly checking brake fluid levels and replacing it prevents the need to repair or replace your brakes.

Power Steering Fluid

Power steering fluid facilitates smooth and easy steering. Checking the power steering fluid level regularly and topping it up when needed ensures responsive and effortless steering.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Windshield washer fluid keeps your windshield clean for better visibility. Regularly topping up the washer fluid reservoir prevents running out during critical moments.

Keep Up With Your Filter and Fluid Maintenance

Proper maintenance of filters and fluids is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and maximizing its longevity. Regularly inspecting and replacing engine air filters, cabin air filters, engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and other fluids will help ensure optimal performance and prevent costly repairs down the road.

Remember to consult your vehicle’s owner manual for specific maintenance intervals and recommendations. If you’re unsure about the maintenance requirements or need assistance, it’s always best to consult a qualified mechanic or service professional.

By staying proactive and attentive to the condition of your filters and fluids, you’ll not only enhance your driving experience but also contribute to the long-term health and reliability of your vehicle. Taking the time to perform these essential maintenance tasks will keep your car operating at its best, providing you with peace of mind on the road.

So, prioritize filters and fluids in your regular auto repair maintenance routine and enjoy a smoother, more efficient, and reliable driving experience for years to come!

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