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My Car’s Engine Is Picking Up Speed By Itself

My Car’s Engine Is Picking Up Speed By Itself

My Car’s Engine Is Picking Up Speed By Itself

If your car’s engine is picking up speed by itself, the fuel pump may be malfunctioning and sending too much gasoline or diesel fuel into the engine. Advantage Auto Service advises that this is just one sign that the fuel pump needs to be replaced. We are going to list the other signs below.

Engine Power Problems

If your engine is having problems producing power, the fuel pump may be failing to supply the engine with the fuel that it needs. Specifically, you may notice that your engine lags severely when it is under stress or when you are trying to drive faster. These are indications that there is a lack of fuel supply to the engine.

Decreased Gas Mileage

Whether the engine is surging or lagging, you will notice a decrease in your automobile’s gas mileage. This is because the engine is not running efficiently. Any time the engine struggles to perform, it burns through more gasoline. Consequently, you will need to fill the tank more often.

Strange Whining Noises

Speaking of the fuel tank, if you hear strange whining or humming noises coming from it, the fuel pump is letting you know that it is going bad. You may also hear squealing sounds coming from the tank, although this is rare. Have your vehicle inspected any time you hear something strange.

Overheating Engine

The fuel pump can cause the engine to overheat if the fuel pump motor is overheating. This happens when the fuel pump is unable to draw fuel over the motor to cool it down. Consequently, this heat is transferred into the engine and your car, truck, or utility vehicle will overheat every time you drive it.

Reduced Fuel Pressure

Testing the fuel pressure can give you an indication of the fuel pump’s health. You can purchase a fuel pressure gauge at the auto parts store. Follow the instructions to test the fuel pressure to make sure it is within the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended range. If it isn’t, the fuel pump is going bad.

Hard Starts/Dead Engine

Finally, this sign of a dying fuel pump is an obvious one. If the fuel pump cannot draw fuel into the engine, your engine will be difficult if not impossible to start. Obviously, the engine needs fuel to fire up and run. A dead fuel pump cannot provide the fuel that the engine needs.

Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, would be happy to test your fuel pump if you suspect it is going bad. If it is, we will replace it.

Top Reasons Why You’ve Got a Check Engine Light On

Top Reasons Why You’ve Got a Check Engine Light On

Top Reasons Why You’ve Got a Check Engine Light On

Driving your car, truck, or utility vehicle with the check engine light on is never a good idea. There was a study conducted in 2019 that revealed that the check engine light is almost 100 percent accurate in detecting engine problems seen or unseen. In other words, it turns on when there is a problem even if your automobile appears to be running normally. Advantage Auto Service advises that your check engine light can come on if there is a problem with your vehicle’s main computer chip, its various sensors, or if your engine has a vacuum leak. It can also come on for the following reasons.

Faulty Catalytic Converter

Over time, the catalytic converter becomes clogged with carbon deposits. This is a natural byproduct of a combustion engine. Once the catalytic converter gets clogged it malfunctions. Your check engine light will come on if your catalytic converter is not operating as it should be.

Loose Fuel Tank Cap

The cap over your fuel tank is designed to create a seal to prevent gas fumes from evaporating out of the tank. If the gas cap is no longer creating a seal over the tank, your check engine light will come on. Sometimes, retightening the gas cap solves the problem.

Malfunctioning MAF Sensor

You will end up with a check engine warning if your mass airflow sensor (MAF) is dirty and malfunctioning. The MAF sensor rarely goes bad. Rather, it gets caked with dirt and simply needs to be cleaned to restore its functionality.

Dying Oxygen Sensor

Unfortunately, the oxygen (O2) sensor does go bad. This can happen anywhere from 60,000 miles to over 100,000 miles. If you have a dying O2 sensor in your exhaust system, your check engine light will come on and you will notice engine performance issues.

Worn Spark Plugs

Worn spark plugs and faulty plug wires can also cause a check engine dashboard warning. Aside from the illuminated check engine light, you will also hear and feel your engine misfire. This sounds and feels like stuttering or sputtering.

Transmission Failure

Finally, it’s not unusual for the check engine light to turn on if your transmission needs service or repair. The check engine light covers the transmission because it does not have a light of its own.

Call Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, today if your automobile’s check engine light is on. Again, if you continue to drive your car, truck, or utility vehicle with an illuminated check engine light, you run the risk of causing unnecessary damage to the vehicle.

Five Things Every Car Owner Should Know How to Do

Five Things Every Car Owner Should Know How to Do

Five Things Every Car Owner Should Know How to Do

Think for a minute about how much time you spend in your vehicle every day, week, month, year. It adds up. With all your time spent behind the wheel and how much you rely on it in your daily life, it only makes sense that you take some time to learn a few simple skills that will help you maintain your car and keep you safe in an emergency. While most car repairs are best left to the experts, Advantage Auto Service encourages you to make the effort to this month to learn some skills that will help you better care for your car. For these and more, there is a wealth of tutorials online for you to take advantage of.

How to Check Your Oil

Being able to check your oil is important for any car owner. Between oil changes, it lets you know if your oil is leaking or if your engine is burning oil. If you can’t remember when you are due for an oil change, a quick check also allows you to check for dirty oil or sludge.

How to Check Your Transmission Fluid

Your transmission is one of the most complex components of your vehicle and it relies on clean transmission fluid to keep it running efficiently and to avoid costly repairs. If your transmission is automatic, we recommend that you learn how to check your transmission fluid level. If you find your transmission is leaking fluid, give Advantage Auto Service a call to schedule a transmission inspection and service.

How to Check Your Tire Pressure

Improperly inflated tires put your tire at risk for accelerated wear and possible blowouts. With a simple pressure gauge, it is easy to check and maintain the proper psi in your tires. If your tire is consistently low, you may have a tire leak and Advantage Auto Service may be able to repair it rather than replace it.

How to Change a Flat Tire

If you do find yourself with a flat or blown tire, it is important to know how to change your tire so you aren’t left stranded on the side of the road. We recommend keeping all the tools you need and a healthy spare tire in your trunk and doing a few practice rounds in a safe place with someone who is experienced.

Jumpstart Your Car

You go to leave work, crank your car, and your battery is dead. Frustrating, right? With a good set of jumper cables and someone willing to lift their hood, you can jumpstart your car and be on your way. Once your car is started you should have your battery checked and possibly replaced.

If it is time to schedule your next auto maintenance or repair appointment, Advantage Auto Service is the mechanic Marietta drivers trust most. Call us today.

How To Jumpstart Your Vehicle

How To Jumpstart Your Vehicle

Need A Jump, Here’s Your Jumpstarting Guide

You know the feeling: you’re ready to go, and suddenly your car won’t start. For many drivers, it’s likely the case of a dead or dying car battery. Fortunately, with a jumpstart from another vehicle, you should be able to get your vehicle running again so you can drive it to the nearest mechanic. Every car should have a set of jumper cables in the trunk. Check out this step-by-step guide to jumpstarting your vehicle from Advantage Auto Service so you’ll be prepared the next time an emergency strikes.

How to Jumpstart Your Vehicle

Use these step-by-step instructions to help you get your vehicle jumpstarted correctly:

  1. Make sure your car and the car giving you a jump are close together but make sure they are not touching. Turn both car engines off.
  2. Connect the positive jumper cable (typically a red color) to the positive terminal of the dead battery. The positive terminal is usually marked with a plus sign and the negative terminal should indicate a minus sign. Never touch the metal clamps to any other metal or you run the risk of electric shock.
  3. Connect the other end of your positive cable to the positive battery terminal located on the vehicle that’s giving you a jump.
  4. Connect the negative cable (usually black in color) to the negative terminal on the same vehicle giving you a jump.
  5. Connect the other end of your negative cable to an exposed metal part of your vehicle. It’s best to connect to places like bolts or brackets that are unpainted. This will help to provide a ground and prevent any sparking from occurring.
  6. Make sure that your jumper cables are not located near any moving parts of the engine.
  7. Start the vehicle that is giving you a jump and let the engine sit idle for at least a few minutes. You can rev the engine if it’s an old battery or if it’s been sitting dead for several weeks. This will speed up the charging process.
  8. Start your vehicle. If it starts, let it sit idle for around 20 minutes. If you’re unable to get it to start, check the cable connections and try again.
  9. Remove the jumper cables in reverse order by removing the black or negative cable from the ground on your vehicle, but keep your engine running.
  10. Remove the other end of the negative cable from the battery of the person giving you the jump.
  11. Remove the positive cable from the battery of the vehicle giving you the jump, then remove the final positive cable from your vehicle.

With this handy guide, getting a jumpstart should be easy. You should let your engine run for around 20 minutes or so just to make sure it’s properly charged. If you still can’t get the engine to start, it may be time to call for help from a professional.

For all your automotive service and repair needs, contact Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA to schedule an appointment today!

 

I Just Started My Car and the Engine Is Roaring Like Crazy

I Just Started My Car and the Engine Is Roaring Like Crazy

I Just Started My Car and the Engine Is Roaring Like Crazy

Advantage Auto Service advises that if you started your car in the engine is excessively loud and roaring, it’s probable that someone has taken the catalytic converter from underneath the vehicle. Unfortunately, this type of auto theft is common because the metal out of which the converters are made is considered precious. Aside from the roaring engine, you will also notice the following problems.

Check Engine Warning

The check engine light is going to turn on and remain on because the exhaust system sensors have no choice but to report errors to the engine control module because the converter is missing. The catalytic converter treats your vehicle’s exhaust so it is safer to be released out of the tailpipe. Unfortunately, the exhaust system sensors will detect problems because the system itself is not complete.

Jerking Acceleration

If you try to drive your vehicle, which we strongly discourage, you will notice that the acceleration jerks. The reason why this happens and why the engine is so loud is that the catalytic converter is not there to absorb the force and muffle the noise of the exhaust being pushed out of the exhaust manifold. Consequently, every time you press down on the accelerator, your vehicle will lurch forward.

Slow-Speed Sluggishness

You will also notice that your automobile has difficulty running at slow speeds. The engine produces two types of torque or power, low-end torque and high-end torque. For some reason, when the catalytic converter has been taken from the automobile, the engine struggles to produce the torque on the low end and, as such, your engine will have a difficult time operating when you are driving slowly.

Noticeable Exhaust Odors

Another sign that the catalytic converter is gone is noticeable exhaust odors. This is why we recommend that you do not drive your vehicle if you are the victim of catalytic converter theft. The exhaust is forced out of the manifold and into the open air because the converter is no longer there. Consequently, you will end up with your vehicle’s exhaust inside the passenger cabin.

Feeling Ill When Driving

Naturally, if you are inhaling the exhaust, it is going to make you sick. In fact, it can be fatal. The exhaust is filled with carbon monoxide because the catalytic converter is no longer there to treat it and convert it into carbon dioxide. Consequently, driving your vehicle has just become very dangerous.

Call Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, today if you need us to install a new catalytic converter in your vehicle’s exhaust system.

 

How Car Batteries Work

How Car Batteries Work

How Car Batteries Work

A car battery is one of the most important parts of a car. It helps start the engine and powers all of the electrical components in the car. Most car batteries are lead-acid batteries. They have six cells that produce 2 volts each for a total of 12 volts. The cells are filled with a sulfuric acid solution and have lead plates submerged in them.

When the battery is producing electricity, the lead plates turn into lead sulfate. When the battery is being charged, the lead sulfate turns back into lead. The sulfuric acid is used to create an electrical current between the lead plates. The more charge that flows through the battery, the greater the chemical reaction, and the greater the chance that some of the sulfuric acid will be lost as water vapor.

That’s why it’s important to keep your car battery clean and filled with distilled water. Over time, the water will evaporate and need to be replaced. If you don’t keep your car battery clean, it will eventually stop working entirely.

How to tell if your car battery is dying:

There are a few telltale signs that your car battery is on its last legs. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to replace your battery:

  • The engine is slow to start or completely refuses to start
  • The headlights are dim or flickering
  • The electrical accessories in the car (radio, power seats, etc.) are moving slowly or not working at all
  • The “check engine” light is on
  • You hear a clicking noise when you turn on the ignition

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic so they can test your battery and give you a professional opinion on whether or not it needs to be replaced.

A car battery is a fundamental part of a car and without it, the car simply won’t work. Most batteries are lead-acid batteries which have six cells that produce 2 volts each for a total of 12 volts. The cells contain sulfuric acid and lead plates which create an electrical current between them. It’s important to keep your battery clean because over time water will evaporate and need to be replaced. If you don’t keep your battery clean, it will eventually stop working entirely. There are a few telltale signs that your battery is dying which include: an engine that is slow to start or doesn’t start at all, dim or flickering headlights, slowly moving or non-working electrical accessories, and hearing a clicking noise when you turn on the ignition. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to bring your car to us so we can test your battery and give you a professional opinion on whether or not it needs to be replaced.

 

The Benefits of Regular Auto Repair Maintenance

The Benefits of Regular Auto Repair Maintenance

The Benefits of Regular Auto Repair Maintenance

Keeping up with regular auto repair maintenance is essential for ensuring your car runs smoothly and safely. Not only does regular maintenance reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, but it can also help extend the life of your vehicle. So let’s look at some critical benefits of general auto repair maintenance.

Saving Money in the Long Run

Regular auto repairs services like oil changes, tire rotations, and filter replacements are essential for helping to keep your vehicle in good condition. In addition, regularly maintaining your car saves you money on costly repairs by avoiding more significant problems. If you stick to a regular schedule of service appointments, you can even extend the life span of your vehicle considerably.

Improved Safety

Safety should always be one of your priorities when driving, so it makes sense that regular auto repair services can improve safety. Experienced mechanics will inspect your car and check for potential issues or hazards that put you and other drivers at risk. This includes checking brakes, suspension systems, lighting systems, belts, and hoses. Any issues found during an inspection can be fixed before becoming a major hazard.

Better Performance

Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your car safe, ensures it runs efficiently and performs at its best when you get behind the wheel. When specific components are inspected and serviced regularly, they’ll remain in better condition over time, leading to better performance. For example, regular oil changes keep engine parts lubricated, while tire rotations improve traction.

From saving money on costly repairs to improved performance and better safety on the road, there are plenty of reasons why staying up-to-date with regular service appointments pays off! So don’t forget to schedule routine checkups with a trusted mechanic today!

 

Corrosion Can Destroy Your Water Pump

Corrosion Can Destroy Your Water Pump

Corrosion Can Destroy Your Water Pump

If your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s water pump has a slow leak that is causing engine coolant to pool around the pump and the housing, you will end up with a corroded water pump that is damaged. Unfortunately, the pooling coolant will eventually eat tiny holes through the water pump’s metal. Advantage Auto Service advises that this is just one sign that your water pump is going bad. We are going to list the other signs below so you know what to look for. Replacing a faulty water pump as soon as possible ensures you don’t end up with damage to your automobile’s engine.

Leaking Engine Coolant

Oftentimes, what starts as the pooling discussed above ends up as an engine coolant leak on your garage floor. You will end up with spots or puddles of coolant underneath the front portion of your engine. The water pump is located in the front. Unfortunately, this leak will reduce the coolant levels in the engine and you will have problems with your engine overheating. More on that below. It’s important to have coolant leaks addressed right away so the engine always has enough coolant.

Uncirculated Coolant

The thermostat keeps track of your engine’s temperature and releases coolant when it needs it. The water pump is what circulates the coolant through the engine. Think of it as the heart of the cooling system. If the water pump is malfunctioning, it may be unable to circulate coolant through the engine or the circulation may be poor. This, too, will cause problems with your engine’s temperature.

Growling or Whining Noises

Another thing that can affect the water pump is problems with its internal mechanisms. Consequently, if they are worn, you may hear growling or grinding sounds coming from the engine. Unfortunately, the water pump isn’t the only automotive part that makes this sound when it goes bad. The alternator and fuel pump can also make these noises. Another sound you might hear is whining noises if the accessory belt that powers the water pump is too loose.

Overheating Engine

Finally, as we mentioned above, a faulty water pump will make your engine overheat. The reason why could be attributed to all of the things we have discussed previously. Your engine coolant may be too low because the water pump is leaking. The engine may not be getting any coolant because the water pump isn’t circulating it. Part of the pump’s circulation problems could be attributed to worn internal mechanisms or a faulty accessory belt.

Call Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, right away if you suspect you need to have your water pump replaced. We’d be happy to inspect it and do just that if it needs it.

Seven Diesel Engine Problems That Are Very Common

Seven Diesel Engine Problems That Are Very Common

Advantage Auto Service is a full-service auto shop that works on both gasoline and diesel engines. We can keep your diesel engine operating as it should be. We work on all diesel action types, including fleet vehicles and box trucks. Here are seven common problems we fix every day.

1. Hard Starts

It’s often more difficult to start a diesel engine than it is a gasoline one. These engines tend to crank a few times before they fire up. This is because they need more heat than a gasoline engine does to start; hence, the glow plugs. If your diesel engine is having a hard time getting started, it’s likely overdue for maintenance.

2. Power Loss

Diesel engine power loss is usually related to a fuel problem. Common causes of power loss include a clogged fuel filter or dirty fuel injectors. You may also have excessive lubrication in the engine that needs to be addressed, or your throttle linkage may be too loose.

3. Fuel Contamination

One of the benefits of driving a diesel engine is that the fuel is more energy-dense than gasoline is and, as such, you get more miles per gallon. Diesel fuel is thick, however, and it can easily become contaminated. Common contaminants include glycol, soot, or water.

4. Black Exhaust

You can expect puffs of black exhaust to come out of your diesel automobile’s tailpipe but you shouldn’t see excess exhaust. If you do, this is a sign that the fuel mixture in your diesel engine is rich, which means it is fuel-heavy. You may also have problems with the air filter, the injector pump, the EGR valve, or the turbocharger.

5. Oxidized Oil

Oxidized oil is oil that has air bubbles in it. These air bubbles prevent the oil from lubricating the diesel engine as it should. This problem usually occurs in diesel engines that have sat around for months.

6. Wrong Weight and/or Viscosity

Another common problem with diesel engines is hard starting due to the incorrect oil weight and viscosity in the motor. It’s important that you always have the correct lubricant weight and viscosity in your diesel engine. Otherwise, you can damage it.

7. Noisiness

A diesel engine is noisier than a gasoline engine is, but this does not mean that it should be excessively loud. If your diesel engine is making too much noise, including generating knocking sounds, you may have a problem with the engine combustion or the fuel injectors.

Look no further than Advantage Auto Service in Marietta, GA, for all of your diesel engine maintenance and repair needs.

 

Transmission Fluid Change: The Consequences of Not Getting Your Car’s Transmission Fluid Changed

Transmission Fluid Change: The Consequences of Not Getting Your Car’s Transmission Fluid Changed

How often should you get your car’s transmission fluid changed? The answer to this question depends on where you live, how old your car is, and how often you drive it. For instance, if you live in a place that gets pretty cold during the winter, you may need to get the fluid changed more often than if you live in a warmer climate area, where it rarely snows. Delaying getting your car’s transmission fluid changed can have serious consequences which will almost always result in shortening the life of the transmission.

Burned Out Fluid

If you don’t change your transmission fluid, it will eventually burn out. This can cause several problems, including transmission trouble and a decrease in fuel efficiency. In addition, burned-out fluid can lead to overheating and potentially damage the transmission itself.

Slipping Gears

Transmission trouble can start with something as small as slipping gears. This is often caused by not enough transmission fluid, and if left unchecked, it can lead to big problems down the road. So if you notice your car slipping gears, it’s essential to get it checked out as soon as possible to avoid more severe issues.

Difficulty Shifting

If you have transmission trouble, shifting gears may not be easy. This can be caused because of contaminated transmission fluid which does not allow for the correct amount of pressure to maintain correct shifting patterns. Additionally, your car may make strange noises or jerk when shifting gears. Over time, this can damage your transmission and lead to more expensive repairs.

Overheating Transmission

Overheating is one of the most common and severe consequences of not changing your car’s transmission fluid. When transmission fluid breaks down, it can’t do its job correctly, which leads to friction and heat. That extra friction and heat can cause your transmission to overheat, leading to even more severe problems.

Delayed Acceleration

When your car’s transmission fluid is low, it can cause delayed acceleration. This is because the fluid is responsible for lubricating the transmission. When it’s low, the transmission has to work harder to function properly. In addition to delayed acceleration, low transmission fluid can cause the car to jerk or hesitate when shifting gears.

Transmission fluid is the lifeblood of your car’s transmission, and if it’s consistently low you will have transmission damage eventually. It’s essential to get any leaks repaired, and to follow the recommended maintenance schedule to keep your car’s transmission in good shape.