AUTO REPAIR TIPS & ADVICE
The Advantage Auto Blog
Expert auto repair tips, maintenance guides, and vehicle care advice from our ASE-certified technicians in Marietta, GA.
Serving Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Acworth, Vinings, Mableton, Austell & all of Cobb County, GA.
Showing all 17 articles
Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What Your Engine Has, What It Costs, and Why Getting It Wrong Is a $6,000 Mistake
There is one maintenance item that separates drivers who protect their engine investment from drivers who unknowingly destroy it. It's not the oil change — most people know about that. It's the timing belt.
READ MOREWhy Your Check Engine Light Is On: Diagnosis & Next Steps
Your check engine light is on. What does it mean? Learn the most common causes, what to do immediately, and when to call a professional. From Advantage Auto Service in Marietta.
READ MOREWhy Is My Check Engine Light On? The 10 Most Common Causes in Georgia
A check engine light can mean anything from a loose gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. Here are the 10 most common causes our technicians see in Marietta, GA — and what each one means for your wallet.
READ MORESigns of a Cracked Exhaust Manifold — And Why Georgia Heat Makes It More Likely
The exhaust manifold is one of the most thermally stressed components on your engine. It bolts directly to the engine block, collects exhaust gases at temperatures exceeding 1,200°F, and cycles from cold to scalding hot and back again every time you drive.
READ MORESigns Your Mass Airflow Sensor Is Dirty or Failing — And the Filter Problem Behind It
The mass airflow (MAF) sensor is one of the most frequently misdiagnosed components in a modern engine.
READ MORESerpentine Belt: What It Does, When to Replace It, and What Happens If It Breaks
The serpentine belt drives your alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump. When it breaks, everything stops. Here's how to spot wear before failure and what replacement costs in Marietta.
READ MOREThe Importance of Engines In Your Vehicle
Engines are the heart of your vehicle, converting fuel into energy to power your vehicle. Understanding how they work is vital for proper care and maintenance. Regular maintenance improves fuel efficiency, reduces harmful emissions, and extends the lifespan of your vehicle.
READ MOREMy 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. This article lists other signs of a failing fuel pump.
READ MORETop 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. A study in 2019 revealed that the check engine light is almost 100 percent accurate in detecting engine problems. Advantage Auto Service advises that the light can come on due to issues with the vehicle's main computer chip, various sensors, a vacuum leak, or other reasons.
READ MOREI Just Started My Car and the Engine Is Roaring Like Crazy
If your car's engine is roaring loudly after starting, it's likely due to a stolen catalytic converter. This type of theft is common because of the precious metals in converters. Besides the noise, you'll also notice a check engine warning, jerking acceleration, slow-speed sluggishness, and noticeable exhaust odors.
READ MORECorrosion Can Destroy Your Water Pump
A slow leak in a car's water pump can lead to corrosion and damage, potentially causing engine coolant to pool and eat through the metal. Recognizing signs of a failing water pump, such as leaks, uncirculated coolant, or growling noises, is crucial to prevent engine overheating and further damage. Prompt replacement of a faulty water pump is essential for maintaining engine health.
READ MOREWhy Can’t Your Car Start Without A Starter?
Your car will not start without a starter because the engine will not suck in air and fuel and electricity will not make its way through the spark plug wires to the spark plugs. Advantage Auto Service advises that the spark plugs must ignite air and fuel in the combustion chamber in order for your engine to start. As you have probably already guessed, the starter facilitates the above. It turns the engine over so it can suck in the air and fuel and send electricity through the spark plug wires.
READ MOREAn Overheating Engine Is a Damaged Engine
Driving with an overheating engine can cause significant damage to your vehicle. While quick fixes like adding coolant or turning on the heater might temporarily lower the temperature, they don't address the root cause. Continued driving with an overheating engine can lead to serious issues such as premature gasoline detonation, scuffed pistons, blown head gaskets, or even a cracked engine block.
READ MOREFour Signs Your Car’s Thermostat Is Bad
A car's thermostat is crucial for regulating engine coolant temperature. After about ten years, it's likely to fail. This article outlines four key signs indicating it's time to replace your car's thermostat.
READ MOREIs Your Oxygen Sensor Going Bad? Here Are Signs That it Is!
Part of your vehicle’s exhaust system, the oxygen or O2 sensor measures the amount of oxygen your automobile is releasing through its tailpipe. Too much or too little oxygen can cause problems, including engine performance, fuel economy, and emissions issues.
READ MOREWhat Causes Coolant to Dilute Motor Oil?
A cracked head gasket can cause coolant to mix with motor oil, leading to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. This mixture can result in coolant loss, engine overheating, and excess exhaust due to burning oil and coolant. It is crucial to have the vehicle towed for repair to prevent further damage.
READ MOREWhy Does My Check Engine Light Come On?
This article explains common reasons why a vehicle's check engine light (CEL) might illuminate. It covers issues such as oxygen sensor problems, catalytic converter failure, faulty mass airflow sensors, and worn spark plugs or wires. The article also mentions a loose gas cap as a simple cause for the CEL.
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