Almost all vehicles have an electronic control module (ECM), which is a computerized engine management system. This module controls all the operations of engine and the transmission, facilitating a high performance of the engine and eliminating all the possibilities of emission. These electronic control modules have self testing capacities, which make us aware about engine troubles, as soon as they appear inside the engine. One of such indicators of the ECM is the sign of “check engine light”. This light illuminates when there is a problem inside the engine. Before finding the answer of – what does a flashing check engine light mean, we need to learn about the location and function of the check engine light.

Check Engine Light
The check engine light is also called as malfunction indicator lamp (MIL). It is an indicator of any malfunction in the electronic control module of the automobiles. Typically, the check engine light is found on the instrument console of the vehicles. In some older automobiles, the check engine light was used to be labeled as “engine” or “trouble”, which indicated minor problems like overheating or low oil pressure inside the engine. The check engine light is generally of amber or red color and it has two stages as a steady check engine light and check engine light flashing. A steady check engine light indicates minor problems, while check engine light flashes only when there is a serious problem in the computerized management system of the engine.

Causes of Check Engine Light Flashing
Reasons of check engine light blinking are different for each vehicle. But, a yellow or red check engine light flashing, is a serious cause of concern in itself, which is far more serious than a constant or steady check engine light. If you notice the check engine light flashing when you drive the car in the city area, which goes off on a freeway, then you need to check for the overall performance of your vehicle in both the cases. If there is any problem in the performance and the mechanism of the car, then take the vehicle to the service center. More on car problems.

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Spark plugs play a crucial role in the car functioning because your car counts on them to start and run smoothly. A spark plug is preliminarily a high-voltage bridge to carry electricity. When electricity travels across the bridge (a gap between two contact points) and reaches the car engine, it generates a spark and ignites gas vapors, which start the engine. There are a lot of factors which determine how long your car spark plugs will last without needing a change. Your driving habits, the kind of fuel you use and the state of your car engine are important factors. Replacing spark plugs is easy and new plugs are not very expensive either. However, you should know when to change spark plugs and wires so that you do not end up causing any major damage to the car engine. Car manuals come with instructions on the same. You can follow certain simple car checks, as discussed further, to find out the right time for a spark plug change.

Why to Change Spark Plugs

Before learning when to change spark plugs, it is important to understand why to change spark plugs. New spark plugs help in maintaining optimum engine performance and efficiency. A car engine does misfire once in a while, but if the misfiring increases, engine power is affected and more waste gases are emitted. New cars come with a ‘Check Engine’ light which illuminates whenever there is an ignition problem with the car engine. To reduce instances of engine misfire and to maintain its optimum performance, it is important to change spark plugs as and when they wear out.

Starting your car in cold weather conditions can be a menace. And especially if you have a poor spark plug. As the spark plugs do not ignite even after several attempts, there are chances of your car battery running dead when the engine cranks. On such occasions, it is important to check your spark plugs and if it is worn out, replace it. A new spark plug will definitely improve cold weather starting, and also reduce the amount of voltage required by the ignition system.

It takes only a single engine misfire to deposit enough raw fuel into the exhaust, which will consequently overheat and harm the catalytic converter. The operating temperature of the converter rises when high amount of unburnt fuel enters the exhaust, leading to a partial meltdown of a substance in the converter. This can cause the car engine to choke. In such cases, you will have to replace the converter as well as the spark plug, to prevent the new converter from meeting the same fate.

How to Know When to Change Spark Plugs

Check your car mileage. Your car engine performance becomes less efficient when spark plugs are worn out and corroded due to carbon deposits and burns. This results in low gas mileage. In case you notice that your car is consuming more gas than it usually does, it could be time to change the spark plugs.

At times, you may experience some trouble while starting your car in the morning. Though this could be because of dirt accumulated in the fuel injectors, there are chances a faulty spark plug could also be a contributing factor.

Ideally, spark plugs in a car need replacement every 30,000 to 40,000 miles, depending on your car. You need to find out when was the last time you changed the spark plug in your car. In case you are not sure of the exact date, you can manually check by removing the spark plug and looking for excessive wear and tear or carbon deposits. Replace it, if necessary.

A rough running engine, slow response from the engine when you push the accelerator or the ‘Check Engine’ light illuminating on your dashboard could be signs that it is time to change spark plugs in your car.

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A car’s brake assembly is one of the most critical systems that need to be frequently monitored periodically. Of the many parts that make up a braking system, brake pads are the ones in need of constant attention. Since your car’s brake pads take the brunt of friction and heat when you hit the car brake pedal every time, they are bound to wear out over time. One of the most common queries about braking systems is ‘How often to replace brake pads?’. That is the question which you will find answered in the following lines.

About Brake Pads

Before we talk about how often to replace brake pads, let us know some more about why brake pads are prime components of disk brakes. When you hit the car brake, brake pads press against the rotating disk rotors installed in brakes to slow them down and bring your car to a halt. They are brought into action by brake calipers, which are actuated by a hydraulic mechanism. What a brake pad effectively does is that it converts the kinetic energy generated by car wheel’s motion into thermal energy which it absorbs, to bring the car to a halt. Although there are many types of brake pads, ranging from ceramic brake pads to semi-metallic, asbestos and even organic ones, all have a limited lifetime after which they must give in to the onslaught of heat and friction. All brake pads are generally made up of metallic surfaces with a covering of thick resistive material on the surface.

While asbestos was the default choice for brake pad material some years ago, it is not preferred anymore due to the health risks that it causes. Instead, alternative organic materials or combination materials containing copper fibers are being used. Brake pad designers need to achieve a balance between longevity and performance offered by a material. There are many factors that decide how often to replace brake pads. These include the kind of material used, the intensity and frequency of usage, as well as transmission type. Let us see how often to replace brake pads in the next section.

How Often Should Brake Pads Be Changed?

Ideally, the recommended brake pads replacement interval is about 30,000 to 35,000 miles of running. This is only a rough estimate. A lot depends on the brake pad material and transmission type. Cars with automatic transmission need a brake pad replacement more often than ones with manual transmission. How long do brake pads last is entirely dependent on usage.

The best way to determine when to replace brake pads is to actually inspect the level of wear that they have suffered. Some cars have electronic sensors fixed in the brake pads, which send a signal to a dashboard light when brake pads wear out beyond a limit. Generally, when your brake pads are close to the end of their service life, they give you an audible screeching signal, which can be heard when you hit the brakes. If you notice on inspection that your brake pads have thinned out to less than 1/8 th of an inch, it is time to change brake pads. Brake pad replacement is the simplest of car repair jobs to undertake. The brake pad replacement cost is quite nominal compared to replacement of other car brake parts. Check out how to replace brake pads.

Hope this article has left no doubts in your mind about how often to replace brake pads. While the recommended brake pad replacement interval was specified above, the recommended time interval will differ according to your car model, it’s transmission type, and type of brake pads used. It is best to determine how often to replace brake pads, by actually inspecting them on your own. Make it a part of your regular car maintenance schedule. Read the worn brake pad signs and replace them as soon as possible.

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Air filters can make a huge difference in the life and the performance of an engine. It is an essential component of the air intake system and is tasked with trapping any dirt or debris in the air entering the intake system.

It is important that dirt is not allowed to enter the engine as it can cause a great deal of damage or even kill your power plant. An air filter is made of cotton, paper, or gauze. This material must trap dirt and still allow air to pass through.

Air filters do not trap 100% of dirt particles but around 99% of particles are normally filtered out. New filters generally keep out less dirt than older filters. The new filter must first build up a dust film which makes the holes in the filter smaller and allows it to trap more dirt.

When too much dirt builds up in the air filter, the air flow into the engine will suffer and it will need to be replaced. Not changing the air filter can reduce the engine’s performance and decrease the MPG of the vehicle. You can replace your air filter with a direct paper replacement or you can upgrade to a performance air filter.

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According to recent study by the National Transportation and Safety Administration, available at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/, more than 25% of all passenger cars and more than 33% of all light trucks have under inflated tires. What does this mean to you?

Lower gas mileage – Lower tire pressure means lower gas mileage. For each pound of under inflation, your gas mileage can drop up to 1 percent!

Tire failure – Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure.

Faster tread wear – Lower tire pressure also causes the tread to wear out faster and forces premature replacement.

Poorer handling – The point where the tire meets the road is a crucial element in determining the ride control of your vehicle. Under inflation prevents your ride control system from functioning properly.

So what is the proper tire pressure for your vehicle?

While there is a lot of information available in the market, the best way to determine this is refer to your owner’s manual. Each vehicle is designed by the manufacturer with a specific tire and tire pressure in mind. Some things to keep in mind.

The proper tire pressure is available to you in a number of locations in the owner’s manual or on the door jam or doorpost. Many vehicles now also have sticker on the interior of the gas cap.

The pressure listed on the exterior of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire should be inflated to, not necessarily the ideal pressure.

Always take the tires pressure when the tires are cold driven less than one mile.

Tires will lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) for every 10-degree drop in the temperature.

Tires will also lose pressure over time, at a rate of about 1 PSI per month.

To improve the life of your tires, rotate them on a regular basis – every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Every other oil change is a good rule of thumb.

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With the trend in rising prices at the pump, people are searching for solutions to becoming more gas efficient. What some people just don’t seem to realise is that there are more things that can be done in terms of saving pennies at the pump than just shopping around for the best price. In an attempt to recognize some of these money saving alternatives, it is also important to note that these alternatives should be used in conjunction with each other to maximise total fuel efficiency. Here are just a few ways to take full advantage at the pump.

Proper vehicle preventive maintenance – Keeping your vehicle tuned-up will greatly affect the vehicle’s gas efficiency. Proper maintenance on other vehicle parts such as the air filter will also help burn less gas. A dirty air filter results in the engine not getting enough of the air supply needed to run efficiently.

Properly inflated tires – Having your tires properly inflated is one of the cheapest ways to manage your gas fuel efficiency. Some studies show that one out of every four drivers is driving with one or more tires under-inflated. According to automobile manufacturer’s recommendations, a tire under-inflated every 4 to 5 psi, (pounds per square inch), can increase your vehicle’s fuel consumption by over 10 percent. As a result, the tire tread life will also diminish.

Driving at moderate speed levels – Putting it simply, the faster you drive the more gas you use. According to a survey done by the Automotive Fleet publication, drivers waste 15 percent more fuel by driving at speeds of 65 miles per hour rather than at 55 miles per hour. If a driver wanted to conserve more of their fuel, a great way to begin is to simply follow the speed limits.

Eliminate unnecessary weight – Another fuel efficiency preserver would include getting rid of unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially in your trunk. According to AutoZone, for every 200 pounds of weight in your vehicle represents an additional mile off your fuel efficiency. Numerous drivers like to accumulate unnecessary things in their vehicle and removing those items could help reduce their costs at the pump.

Reduce your idling time – When your vehicle is idling, it is wasting gas. In times of long idling, it is best to simply shut off your engine. Starting your engine requires about the same amount of energy as having your vehicle idle for half a minute.

Watch your driving habits – When accelerating, your vehicle calls for an additional surge of fuel. In order to gain your vehicle’s best fuel economy, drivers should pay attention to their driving behaviours and limit their aggressiveness on the road.

Purchase gasoline in the morning – According to automotive experts from Kelly Blue Book, drivers can help save their vehicle’s fuel economy by purchasing gasoline in the morning. When consumers purchase gasoline, they are charged by the amount or volume of fuel they put in their vehicles, not by the density of gasoline itself. As a result, it is recommend that consumers purchase gasoline at times when the temperature outside is the coolest and gasoline is at its densest.

Become energy conscious of your vehicle – Conserving your vehicle’s energy consumption is yet another critical practice in maximising fuel economy. One prime example, the air conditioner, is one of the biggest drains on your vehicle’s engine and fuel economy. Using the air conditioner only when needed and not just as a simple fan can immediately help save you gasoline.

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Here’s a hot tip about car batteries: Warm weather is the time for major car-battery problems. Heat, not cold, shortens battery life, says the Car Care Council. The average life of a battery is three and a half years, and even shorter in warmer climates.

Excessive heat and overcharging are the two main reasons for shortened battery life. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate. That can mean a slow death for a battery.

Statistics from the National Car Care Month inspection campaign show battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 13 percent of the vehicles and seven percent of the batteries were not properly held down.

To get the most life out of a battery, the Car Care Council suggests the following:

Be sure the electrical system is charging at the correct rate; overcharging can damage a battery as quickly as undercharging.
If your battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it regularly, especially in hot weather. Add distilled water when necessary.
Always replace a battery with one that’s rated at least as high as the one originally specified.
Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt becomes a conductor, which drains battery power. Further, as corrosion accumulates on battery terminals it becomes an insulator, inhibiting current flow.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

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In a simple draining of old transmission fluid, a drain plug in the transmission is removed and the remaining fluid is allowed to accumulate in a pan. While this process does make it possible to rid the transmission of a significant amount of the older fluid, it does not thoroughly cleanse the system. The end result is that without a transmission fluid flush, there is still a fair amount of older fluid present. When this is the case, the older fluid will mingle with the new transmission fluid and thus dilute the effectiveness of the new fluid.

By employing a transmission flush, more of the older fluid is removed and the overall transmission system is cleansed. This means there is less residue to contaminate and weaken the new transmission fluid. The presence of fresh transmission fluid means less stress placed on the transmission itself, which in turn can prolong the life of the transmission.

While some people believe that a transmission flush may blow out the seals on the transmission, this is actually not possible. The process of the flush does not rely on pressure to flush out the residue of the old fluid. Instead, the method relies on using the pump of the transmission to gently introduce the new fluid into the system. As the new fluid enters the system, it begins to push the residue of old fluid out of the system. This means that rather than applying pressure that could damage the transmission, simple displacement is used to rid the system of the vast majority of the old fluid.

While it is possible to buy flush machines for home use, it is usually a better idea to have the transmission flush conducted by a qualified mechanic. While a transmission flush does cost a little more than simply draining and replacing the fluid, the investment can mean a smoother operation for the transmission and possibly minimize the chances for having to replace the transmission during the life of the vehicle.

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Having your oil changed on a regular basis is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car in proper running order. Literally speaking, there is no better way to keep your car in tip top performance and have it run for hundreds of thousands of miles than to keep your oil changed whenever it is recommended by the car manufacturer or the oil change shop. Oil changes cost under fifty dollars, even if you choose to have the top of the line oil added into your car, so there is really no reason why you could not afford such a simple and painless procedure. By getting your oil changed on a regular basis, you will not only improve the life of your cars engine, but you will also allow your car to maximize the horsepower it puts on the road; and you can make sure that all of your cylinders are firing and working as properly as when the car was new.

The benefits of oil changes are not so great as the drawbacks of not getting your oil changed, which are catastrophic. While you do increase the life of your engine and keep your horsepower maximized by getting your oil changed regularly, these are not as significant as the problems that can arise if you do not change your oil when it is recommended to do so. Firstly, not changing your oil often enough can cause significant damage to your engine, as the oil is necessary to keep all of the moving parts lubricated. By not having enough oil or by using oil that has outlived its usefulness (is filled with dirt or has low viscosity), you run the risk of allowing parts to not work as efficiently as they possibly could.

In the long run, such parts grinding together without lubrication in such a stressful environment as an internal combustion engine could eventually lead to such parts fusing together, jamming up or altogether failing. This is catastrophic to your engine, as the engine could simply stop working or actually explode if enough parts refuse to work.

When you go to get your oil changed, you really have one of two different options. You can either choose to spend less money and simply purchase whatever oil you want to put into your car from a store and add it in yourself; or you could have a professional do it. Because of all of the major restrictions on what you can and cannot do with oil nowadays, it makes much more sense to have a professional do the oil change, as they have special ways in which they are able to dispose of it. If you do the change yourself, you will have to save all of the oil which you remove from the car and take it to a place like your local fire station to have professionals dispose of it, instead of you simply taking it to the dump or pouring it down the drain. Since there are so many hassles involved in changing the oil yourself, you may want to simply have professionals do it, even though it is more expensive.

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