Reasons Why Your Check Engine Light Is On
While enjoying your drive, it can be highly stressful to glance down at your dashboard and suddenly notice that your Check Engine light is on. However, the expert team at Portsmouth Used Car Center, your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH, does not want you to worry when that happens. There are several reasons why this light comes on, all of which can be taken care of by our highly-trained service technicians. We will be sure to get that light turned off and answer any questions that you have about making sure your car, truck, or SUV model is in its best condition. Here are some possible reasons why your Check Engine Light turns on:
– Faulty Oxygen Sensor: Your oxygen sensor is responsible for measuring the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system of your vehicle. If this sensor is not working properly, your engine will burn more fuel than it actually needs to and reduces your overall fuel economy. Having a faulty oxygen sensor can also damage your spark plugs and catalytic converter.
– Missing/Damaged/Loose Gas Cap: The gas cap of your vehicle seals your fuel system and is crucial in maintaining pressure within your fuel tank. It also stops gasoline fumes from being released. If there is an issue with the cap, you might discover that you are losing fuel through evaporation and having to go to the gas station more frequently. The professionals at your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH recommend that you regularly inspect the status of your gas cap.
– Broken Catalytic Converter: This component of your vehicle converts hazardous carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. If you neglect taking care of it, it can lead to lessened performance and fuel economy, and your vehicle will operate at a higher temperature than normal. It is important for you to bring your vehicle to the experienced service department at Portsmouth Used Car Center and have your catalytic converter inspected.
– Outdated Mass Airflow (MAF) Sensor: The MAF sensor measures the amount of air that enters your engine to determine exactly how much fuel is needed for it to operate at peak performance. If it is not replaced, your spark plugs, oxygen sensors, or catalytic converter can become damaged. This will lead to poor fuel economy and performance.
– Broken Spark Plugs or Plug Wires: The spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air/fuel mixture in your combustion chamber. The plug wires are responsible for delivering the spark from your ignition to the spark plugs. By neglecting to replace them, your vehicle will suffer from reduced performance and internal damage. Let the service professionals at your destination for used cars in Portsmouth NH take care of your spark plugs and wires.
Here at Portsmouth Used Car Center, we want you to know exactly what to do next whenever your Check Engine light comes on. Schedule a service appointment with us today!
Winter Driving Tips to Stay Safe
Driving during winter can be a stressful experience. Between blinding snow, slippery ice, and a frozen engine, any number of issues can occur when you travel during winter. Your home for used cars in Portsmouth NH always wants you to be safe when you drive. We have gathered some great tips for you to follow this winter that will bring you peace of mind knowing that you are driving as safe as possible.
– Don’t drive when you’re tired. Always get the rest you need before driving this winter.
– If you’re driving in snow, make sure you accelerate and decelerate as slowly as you can. Doing this will optimize your level of traction and minimize skidding. You should always stop and turn as slowly as possible in order to stay safe.
– Make sure your tires are inflated to the correct level. Intense temperature changes can lead to fluctuating levels of pressure. Too much air will decrease your tires’ traction, while not enough air will decrease efficiency as more power will be needed to move those tires.
– Prevent a gas line freeze-up by making sure that your tank is always at least halfway full.
– Avoid using your cruise control when you are driving in slippery conditions like ice or freezing rain.
– Keep track of weather reports in the areas where you will be driving. The weather near your house might be fine, but the ride may get treacherous as you near your destination. You should always wait to travel at the safest times whenever possible.
– Get your vehicle inspected, and get any issues repaired at the Portsmouth Used Car Center service department before you leave.
– You should always know your braking power and be ready to use them if needed, but if you don’t have to stop, try not to. Slowing down whenever you can is always a better option than trying to come to a complete halt in the snow.
– Don’t try to apply extra power when you go up a hill. Let natural momentum carry you to the top and then decrease power slowly once you reach the peak of the hill.
– Always bring backup supplies such as blankets, clothes, food, and water in case you get stranded.
– If you get stuck in snow, don’t leave your vehicle. Blowing snow can impair your vision, and you will spend all of your energy trying to push or dig your vehicle out. Just stay in your vehicle until the storm subsides or help arrives.
– Attach a bright piece of cloth to your vehicle so that first responders will be able to find you easily.
– Run the engine only long enough to stay warm, and make sure there isn’t any snow clogging up the exhaust pipe.
The best advice that your Portsmouth used Ford destination can give is to avoid traveling at all during winter storms if possible. If the weather is terrible, it is always a good idea to stay inside. If you do have to travel through the snow and ice, make sure that you always follow these tips so you can drive as safely as possible during the winter season.
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