Cleaning the Stuff That’s Cleaning the Exhaust

One of the most common engine problems also has one of the scariest names.  Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Failure.  Wow!  That sounds serious!

 Indeed, it’s nothing you want to happen to your car, but fortunately there’s an easy way to keep this common problem away. 

Here’s what’s going on:  Your exhaust system is trying really hard to keep pollution out of the air.  In fact, your car is actually cleaning up pollution before it ever leaves your car.  Believe it or not, there’s a little factory in your exhaust system that is trying to lower harmful pollutants.  As it is doing this, carbons start to build up and could bring this system down, and you’re out $700. 

Here’s how to stay away from that.  Every 30,000 miles or so have a professional fuel system cleaning.  It shouldn’t cost you more than $150 at most, and you will be sure to extend the life of the very thing that makes your car go.

5 Noises Your Car Makes That Means It Needs Help

“The engine makes a clicking noise when I hit 40.”

“I hear whistling.”

“My brakes squeak”

We hear these phrases a lot and you may have heard these noises many times in all the years you’ve driven. Here are 5 noises we think you should be concerned with when you hear them.

1.       The “Hiss” or “Whistle – When you hear this coming from the engine, it usually means a leak in a vacuum hose. If you are hearing a whistle from near your serpentine belt, that could be an issue with the alternator.

2.       A “Whine” – If you hear a whine that just won’t go away as you drive, it could be an issue with the driveline and the gears – more than likely this is a differential problem and could be costly. There’s also a chance you just need new differential fluid!

CV Joint

3.       A “Knocking” – When your car hits 40 and you hear a sound as if someone is knocking on the tires, you more than likely have a worn CV joint.  If you are traveling at low speeds and hear this, it’s possibly a failing wheel bearing. 

4.       A “Clicking” – when this comes from the engine, it’s possibly loose valves. It’s an easy fix for older cars with synthetic motor oil.

5.       A “Squeal” – Common from the brakes when you apply them, this means the metal in the brake pad is exposed and you need new brakes.

Another piece of advice – listen very closely to where the sound is coming from and have another person sit in the car, in the back seat, to listen as well. This can help you determine where it’s coming from and that helps us figure out how to fix your problem!