AUTONET TV

Smooth Operator

We’re used to bringing a vehicle to a stop and hardly noticing the engine’s even running when we’re sitting still.  But sometimes you might notice it running rough when you’re idling.  Your vehicle is shaking, vibrating and making sputtering noises.  You may even notice the tachometer on your instrument panel is showing the engine’s RPMs are moving all over the place.  

Rough engines can be caused by a whole lot of different things.  One possibility is a problem with your fuel system.  You might have a fuel pump going bad, or a clogged fuel filter is restricting your fuel’s pressure. Maybe your fuel injectors have gotten plugged or dirty.  

Maybe it’s something wrong with your ignition system.  Your spark plugs may be on their last legs or the plug wires may be worn out.  The ignition coils which create sparks at your cylinders may be failing.  

Another thing that can cause an engine to run rough can be problems with getting adequate air to it.  Your engine air filter may be obstructed. Modern engines have a lot of sensors that tell the engine’s computers how to adjust fuel and timing, and some of those sensors might have seen better days.

There can be serious mechanical issues with your engine, such as worn piston rings, a leaky head gasket or bad valves.  Your timing belt could also be the problem.  

And, remember when your Check Engine light comes on, it can signal it’s detected something wrong in the way the engine’s components are working together. 

Your engine should be smooth and quiet when you’re sitting at a stop light.  If it’s not, head on over to let one of our technicians track down the problem.  We can have you back to being a smooth operator in no time.

Auto Authority LLC
804 Witzel Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54902
920-231-1016
www.autoauthorityoshkosh.com

Let’s Clear the Air

In an effort to keep the air we breathe clean, modern vehicles with internal combustion engines are designed to reduce the emissions by recirculating exhaust gas into the engine.  It has a part that controls how much of that gas to put back into the engine, and that’s known as the EGR valve.

EGR stands for exhaust gas recirculation, and when your fails or get blocked up, you might notice a few of telltale signs.  You may find your acceleration is slow or uneven, your vehicle stalls or idles roughly, you notice a knock or ping when you step on the gas or your fuel economy isn’t what it used to be.  

If your vehicle has those symptoms, bring it in so a technician can track down what is causing the problems. It’s important to have your vehicle checked because a bad EGR valve can lead to expensive engine damage if the combustion temperatures get too high.  An overheated engine can cause your head gasket to fail.  Plus, you may damage your vehicle’s valves and cylinders.  A bad EGR valve can also result in damage to your catalytic converter, another expensive item to replace. 

Our technicians can scan your vehicle’s computers for codes, test the EGR valve and inspect its wiring and vacuum lines.  If they determine it’s the EGR valve, they’ll install a new one with a new gasket, reconnect the electrical plugs and vacuum hoses, then check how the system is working by taking your vehicle for a test drive. 

When you’re back on the road, you will know that your emissions will be cleaner, your fuel economy better and your engine should last longer.  

Auto Authority LLC
804 Witzel Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54902
920-231-1016
www.autoauthorityoshkosh.com

Why Timing Belt Maintenance Can Save Your Engine

One part of your vehicle you probably never think of is the timing belt.  It coordinates the rotation of the crankshaft (which converts the up and down motion of the pistons into rotation motion) and the camshaft (which opens and closes your engine’s valves). It’s vital that the timing of these movements happens precisely when it needs to so your engine will operate smoothly and perform the way it’s designed to.  It also prevents damage to the engine.
 
If your engine’s timing belt breaks, it can leave you stranded, plus cause costly, catastrophic damage to the engine.  Depending on your vehicle, a failed timing belt can wind up causing a collision between the pistons and the valves, and it’s possible it can destroy the cylinder head.  Repairs can be extremely expensive and, in some cases, your engine might not even be repairable.  And that is why maintaining your timing belt is extremely important.
 
Your vehicle’s manufacturer provides recommendations on when your timing belt should be replaced, often between 60,000-100,000 miles/95,000-160,000 km, or about every 5 to 7 years.  Depending on how you drive and in what conditions (such as extreme temperatures), your engine may need its timing belt checked more frequently.  The longer and harder your belt works, the more likely it will get brittle and crack.  When your vehicle is in for a timing belt replacement, your service manager will frequently recommend replacing other components as well, such as water pumps, pulleys and tensioners.

Regular timing belt maintenance will help you maintain your vehicle’s performance and may allow you to avoid expensive repairs later.  

Auto Authority LLC
804 Witzel Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54902
920-231-1016
www.autoauthorityoshkosh.com

Keep It Rolling Right

Keeping your tires rotated regularly is one of the simplest yet most important maintenance services you can perform on your vehicle. It is where each tire is moved to a different position: front to back, side to side. That rotation helps to ensure your tires wear evenly, which directly impacts safety, performance and long‑term cost.

Front and rear tires experience different loads and stress. Front tires handle steering, braking and most of the vehicle’s weight during stops, causing them to wear faster. If the front tires are not rotated, uneven wear can lead to reduced traction, longer stopping distances and a less stable driving experience. Rotating your tires helps balance out these forces, giving all four tires a more consistent grip on the road.

Another benefit of even tire wear is it improves fuel efficiency. When tires wear unevenly, they create more rolling resistance and make the engine work harder, resulting in lower mileage. A simple rotation can help maintain optimal efficiency and save you money at the pump.

When your tires are regularly rotated, it extends their life. You know what a new set of tires can set you back, and rotation helps you get the maximum mileage out of them. It also allows technicians to inspect your tires regularly for damage, punctures or alignment issues before they become serious problems.

Many manufacturers recommend you keep your tires rotated about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles/8,000 to 12,000 km.  Think of it this way.  Tire rotation is a small service with big benefits. It enhances safety, improves handling, boosts fuel economy and protects your tire investment.

Auto Authority LLC
804 Witzel Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54902
920-231-1016
www.autoauthorityoshkosh.com

Start Me Up

You have a nice road trip planned out.  You’re all packed, sit down in the driver’s seat, go to start your vehicle up and… Nothing!  You might hear a click, but that’s it.  What do you do now? 

Your problem may be a bad ignition switch. There are other symptoms you may notice.  A failing ignition switch can cause your vehicle to stall while you’re driving. That presents a significant safety risk.  You may notice dashboard lights flickering when the key is in the “on” position.  Accessories like the radio, headlights or other electric components may turn on and off at random. And you may notice the Check Engine light coming on intermittently.  

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, it’s important to have a technician take a look at it soon.  They’ll go through your system thoroughly, checking battery voltage and cables, then make sure your starter is working the way it should.

The technician will conduct tests to make sure there’s continuity and voltage in each of your switch’s terminals in the “Accessories, Power and Start” positions. They will also scan for diagnostic trouble codes designed to narrow down ignition and power issues.  

If they determine it’s a bad ignition switch, they’ll remove the old one and install the new one. Many newer vehicles have anti-theft systems, and the new switch and key may require programming.  Once the new one is in place, they’ll test all of the switch’s positions and make sure electrical components such as the lights, sound system and dashboard are working correctly.

Auto Authority LLC
804 Witzel Ave
Oshkosh, WI 54902
920-231-1016
www.autoauthorityoshkosh.com