If you are a regular reader of Check Engine, then you are likely well aware of the importance of good oil in keeping your engine running smoothly. However, today we are going to go a bit deeper into understanding an important aspect of oil – viscosity ratings. On the surface, this may seem like a […]
Year: 2021
Brighten Your Ride – What You Need to Know About Automotive Lighting
One of the easiest ways to upgrade and customize your vehicle is to add aftermarket lights. However, if you are just getting started, then you may not be familiar with all the terminology. The three major types of bulbs on the market are incandescent, HID (high-intensity discharge), and LED (light-emitting diode). They all do basically […]
How To Replace Front Brake Pads
Brakes are the most important system on your vehicle, yet in the grand scheme of things are one of the easier systems to do maintenance on. Unlike the engine or transmission, there are no parts buried in the vehicle, nor are there requirements to use large machinery to do in-depth service on them, so you […]
A Step-By-Step Guide to Nissan Maintenance: Transmission Fluid Edition
What’s your favorite Nissan model? Whether you have a workhorse like the Titan sitting in your driveway, a family-friendly SUV like the Pathfinder, or an efficient and comfortable sedan like the Altima, one of the best ways to ensure your Nissan’s longevity is to stay current with its routine maintenance. While most drivers are pretty […]
Following a Maintenance Schedule: The Toyota Sienna
Proper maintenance is certainly not the most romantic or exciting part of owning a vehicle, but it’s a very important part of it. Even if you like to work on your vehicle yourself, if you own a Toyota Sienna, it’s still important to make sure you’re following a proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Figuring […]
Fixing a Camry’s Leaking Valve Cover Gasket
A leaking valve cover gasket could be caused by the gasket itself failing or other causes such as excessive oil pressure. In this case, we will be looking at how to change said valve cover gasket as part of Toyota Camry Service, which will usually solve any leaking issues. Depending on the year and trim […]
The Wide World of Wheels
Wheels can be an intimidating topic for many drivers, but knowing a few basic concepts can make a world of difference. There are many reasons why you might want some extra wheel knowledge, ranging from replacing damaged wheels to upgrading your current setup for performance or aesthetic reasons. Whatever your goals are, let’s run through […]
Top Ten Tools For Dad This Fathers Day
With Fathers Day rapidly approaching, it is time to start thinking about Fathers Day gifts. If your Dad enjoys spending his time out in the garage fixing up the family’s cars, then here are the Top Ten Tools that he will love to have in his toolbox. All of these tools are items that the […]
Who Makes the Best All-Terrain Tires?
When it comes to tire selections, there’s such a broad range to choose from. We all know that not every tire is suitable for every occasion, and not every tire is suitable for every type of vehicle. In fact, there are specific tires, tire sizes, and tire types for nearly every type of road surface, […]
Can You Do Your Own Alignment?
Even seasoned do-it-yourself types often think that a wheel alignment is something best left to professionals who have the proper tools and knowledge to do the job correctly. In many respects, this is valid, as modern laser alignment tools used in a professional alignment service will provide a perfect alignment to manufacturer specifications in a […]
10 Fast Facts About a Wheel Alignment
Maintaining your car is a responsibility that you will need to take on when you become a vehicle owner. That shiny new set of keys will only remain new and exciting for so long before you’ll need to take action and keep your ride in peak condition, and one of the main aspects of car […]
Car Care 101: Which Car Additives are Worth Using
If you’ve been inside an auto parts store at any point in the last couple of decades, then you’ve likely noticed a particular trend: the massive increase in the number of little bottles filling aisles. While some of these bottles contain important things like motor oil and coolant, many of them offer a wide range […]
Necessary Maintenance For Toyota Vehicles
It’s important for all vehicles to receive regular scheduled maintenance. Not only does it help extend the life of the vehicle, but it can also help prevent issues or detect problems early on. You should always consult your vehicle’s manufacturer for service schedules, parts, and repairs. This is no different for Toyota vehicles. If you’re […]
Car Care 101: Finding Your Spark
Just about everyone who drives a car has heard of spark plugs, but plenty of drivers have no idea what they actually are. Simply watching TV shows and movies is enough to introduce the term to most people – it’s a great thing to randomly blame engine trouble on when a screenplay writer needs to […]
How Do You Replace Brake Pads?
Brake service is essential for keeping your vehicle running safely. You absolutely cannot underestimate how important your brakes are because if your brakes go then, you could end up in a very hazardous situation on the road while driving. That’s why it’s always imperative to have brake service done as frequently as your vehicle’s manual […]
Do You Know When It’s Time to Change Your Oil?
This is an important question that not everyone can honestly answer “yes” to – yet it’s one of the most fundamental aspects of owning and caring for your vehicle. Getting an oil change might not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s a very important and simple part of properly maintaining your […]
What Are Some of the Best Tires for My Vehicle?
When talking about vehicular maintenance and performance, tires are a very important subject. You need different tires, tire compounds, tire types, tire treads, and even tire sizes, depending on what you plan on using your vehicle for. Not every vehicle uses the same kind of tires, and not every type of tire is best for […]
The Ultimate Guide to Winter Tires
If you weren’t already aware, tires are not a one tire fits all situations thing; there are different tires for various purposes. If you live in a colder climate or a place that enjoys snow during the winter season, then you need to switch out your normal tires to winter tires when the temperature drops. […]
Top Tire Accessories: Which Ones Are Worth the Buy?
Your tires are some of the most important parts of your vehicle. Not only are they the parts that actually roll you down the road, but they’re also your vehicle’s only contact with the road itself. Flexible but strong, ensuring safety and also speed, good tires just get you where you need to go. A […]
Is It Possible to Just Replace One Tire on a Vehicle?
Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, but they can be one of the most complicated to deal with at times. There are numerous types of tires, sizes, recommended tire care guidelines, and it can be confusing to keep it all straight. Plus, tires are expensive. Cheap tires that are good […]
Easily Change the Oil on Your Jeep Grand Cherokee
There are certain things that seem certain in life, most famously death and taxes. But I would also add for most of us that list also includes car maintenance. It may seem like a chore to most of us, but before you let out that knowing sigh, I want to try and convince you that […]