To those not familiar with automobiles, brake fluid might sound like a fictional substance. But quite unlike the fictitious blinker fluid, keeping your brake fluid up to date and properly managed could mean the difference between stopping at a red light and plowing into oncoming traffic. When getting a Toyota brake service, one might ask […]
If you like old cars – whether “old” means a 1940 Ford Flathead, a 1969 Dodge Charger, or a 1993 Mazda RX-7 – then you may have discovered that finding one of these vehicles that’s still in good shape is easier said than done. When faced with the dilemma of wanting to own one of […]
I firmly believe in the importance of having the best tires possible on your vehicle to ensure you remain in control of your car and have it respond to your steering precisely. That being said, there’s no single “best tire” for every driver, vehicle, and road condition – it’s a matter of what you’re looking […]
Young drivers out there, I have good news: I’m about to share with you the most compelling and exciting information you’ve ever read. Are you ready? Well, too bad because I lied – this is actually going to be about the tires on your car, and there’s just no way to make that kind of […]
We’ve all been there at one point or another during vehicle ownership – something has gone wrong, but you’re not really sure what. When an unexpected problem occurs, what do you do? The majority of people will take their vehicle to a mechanic who will figure out what’s wrong and correct it. That is a […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
