Engine Repair | Diagnostics

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Engine Repair and Diagnostics

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Engine Knocking

If you're hearing engine noise like engine knocking or engine tapping, it can indicate that the vehicle is running low on oil. It can also mean that an engine part, such as a valve is wearing out. A whistling noise can indicate a camshaft belt is misaligned or there is an intake leak. A squealing noise can be related to a loose fan belt. A grinding noise is probably coming from your brakes rather than your engine.

You can listen for the engine knocking sounds in the following scenarios:

Engine knocks when first started.
Engine knocks when cold.
Engine knocks when warm.
Engine knocks at idle.
Engine knocks when accelerating.
Engine knocks at high RPM.

Engine Stalls

Engine stalls can indicate an issue with a fuel pump, sensor or possibly an electrical system problem. It can also indicate you're running low on gas, your car is overheating, or that an engine component is worn out, such as a fuel injector or spark plug.

The most common type of engine stalls includes:

Engine stalls when cold.
Engine stalls when hot.
Engine stalls when accelerating.
Engine stalls when put in drive.
Engine stalls when braking.
Engine stalls when the AC is on.

Description of Engine Diagnostics and Performance

Every vehicle built since 1996 has been equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics System that monitors engine performance. Discrepancies in performance levels are reported through your vehicle’s computer system.

Once the “check engine” or “service engine” light is displayed, your next step should be to seek out an engine diagnostic service or an engine tune-up. Engine diagnostics allow our staff to gather helpful information about the operating condition of your engine.

The insights obtained during an engine diagnostic will determine the extent of suggested engine repairs. The most common diagnostic trouble codes are generated in response to malfunctions in the powertrain. Ultimately, regular engine tune-ups are necessary to optimize engine performance.

A tune-up is also one of the most effective ways to prevent unexpected engine trouble. During an engine tune-up, our staff may replace the spark plugs, spark plug wires, air filter, fuel filter, and distributor cap and rotor in your vehicle. Our experts will also check emission levels, fuel lines, and belts and hoses. Engine diagnostics and regular engine tune-ups can help extend the life of your vehicle and improve the health of your engine.

Benefits of Engine Diagnostics and Performance

While regular engine maintenance will help ensure that your engine always performs at peak conditions, there are also signs you can look for that indicate an engine repair service is needed. The “check engine” or “service engine” light is a sure sign that your engine should be looked at by an expert sooner than later.

Most of the time, your vehicle’s On-Board Diagnostics System will detect an engine issue and store the corresponding repair code, which can be accessed by a member of our service staff. Slow-cranking, rough idling, stalling, knocking, or pinging while accelerating are all signs that you should seek engine repairs or engine diagnostics to determine the full extent of your engine trouble.

A decrease in gas mileage and detectable loss of power during acceleration are also signs of an impending engine tune-up or engine repair service. Engine warning lights help alert drivers to minor issues before they become major repairs. Be sure to follow up with our staff once your vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics System detects a problem with your engine.

The Basics Behind Engine Tune-Up Services at Tune Lube & Brakes Auto Car Care

In the past, engine tune-ups were much more time-consuming because they required a motorist to check a variety of parts. Engine tune-ups formerly included checking the distributor, cap, rotor, ignition contact points, condensers, carburetors, and more.

Today, these items are generally no longer included in engine tune-ups because a vehicle’s electronic control unit controls the engine timing. While not as many parts need to be checked today, engine tune-ups still include the inspection of a variety of components. These include spark plugs and wires, oil and oil filters, and fuel filters.

Regular tune-ups will ensure your engine is running efficiently and reliably. Engine tune-ups can help prevent breakdowns and extend the life of an automobile. A well-tuned engine will help keep a vehicle operating at maximum performance levels, which is why routine maintenance is so important.

Why Should you Have Engine Tune-up Services Performed at Tune, Lube, and Brakes Auto Car Care?

During a tune-up, our service staff will check your spark plugs, which are responsible for igniting the gasoline and air mixture that fuels your engine. We can also check your spark plug wires, which transfer voltage created by your spark plug.

Old wires can burn out and cause a misfire. We will check the condition of your fuel filters, which help stop debris from reaching your engine. A clogged fuel filter will lead to poor acceleration and poor engine performance. Similarly, we can look at your air filter, which prevents debris from entering the combustion engine.

Restricted airflow makes your engine work harder and causes your vehicle to lose horsepower. During our tune-up, we can ensure optimal performance of these parts and more. Please adhere to your owner’s manual for recommended service intervals, and contact us when your engine is ready for a tune-up.

Tune Lube & Brakes Auto Car Care of Chula Vista proudly serves the Engine Repair and Engine Diagnostics needs of customers in Chula Vista, CA and surrounding areas.

Call us today at (619) 476-1731 for your FREE check engine light inspection, or for more information about our Chula Vista auto repair services.

We are located at 694 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910.