Beware hard starts, rough idling and other glitches and unusual noises from your car which might signal engine trouble.
As great as it is to have someone to talk with, your car should be relatively quiet when it runs. If it?s not, take it to the nearest approved automotive repair service for some diagnostics.
“Codes will give them an idea of where to start for diagnosis,” said approved automotive repair specialist Ed Kriston of the Towson office of AAA Mid-Atlantic, headquartered in Wilmington, Del. “But they do not always point to the part that is bad.”
Some do-it-yourselfers and others try to fix car engines themselves. That is expedited in some states, which now have kiosks where a driver pulls a car in, the engine is hooked to a sophisticated machine to “read” the car?s computer, and a “code” is received. Many take that “code” to automotive parts stores where a salesperson tells them what part is needed to fix the car. Often, the part is replaced or applicable service done, and the car still has performance issues.
That?s because such codes should be considered first, not final, steps in uncovering engine problems, said Kriston and his AAA colleague Jeffrey Boone.
“It?s important to realize that the reliability [of kiosk diagnostics] is not tested at this point,” Kriston said. “The best thing to do is go to an approved automotive repair facility and have it diagnosed.”
Keep your auto healthy
Consider these tipsto get the most from your car:
» Register your car at aaa.com. The online maintenance tool allows consumers to search for safety recall notices, technical service bulletins, and more. It also has a tool that provides estimated labor and parts costs.
» Stick to a routine maintenance schedule. Keeping tires inflated, moving components properly lubricated and ignition and emission systems operating properly will help ensure maximum fuel efficiency and extend the life of your vehicle.
» Avoid hard stops and starts which waste fuel and may damage the vehicle.
For more information on this and other auto safety issues, visit aaa.com.
