Merritt Island Auto Repair

Have you ever been driving when suddenly you hear a knocking sound coming from your engine? It's a concerning noise that can leave any driver feeling worried and unsure of what to do next. What are the reasons behind engine knocking, what could be telling you about your vehicle's health, and what steps should you take to address this issue promptly? What is Engine Knocking Engine knocking, also known as detonation or spark knock, occurs when the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber ignites prematurely or unevenly. This premature ignition creates a knocking or pinging sound that is often described as metallic or rattling in nature. Several factors can contribute to engine knocking, including low-quality fuel, incorrect ignition timing, carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, and engine overheating. What Your Engine Is Trying to Tell You ... read more

The infamous check engine light – a small yet anxiety-inducing signal on your dashboard that can leave any driver feeling uneasy. This warning light is a part of your car's onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II), designed to monitor various components of your vehicle's engine and emissions system. When the system detects an irregularity or potential issue, it triggers the check engine light to alert you. Can a Check Engine Light Go Away on Its Own? The answer is both yes and no. The check engine light may turn off on its own under specific circumstances. For instance, if the issue that triggered the warning was a temporary glitch or a minor concern, and the subsequent engine cycles confirm that the problem no longer exists, the light may extinguish on its own. However, this doesn't mean the issue has vanished – it simply means the system is not current ... read more

Automatic transmissions are marvels of engineering that seamlessly handle the shifting of gears in vehicles. They provide drivers with smooth acceleration and effortless operation - some regard them as a necessity and must-have function in a car.  Have you ever wondered how these complex systems actually work?  Understanding the Basics To comprehend how an automatic transmission operates, we must familiarize ourselves with its key components. These include: Torque converter Planetary gear sets Hydraulic system Control electronics.  Each element plays a crucial role in transmitting power from the engine to the wheels while enabling smooth gear changes without the need for manual intervention. What Does A Torque Converter Do ... read more

In the automotive world, the distinction between Toyota and Lexus often sparks curiosity. While they hail from the same parent company, Toyota Motor Corporation, their paths in the market are like parallel roads that rarely meet. If you want to take a closer look at their differences, continue reading! Brand Philosophy At the core, Toyota and Lexus embody different brand philosophies. Established in 1937, Toyota has become synonymous with reliability, efficiency, and value for money. It's a brand that aims to serve a broad demographic with a wide range of needs, from the practical Toyota Corolla to the rugged Toyota Land Cruiser. Lexus, on the other hand, was born in 1989 with a different mission. It's Toyota's luxury vehicle division, designed to compete with elite European automakers. Lexus emphasizes luxury, craftsmanship, and a premium driving experience. Think of it as Toyota's more sophisticated and refined sibling, with models like the Lexus L ... read more

In the labyrinth of wires and circuits that make up your vehicle's internal workings, an unassuming maintenance task is crucial in everything – computer diagnostics. As a car owner, you might be familiar with the routine oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections, but the realm of computer diagnostics often remains shrouded in mystery.   What is Computer Diagnostics?  In the not-so-distant past, diagnosing car troubles involved a fair share of guesswork and a mechanic's intuition. However, with the advent of sophisticated vehicle systems, the guessing game has been replaced by computer diagnostics. In simple terms, it's like your car's version of a health check-up, where an electronic system scans an ... read more