Merritt Island Auto Repair

Vehicles have an onboard diagnostic system (OBD). The system involves a computer connected to sensors that monitor and control vehicle performance. Whenever the system detects trouble with your vehicle, it alerts the driver through different signals. The check engine light constitutes the OBD system. Most people get a sinking feeling in their stomachs when the check engine lights up. This is because it could be alerting you about a minor issue with the vehicle or a major issue that requires immediate diagnosis and repair. The check engine light illuminates in two different ways. There are moments it comes on and stays solid, and there are moments in keeps flashing on the dashboard. A Flashing Check Engine Light A flashing check engine light is alarming, and there is a need to check the cause with immediacy. When this happens, you need to stop the vehicle immediately and drive it to the nearest auto repair shop for a diagnostic test. It is a sign that warns you before an emergency an ... read more

The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) monitors the speed at which the wheels are rotating as well as other parameters such as the steering angle. When you lose the steering control or traction, the ESC tries to reduce the engine power or engage the brakes to help you regain control of the vehicle. The ESC system does not work the same way on all vehicles. As such, it is always important that you refer to your manufacturer's manual to understand how yours works. Generally, the ESC light illuminates when the car is losing control and stays illuminated when a malfunction has been detected or the system has manually shut off. What Does The ESC Light Warning Indicate? The simplest way to know why your ESC light is on is to take it to a certified technician for diagnosis. The technician uses a scanner to decode trouble codes from the brake control module, and within no time, you get to know what is ailing your car. However, before you get there, below are a few hints on what might be ... read more

Inspecting your brakes to make sure that they are in excellent condition involves your sense of vision, listening capabilities, and touch. Altogether, this will provide you with a fairly good estimate of when it's time to replace your brake pads for a simpler and more secure driving experience. Your brakes might have to be replaced if you observe any of the subsequent signs: Squealing noise: Some screeching noise originating from the brakes is anticipated under normal driving circumstances, which depends upon the cleanliness of your brakes, the substances used on your brake pads as well as weather conditions. Though, a loud squealing sound is a warning message that brake pads might have to be replaced. Certain brake pads use a partially metallic layer inside the brake pad material or an exterior sensor which is intended to screech whenever the brake pad is due to be replaced. This squealing noise may be heard even after the brakes are not in use. If you are waiting for a long ... read more

Your car's motor oil is vital. It lubricates the engine, making sure the moving parts do not create too much heat. But as the oil breaks down, it becomes less effective in doing its job. For this reason, oil changes are a part of your car's regular maintenance schedule. You may have heard that synthetic oils last longer between changes and are more fuel efficient than conventional oil. It's true. Synthetic oils and blends are highly refined to reduce breakdown of the fluid and increase the stability of the oil. But which oil is actually better for your car really depends on a few factors. Vehicle type Best practice is to always follow the manufacturer's recommendation in regards to oil type. That said, there are some instances where you may want to consider synthetic oil or an oil blend over conventional oil. If your vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it, the older engine may start to experience friction-related issues. A synthetic oil or blend can he ... read more

Finding rust on your vehicle can be downright heartbreaking. Rust feels like a death sentence for your car the moment it starts to accumulate. Rust is created when there is a combination of water, oxygen, and salt build-up on metal surfaces. Rust formation is a simple process, but removing it can prove challenging. For most drivers, their vehicle is a significant investment, and it’s essential to keep them in prime condition. While cars do depreciate over time, there are ways to sustain their health and resale value. Below are a few tips to help prevent rust from attacking your vehicle.  Visually inspect your vehicle. Check your vehicle for rust spots in areas that are difficult to see. Grab a flashlight and check under the body molding and trim. Also, look around the antenna, sunroof, wheel wells, and other small crannies. A small amount of rust in these areas can spread and result in more considerable damage.  Regularly wash ... read more