My Auto Shop Info Hub

Have you ever been driving along and suddenly your car loses power, the check engine light comes on, and you can barely accelerate? Chances are, your car has entered “limp mode.” This can be a scary experience, especially if you’re far from home or in heavy traffic. But don’t panic! I’m here to explain what […]

If you’ve noticed that your car is burning through oil faster than usual, it’s a cause for concern. While some oil consumption is normal, excessive oil burning can lead to serious engine problems if left unchecked. In this post, I’ll break down the symptoms and causes of oil burning, what’s involved in repairing it, and […]

It’s a sinking feeling – you take your car in for its regular smog check, only to have it fail. Now you’re left wondering what to do next. Don’t worry, you’ve got options! Let’s break down what a failed smog check means and how to get your car back on the road. Symptoms and causes […]

As a car owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than a car door that won’t close properly. It’s not only annoying but also a safety hazard. If you’re experiencing this issue, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this post, I’ll walk you through the common causes of a car door that won’t shut and what […]

Is your car defroster not working properly? You’re not alone. As a mobile mechanic, I see this issue all the time, especially during the colder months. A malfunctioning defroster is not only annoying, but it can also be a safety hazard if it impairs your visibility while driving. In this post, I’ll break down the […]

What the camshaft does. The camshaft is the conductor of your engine’s valvetrain orchestra. Its precisely shaped lobes open and close the valves in perfect sync with the pistons, letting air and fuel in and exhaust out at just the right moments. Without the camshaft, your engine would just be a chunky paperweight. How to tell […]

What the balance shaft does. If you’ve got a four-cylinder engine, chances are it has a balance shaft inside. This clever bit of engineering helps cancel out some of the vibrations that are inherent to a four-cylinder design, making for a smoother-running engine. How to tell if the balance shaft is faulty. A bad balance […]

What does the air filter in diesel engines do? Diesel engines are a bit different than gas engines, and so are their air filters. Diesel engines need a lot more air to run than gas engines, so their filters are usually bigger and beefier to handle the extra flow. How to tell if the air […]

What the air filter does. The air filter’s job is pretty simple but super important – it keeps dust, dirt and debris out of your engine as it sucks in air. Just like you wouldn’t want to breathe in a bunch of crud, your car’s engine needs clean air to run its best. How to […]

Critical Warning Lights (Red) These indicate a serious issue that requires immediate attention: Check Engine Light: This indicates a problem with the engine or emissions system. It could be caused by a loose gas cap, a faulty oxygen sensor, a catalytic converter issue, or more serious engine problems. Stop driving and have it diagnosed as […]