Engine Performance

Engine Performance

Ignition Systems

The ignition system’s job is to ignite the air-fuel mixture in a gasoline engine. In addition to the spark plugs that spark in the combustion chambers, the ignition system consists of an ignition coil, which converts battery voltage to higher voltage, and the spark plug wires that join these components. Advancements have greatly reduced the need for ignition system service. In newer vehicles, spark-plug replacement intervals are often around 100,000 miles. Spark plug wires still require attention and occasional replacement. A properly functional ignition system makes your engine run smooth and saves gas.

Check Engine Light

Of all the car dashboard symbols, when the mysterious “check engine” light that starts blinking, it fills your soul with a sense of impending doom. Breathe. Unless your vehicle won’t turn over, begins shaking violently, or catches ablaze, there’s (probably) no reason to throw up your hands in despair. To get down to the root cause, all it takes a diagnostic check-up. In many cases, the fix for your check engine light troubles is fairly simple and affordable.

Emissions

Even though pollutants are being created, most modern vehicles have minimal exhaust odor and visibility. This is due in large part to the catalytic converter and the emissions system. However, some vehicles seem to have excessively smelly and visible exhaust fumes and pollute more than others. This can be caused by several issues including the following: Engine mechanical problems, (PCV) system issues, failing catalytic converter, coolant in exhaust, poor engine performance or something as simple as a torn or worn hose.

There are several things you can do to help reduce the emissions coming from your vehicle, and to be proactive against potential problems: Watch for warning signs – Road-weary vehicles can start to show signs of a faulty emission system, including difficulty starting or staying running at idle, loss of power, smelly or visible exhaust, and engine misfires. Many of these warning signs will result in the check engine light coming on.

Defects in the evaporative emission control system (EVAP) – If a vehicle’s EVAP system is not functioning properly, gasoline vapors will seep out of the vehicle’s tank, polluting the atmosphere. Leaking hoses and vents are often the cause of a malfunctioning EVAP system. This can be a tough issue to track down and isolate. Our team of ASE Mechanics is ready to assist you.

EGR

Integral to the vehicle’s engine management system, exhaust gas recirculation valve, or EGR valve, recirculates finely metered quantities of exhaust gas to the engine intake system for increased engine efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and lower NOx emissions. With growing pressures to reduce emissions, the EGR valve plays an increasingly important role. It’s important to know why it fails and how to replace it when it does.

Coils & Spark Plugs

Both the ignition coil and spark plug are parts of your car’s ignition, and each has a distinct function. It pays to know the differences between an ignition coil and spark plugs. That way, you will be better equipped to identify ignition issues before they evolve into larger, more costly problems.

Here are signs that your car’s ignition coil or spark plug may be malfunctioning:

1. Your engine misfires.
2. You notice a decline in your car’s power, particularly when you accelerate.
3. Your car’s fuel economy diminishes over time.
4. It becomes increasingly difficult to start your car’s engine.
5. Your car’s check engine light illuminates.
6. Your car’s exhaust frequently backfires.
7. You notice an increase in your vehicle’s emissions.
8. There is a smell of gas emanating from your exhaust.

If any of these issues crop up, bring your car to our professional auto clinic. This allows you to get your vehicle inspected by a mechanic who can diagnose and correct any bad ignition symptoms.

Computer Controlled Components

Modern vehicles have many ECUs, and these can include some or all the following: engine control module (ECM), powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module (TCM), brake control module (BCM or EBCM), central control module (CCM), central timing module (CTM), general electronic module (GEM), body control module (BCM), and suspension control module (SCM). These ECUs together are sometimes referred to collectively as the car’s computer though technically they are all separate computers, not a single one. It is imperative to properly diagnose the proper ECU when a problem occurs to avoid cost and damage to other components. We have the know how and the tools to determine the source of your computer-controlled component problems.

Timing

Timing is everything, especially when it comes to how well your car is running. When the engine timing isn’t right on car, it can affect how it runs, drives, the gas mileage, and more. There are many components and parts to a car engine, many of them are rapidly moving to keep the car running. Each of these parts are important to the engine timing, such as the camshaft, crankshaft, engine timing belt, engine valves, pistons, pulleys, and rod being the main ones that keep your vehicle running as it should. An old school mechanic that has worked on older vehicles can adjust engine timing without timing light simply by listening to it. For newer cars, mechanics are required to have computer technical training and will use a computer to check the car’s engine timing.

Fuel Systems

The fuel system is made up of the fuel tank, pump, filter, and injectors or carburetor, and is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine as needed. Each component must perform flawlessly to achieve expected vehicle performance and reliability. Over time, an engine’s performance can slowly diminish because of buildup, which clogs vital parts of the fuel system and causes reduced fuel efficiency and power. We offer a variety of services to not only repair a failed component but also maintain your fuel system operating like new and saving you money at the pump.

Filters

There are four primary kinds of car filters that are used in almost every vehicle:

1. Air filter
2. Cabin filter
3. Oil filter
4. Fuel filter

Knowing how these filters work and when you should change them is an essential part of driving and maintaining your vehicle. Dirty filters can lead to serious mechanical problems over time that are easily preventable. They should be inspected and replaced in accordance with the manufacture’s maintenance schedule.

Air Induction & Cleaning

Heavy deposits are common in the air intake because to help control emissions, noxious exhaust gases and crankcase vapors are captured and fed back into the air intake system. Gummy substances contained in these vapors combine with dirt and form deposits. These deposits will substantially reduce airflow, disrupting the critical air/fuel ratio that is essential to engine operation and fuel efficiency. The result is: Rough idle, Poor performance and Increased exhaust emissions.

As an integral part of the Fuel/Air Induction Service, professional-grade Air Intake System Cleaner is used and provides a complete “on engine” cleaning of the air throttle body assembly and plenum area of the engine. This process reduces harmful exhaust emissions, restores engine performance and restores fuel efficiency.