Longview Auto & Tire

The oil pressure light doesn’t often make an appearance on your dash, but you should know why and what to do when it does. There are various issues that can cause your vehicle’s oil light to illuminate. But first, you should always turn off your engine and stop driving until the problem is fixed. In some cases, it can cause irreparable damage to your engine if you continue driving.    As mentioned before, there are various problems that can trigger this dashboard warning light. Here are some potential reasons: Low or Ineffective Oil One of the most common reasons for an oil light to come on is if you have an oil leak. When you are overdue on oil changes, your engine will not maintain proper lubrication. Thus, leaks can develop. We invite you to Longview Auto & Tire for an inspection and oil change if we find this to be the issue.  Reduced Oil Pressure From Faulty Oil Pump If the oil pump has gone bad, it can cause a drop in oil pressure. You should ... read more

The age-old questions that most mechanics get are the ones relating to the dreadful check engine light. This yellow dashboard engine light is feared by most people because it’s difficult to tell what it means. Unless you have a scan tool and certain mechanical knowledge, you’re going to need to make a trip to a professional auto repair shop to diagnose and repair the issue.   Simply put, the check engine light is a symbol indicating that something is wrong with the engine, its computer, or any part relating to the engine's combustion process. It can come on for a number of reasons including loose gas caps, worn spark plugs, faulty sensors, failing thermostats, and more.   However, it is important to note that a flashing check engine light usually means it is a more serious problem. Your engine is most likely misfiring, which can quickly overheat the catalytic converter. In some cases, it can even cause a fire.    If your check engine light is f ... read more

When you go to your car, you may notice liquid underneath. Sometimes, it's not a reason to be alarmed. But there are many types of car leaks. Here are the different leaks that can happen and how to identify them. Common Car Fluid Leaks Coolant Leaks Back in the day, it used to be common for this kind of leak to happen. But cars have since gotten better since those days, so it's not too common anymore. If there are coolant leaks, it should be looked at as it can destroy your engine! The liquid will usually appear as hot bubbling liquid on the ground for you to identify it. Oil Leaks This is one of the more common car fluid leaks that happens. The most obvious sign is a black stain that is visibly clear. It can be a failed gasket or even worse, stripped threads that landed in the oil pan. For that reason, you'll want it checked out. Brake Fluid Leaks If your brakes are done for, you'll likely see fluids on the ground. It shows an amber tint and almost smells fishy ... read more

A serpentine belt is a long, continuous belt that sits at the heart of your engine and is responsible for operating outer gears and mechanisms. It runs the alternator, the power steering pump, the air pump, and the water pump. Without it, you wouldn't have a functional engine that works. Plus, it keeps your air conditioning compressor running at an efficient speed. But the question remains. Is a serpentine belt the same as a drive belt? The fact is that the two are often used interchangeably and are easily mistaken for each other. But they are actually separate belts. The serpentine belt is long, thin and intertwining. It curves around like a snake, hence the term "serpentine." A drive belt is similar to the serpentine belt in that it performs those same functions. It operates the power steering pump, the water pump, the air pump, and your car's air conditioning compressor. It can do all of those things except for a few minor differences. A serpentine belt actually ... read more

For the engine of a vehicle to operate correctly, it requires the proper quantity of fuel according to specific demands. The fuel injection system allows the fuel to be mixed with the right proportion of air before entering the inlet port and into the relevant chamber. One problem with fuel injectors is that they can become clogged or dirty. This may affect its ability to work and can lead to needing a replacement. Here are some signs to look out for to know if your fuel injectors have become damaged or unclean: Engine stalls or fails - If the level of fuel needed to power the vehicle can't be supplied, the normal revs per minute (RPM) won't be met and the engine will stall or die. Engine starts to vibrate - A faulty injector can prevent the relevant cylinder involved to fire correctly. This can cause your engine to vibrate while the vehicle is moving and you try to give it power. Engine misfires - A clogged or dirty engine can cause the car to misfire, leading it to halt o ... read more