DIAGNOSTICS & ENGINE DRIVABILITY
Check Engine Light
There's nothing more distracting than that little orange light giving you a constant, glowing reminder that you need to "check your engine." But what does that mean?
It means that your engine's primary computer has detected a problem that needs to be addressed. There are more than 1,400 issues that can trigger the light, and as tempting as it may be to pretend it's not there, doing so can be detrimental. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that one failed component will cause the failure of another.
Oftentimes, a "Check Engine" light is accompanied by other signs, including:
- An engine that cranks but doesn't start (although this can also be a symptom of a starting system problem)
- A car that hesitates or stalls
- A dip in the car's gas mileage
- The engine idles erratically
That light can indicate a minor issue like a worn oxygen sensor or a major issue like a cylinder misfire. You often can't tell because your vehicle's computer systems excel at compensating to mask the symptoms.
When your light turns on, don't hesitate to bring your car, truck or SUV into CARS. Our expert technicians will give your car a complete diagnostic test and evaluation to locate and repair the source of that annoying light before it turns into a glaring problem.
Heating and Air Conditioning
When you live in Chicagoland, you know the importance of a well-functioning heating and air conditioning (A/C) system. From brutally hot summers to blistery cold winters, Chicago's weather extremes mean drivers depend on their cars to keep a comfortable, controlled climate, whether that means staying warm and toasty or icy chilled.
The symptoms of heating and A/C problems are pretty easy to detect and include:
- The air conditioning won't blow any cold air.
- The air that is blowing is weak.
- There is a strange odor in the system when you turn it on.
- The car stalls or idles roughly when the A/C is on.
- The heat won't blow or there's no hot air.
- The windows fog up and won't clear up.
- The top and side vents or the defroster aren't working.
Our team will check your car for loose belts and other signs of heating and A/C problems. If necessary, we'll perform a dye injection leak test to identify any leaks your A/C system may have and evacuate and recharge as needed.
CARS will help you forget those extreme temps outside - at least while you're in your car!
Electrical Problems
You've probably heard of your car's alternator, but you might not realize that it's among the components that keep your windshield wipers wiping, your radio playing and your power side mirrors and windows moving.
In fact, your car's electrical system controls a number of your car's components, many of which are crucial to the safety of you and your passengers. They include:
- Airbag or SRS system
- All dashboard warning or indicator lights
- Battery
- Climate controls
- Headlights, taillights, interior lights, dashboard lights
- Power steering (in some newer vehicles)
- Radio/car stereo
- Traction control system
- Turn signals
If your alternator's drive belt is loose or worn, it can cause a drain on your battery. And a failing alternator can affect your lights, also putting a strain on your battery, which supplies power to the starting system. Tell-tale signs of a poor alternator are a dead battery and dashboard warning lights. If you're having these systems or other electrical gremlins, call CARS today.
We'll check for worn belts, battery drain, intermittent connections and failed electrical components, and we'll put the spark back into your car's electrical system.
Engine Repair
Your engine is the muscle of your car. It does the heavy lifting to get you where you need to go. Without it, your car is stuck at a standstill.
There are multiple symptoms that point to an engine that's in need of repair or that's overheated and risking a potential meltdown:
- "Check Engine" or "Service Engine Soon" light is on (see our "Check Engine Light" listing)
- The car hesitates or stalls
- The gas mileage drops
- The engine idles erratically
- The temperature gauge is in the red zone
- The temperature gauge never leaves the cold zone
- The hoses are leaking or cracking
- The coolant/antifreeze is leaking
- There is steam emanating from under the hood
- There are knocking noises from the engine
- There are fluid leaks puddling beneath the car
Our technicians will put the energy back in your engine by running comprehensive diagnostic tests, evaluating the ignition and fuel systems, fuel pressure and cooling system.
Emissions Repair
Bringing your car in for its emissions test is one of life's little inconveniences, like getting your driver's license renewed or going to the dentist. And fearing your car won't pass just makes it worse. The best way to ensure your car passes the first time is keeping it properly maintained according to your car's factory-recommended maintenance schedule.
If you do fail the test, don't worry - CARS is here to help! We'll conduct a comprehensive inspection to determine which part failed and replace it before running it through an extensive test to ensure it's ready to be tested again.
But we won't stop there. After your emissions repair, CARS will take your car to the emissions test lane for you, saving you time and a second trip. And this time, your car is guaranteed to pass!
Exhaust Systems
It's pretty easy to tell when your exhaust system is out of whack - just listen and smell.
If you're hearing loud rattling noises instead of your favorite tunes or smelling gas instead of that vanilla air freshener hanging from your rearview mirror, you've got a problem.
The main function of your exhaust system is to control and reduce the noise of the engine and direct exhaust fumes, pollutants and dangerous gases away from your passengers and out of your car. Those gases aren't just unpleasant; they can be downright dangerous, carrying harmful substances such as carbon monoxide into your car. And if your noisy muffler is piercing your ears, just imagine what it's doing to those around you! We'll help calm your senses by soothing your exhaust system. Our treatments include:
- Diagnosing leaks and loud exhausts
- Identifying rattles from underneath the car
- Replacing the exhaust manifold
- Replacing the muffler
- Replacing the tailpipe
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Four-wheel drive systems - also called 4X4 and all-wheel drive - provide road-hugging traction and better control on many surfaces, making them ideal for off-roading and towing. Unlike other cars, where only the front or rear wheels are powered, four-wheel drive means all four wheels are powered and turn simultaneously.
But that rugged performance requires additional parts that take a beating. Common problems of four-wheel drive systems include fluid leaks, the four-wheel drive not shifting into gear or not working altogether.
Whether you just need maintenance or have a 4x4 problem, we can flush and fill your system with fresh, clean fluid to ensure its peak performance or diagnose and repair the failure to get you back on - or off - the road.
Transmission Repair
Your transmission is like a mini brain, an intricate system of gears that transmits power from your engine to your wheels and helps determine the rate of speed you travel. Your automatic transmission chooses which gears to engage based on the driving conditions and signals from the engine, and this big task means big trouble when it comes to transmission problems.
Problems often arise when regular service is ignored, particularly in automatic transmissions. Ongoing wear, fluids that haven't been changed and extreme heat generated by constant gear friction can all lead to major transmission problems that mean costly repairs. Warning signs include:
- Your transmission warning light is on
- Your transmission fluid is leaking
- The clutch in your manual transmission is slipping
- An automatic transmission that won't go into gear
- A manual transmission that won't go into gear
- An automatic transmission with a delayed shift
Preventive maintenance is the key to maintaining a healthy transmission. Let CARS take care of yours before problems arise. We'll check and, if necessary, flush your transmission fluid and run comprehensive diagnostics to detect potential issues.
Safety Systems
There are few things you can control out there on the road. Erratic drivers, inclement weather and animals darting in front of your car can all lead to situations where you and your passengers are put in harm's way.
Out of all the parts and systems in your car, perhaps none concerns you more than your car's safety systems. You rely on them to keep your precious cargo as safe as possible and to protect you in the event of an accident.
Sure, you can't control what's on the road, but with the help of our trained technicians, you can ensure your car is as safe as possible when you get on it. We'll provide thorough inspections and quality repairs to your car's many safety components, including:
- Front airbags
- Curtain/head airbags
- Side airbags
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS)
- Anti-skid control
- Traction control
One tip: If you notice your ABS or airbag warning light is on, bring your car in immediately. Those safety systems may have been disabled due to a malfunction, and therefore, won't function during an accident. Let CARS provide the needed repairs, and we'll even throw in some peace of mind...no charge!
Starting & Charging
You're running late and dashing out the door...only to get in your car to hear the continuous whine of a car that won't start.
Your alternator, starter, ignition and battery are all vital components, affecting your car's performance and, ultimately, its safety. If your car's engine is cranking but not starting, not cranking at all or requiring jump starts, its time to bring it into CARS. (Ask about our free towing!)
Having your starting and charging system tested on a regular basis is a good idea because it often fails in stages. If your alternator fails, your battery will take over for a short period of time, leaving you unaware that there's a problem. And your starter relies on your battery to get your car going, so it's important to that all are in good working order.
If you're having an issue, not to worry. Our experts will pinpoint the exact problem, recommend only the necessary repairs and get you back on the road in no time!
