When Your Air Bag Light Comes On (Illuminated Air Bag Light)
January 2, 2022
There are some dashboard lights you should pay more attention to than others. One is the air bag light. If it's on and your vehicle is in an accident, your air bags probably won't do their job. Automakers began installing air bags in the late 1990's since they were mandatory in the United State... More
For 4x4s (Maintenance of 4x4 Vehicles)
January 1, 2022
Some people love 4x4 vehicles, the true 4-wheel drive works of engineering like Jeeps and 4x4 pickups that allow you to seemingly go anywhere on the planet. You can climb up a 40-degree rock trail with some planning and skill (always careful to protect the environment, of course), or you can get ... More
Straight Ahead (Wheel Alignment)
December 26, 2021
If every road was straight and smooth, we wouldn't have to worry much about wheel alignment. But they're not, so we do. Hitting potholes or driving on rough pavement can knock your vehicle out of alignment and you'll notice it in one of several ways. Your steering wheel may not be centered when ... More
Beginning to See the Light (Check Engine Light Diagnostics)
December 19, 2021
It's a light many drivers fear they'll see turn on at the most inopportune time. It's the one on the dash that says "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or it may be simply an engine-shaped light. Your first instinct may be to pull off to the side of the road and turn off the engine. The truth... More
Budget for Maintenance in Chicago
December 12, 2021
Sometimes busy Chicago residents dream about going back to the simpler days of our grandparents. But if you could travel back in time and take a road trip around Illinois in a Model T, you might change your mind. The improved designs and quality of today's automobiles have significantly reduced t... More
Tire Maintenance in Chicago
December 5, 2021
With the recent focus in the Chicago area on improving fuel economy, we've been told how important it is to maintain our tire pressure.Chicago drivers know that tires wear out, but we want to make them last as long as possible because they're not cheap to replace. In addition to saving gas, prop... More
Have a Ball! Know your Ball Joints (Ball Joints)
November 28, 2021
We all have joints in our own skeletal system, but did you know your vehicle has some joints of its own? One of the most important is called a ball joint. One of the interesting things is that it's somewhat similar to the ball and socket joints we have in our hips and shoulders. A ball joint all... More
The Turn Signal Mystery (Turn Signal Problems)
November 21, 2021
Some problems are easy to diagnose on a vehicle; others aren't. Figuring out what's wrong with a malfunctioning turn signal sometimes fits into both categories. By the way, if your tempted to just leave your broken blinker broken, remember you can get a ticket for not using them, not to mention... More
Not a Good Vibe (Driveshaft Failure)
November 14, 2021
When you feel your vehicle vibrating as you're driving down the road, one cause could be something you may not have ever seen: your driveshaft. It is underneath the vehicle and most drivers don't climb under there to take a look very often. The driveshaft is a cylindrical part that helps conduc... More
Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) Fuel Saving Tip for Chicago: Check Engine Light
November 7, 2021
Here's a question for Chicago, Illinois : How long have you been enjoying the romantic glow of your Check Engine light? Hey, it's not there to create ambiance; it's a warning that something's wrong. (And, by the way, Homer Simpson's fix of covering it with tape is not a good idea.) Many conditio... More