Posted on 6/20/2017
Welcome back to the AutoAid Blog as we continue our discussion of common (and commonly confusing) dashboard warning lights. Ever see a light you didn’t recognize on your dashboard? Is one lit now? Not sure if your vehicle is safe to drive? If your check engine light is illuminated and you’re not sure why, check out Part One of this article for the lowdown on the CEL, or just swing by AutoAid in Van Nuys and let us check it out. If you have some other dashboard warning light illuminated, read on and get illuminated yourself! Battery Warning Light The battery warning light usually appears when you start the car, and then vanishes. If it stays on, or appears while driving, it could be an issue with your battery or with your alternator, or with the drive belt that powers the alternator. In any case, a battery warning light shouldn’t be ignored, especially at night when headlights and other components cause a higher strain on the battery. If your battery is more than 2 y ... read more
Posted on 6/18/2017
Look real closely and notice the Mommy Duck crossing the street in front of Weilers Deli on Sherman Way in West Hills. Oddly enough this is the second duck crossing seen on a major road by my wife in 3 days. The first was on the 101 N bound at Westlake blvd where a truck driver blocked three lanes to prevent vehicles from disrupting what would otherwise seem as a casual duck crossing out in nature but just so happened to be on a major California freeway. A real hero. Thank goodness to the good brakes on my wifes' car, her good nature and the good nature of hundreds of homebound motorists on the Ventura Freeway, who couldn't really see what was the cause of the delay, the Duck family was escorted to safety. So why did the ducks cross the road? Because they were LUCKY DUCKS
Posted on 6/6/2017
If you drive a car, you know about dashboard warning lights. Of these, the Check Engine light is one of the most infamous, and here at AutoAid we get daily calls from perplexed drivers with this mysterious light. “Check engine light” is also ranked among the most popular internet search terms for anything car care related. Modern cars, however, have a variety of warning lights you may catch a glimpse of when you start your car. These are lights for tire pressure, cooling system warnings, engine oil warnings, and more. So, if one of these lights illuminates, what should you do? Keep driving? Panic? Call a tow truck? Should you stop driving where you are, or is it okay to to “limp home?” Could you keep driving for a few more days, or weeks? Let’s tackle some of the most common warning lights below. Check Engine – Flashing vs. Solid We have all seen the dreaded Check Engine Light. This warning light can be an indicator of many different problems, whic ... read more