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Several states now require regular (annual or biannual) emission tests. These tests have different names; the most common are inspection/maintenance (I/M), SMOG, or OBD-II emission testing. The tests may involve visual inspection of certain emission-control systems, measuring tailpipe emissions at specified engine speeds or as the vehicle runs on a dynamometer, or verifying the proper operation of the emission system on 1996 and newer vehicles with a scan tool. A poorly maintained emission system can cause the vehicle to fail these tests, diminish gas mileage and more. Call Moxie Auto Care & […]

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The electrical system in your vehicle is like the nervous system in your body…sensors generate impulses that are distributed, then processed, and those processed impulses are sent to some other area to display information, actuate another sensor or mechanical device, or provide power for device operation. Electrical starting systems In the early days of the automobile, the only electrical system was to allow the engine to operate. Later, lighting was added, and the more expensive cars received electrical starting systems. Today, electrical systems are extremely complex and interface with every other […]

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If our climate control system is working properly, we never give it a second thought. For some, it’s just “set and forget”. For others, if the air blowing from the vents is the right temperature, it’s all good! But keeping the cabin at the desired temperature requires a complex system of electronic, mechanical, and gaseous systems working at peak efficiency to keep us comfortable, and each system has specific maintenance needs for proper operation. Inside Air Temperature Electronically, your system may use a variety of sensors and switches to keep the […]

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Your “Check Engine Light” is simply a warning light that has received information from a sensor connected to your vehicle’s ECM, or “engine control module”. It can be an indicator of needed maintenance, or it could also be warning you of a major component failure. Each sensor connected to the ECM will register a code within the ECM that tells technicians the nature of the item needing service or replacement. While reading these codes is a fairly simple operation, it requires very expensive equipment, and many years of experience to understand […]

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We have our vehicles so we can jump in and go somewhere…but once we get close, it’s important to stop there! Your brakes are located on each wheel, and they use friction to slow the rotational energy of the wheels so you can slow down and stop where desired. They are complex systems using hydraulic fluid, mechanical parts, computer controls, friction material, and electrical sensors. Some systems on hybrid vehicles also use generators on each wheel to put power back into the battery pack when slowing the vehicle to a stop. […]

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Your vehicle may have a single engine drive belt (called a serpentine), or it may use several belts if it’s an older car or truck. These drive belts roll over pulleys which turn and generate rotational energy into each accessory attached to your engine. They typically drive the alternator, the water pump, air conditioning, power steering, and even the power brakes on some larger vehicles. Examine your belts at every service opportunity If you have a serpentine belt, the loss of this belt means the car will either overheat or lose electrical power quickly, and […]

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our battery stores and distributes electrical power to the various needed locations throughout your vehicle. It is filled with a reactive chemical and lead plates, making it a very heavy item. Most are located under the hood with the engine, but automakers today are changing locations to get this heavy item as low in the vehicle as possible. As such, some are located in the trunk, under the rear seat, or even below the trunk floor. The battery powers your computers, lighting, instrumentation, transmission shifting, engine sensors, even power steering on newer vehicles. […]

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To track properly down the road, your wheels and tires must be pointing in the same direction. This is called alignment. To be able to turn, and move properly over bumps and dips in the road, the wheels and tires work with the suspension, and have certain angles and measurements “built in” by the manufacturer for best handling and overall driving comfort. If your wheels are not set to these precise measurements, excessive tire wear and poor handling will result. 4-wheel alignment Most cars today require 4-wheel alignment, which can best […]

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