Kaneohe Auto Repair

Never Overfill the Tires to 'Get Better Gas Mileage' The Internet is filled with testimonials from people who claim they upped their mileage simply by inflating their tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. What they don't tell you about is the rougher ride, premature tire wear, longer stopping distances and increased repair costs due to worn-out suspension components. The recommended tire pressure for your car is listed on a placard inside the driver's door frame and it's based on vehicle weight along with the best possible handling. Inflating your tires to the maximum pressure listed on the tire is okay if you're hauling a very heavy load. But you must reduce the tire pressure to the recommended pressure once you remove the load. Driving a normal load on over-inflated tires reduces rolling resistance and that can increase your mileage slightly. That means you have less rubber in contact with the road, which reduces traction. Ove ... read more

Although the check engine light may look scary lit up on the dashboard, there is nothing to fear. A glowing check engine light doesn't mean you have to immediately pull over to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Do not fear when the check engine light is illuminated, it usually means that the vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly.  Some common malfunctions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass air flow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic converter damage. Even if the vehicle appears to be running normally, ignoring the warning light could result in more costly repairs. The light could be alerting you to engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy and co ... read more