5 Automotive Warning Lights You Need to Know

Posted on November 12, 2018 by autorepair

There are many types of warning lights that will notify you when a mechanical issue is underway within your vehicle, including problems with tire pressure, the engine, the brakes, and more. The exact types of warning lamps you have in your ride depends on the actual make and model. Older model vehicles may only have one or two types of warning lights, while newer models are typically manufactured to have most, if not all, of the most common warning lights.

The top 5 most common automotive warning lights are for anti-lock brakes, engine, oil pressure, tire pressure, and battery. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about them all.

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Screen display of car status warning light on dashboard panel symbols which show the fault indicators

Top 5 Automotive Warning Lights

💡 ABS Lights – ABS stands for anti-lock brakes. This means when a driver needs to suddenly brake, the ABS system will prevent the wheels from locking and losing traction on the road. It allows a vehicle to retain tractive contact with the road in order to come to a sudden stop. The ABS system is an important one for all vehicles because it significantly reduces the chances of wrecking a car or causing an accident. It is also great for winter weather and precipitation.

💡 Check Engine Light – Most drivers are familiar with the check engine light, also known as the malfunctioning indicator lamp (MIL). When this light illuminates, it could be for a variety of reasons, ranging from minor to serious. For example, a lit check engine light can signify something small like a loose gas cap, or it can signify something much more serious like a needed catalytic converter replacement. If this light comes on, have your vehicle inspected by a licensed car mechanic as soon as possible. It is strongly recommended to not drive a car when the engine light is on.

💡 Oil Pressure Light – This light comes on when a vehicle’s oil levels are low. A car needs motor oil to keep the engine lubricated and prevent overheating. Without proper oil levels, a car or truck can experience significant and irreversible damage to its engine. This is a very costly repair that can easily be avoided with regular factory scheduled maintenance.

💡 Battery Lights – There are several reasons why a vehicle’s battery light may illuminate. It could signify a problem with the alternator drive belt, the slack starter, or complete alternator failure. These are serious and should be addressed immediately before driving the vehicle again.

💡 Tire Pressure Lights – When this light comes on, a driver can assume that their tires need more air. Low tire pressure can reduce gas mileage, but more seriously, can cause tire blowouts, hydroplaning, and car wrecks. Always be sure your tires are in good condition and full of the appropriate amount of air. Never over-fill tires with air because it can cause them to pop or blowout as well.

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Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto Service at 317-475-1846 when your automotive lights come on. We are ASE licensed and certified Indianapolis automotive shop that provides a wide range of foreign and domestic auto repair services, as well as, free estimates, automotive service coupons, and more. We offer quality service at the most affordable prices in town. Request a free estimate, today and see for yourself!

Car Tire FAQS

Posted on May 3, 2017 by autorepair

Car Maintenance 317-475-1846

Our tires are one of the most important components on our vehicles. Without proper tire maintenance, you can risk damaging several other areas of your car or truck, as well as, reduce its overall performance value. Three aspects are most important when it comes to the tires on your car or truck: matching the proper tire-type to your particular vehicle, purchasing high-quality tires, and regular tire maintenance. If you meet these three standards for tires, then you are in good shape! If not, you need to get started learning about tire maintenance and care.

Until then, review some frequently asked questions regarding topics like tire pressure, tire load, and more.

What is a Tire Tread Rating?How Do I Do the Tire Tread Penny Trick?

This is a trick to test tire tread depth. Almost all states have a mandatory minimum for tire tread depth. In Indiana, this tire tread depth minimum is 2/32 of an inch for passenger car tires. This is measured from the top of the tire tread indicator, down to the top of the tread. You can use a penny to test this because the lettering over Abe Lincoln’s head on a penny measures out to exactly 2/32 of an inch tall! Fascinating isn’t it? If you can see the letters, your tread is too low!

Does Front and Back Tire Tread Have to Match?

Tire manufacturers design the particular tread pattern on tires. The science behind tread patterns is that it is supposed to enhance traction, channel mud, water, and snow away, and more. These tread patterns, can however, create a condition known as “tread steer” which causes the grooves to catch areas of the road that are irregular. This is not an issue if both the front and rear tires have different tread patterns. It is only a problem is tires on the same axel have different tread patterns.

How Do I Calculate Tire Load?

Tire loads are measured in ratings, and expressed in alpha-numeric or alpha characters. There are two parts to a tire load rating, a front and back, both defining how much weight your tires can safely manage when properly mounted and inflated. Tire load ratings will vary depending on the vehicle you drive. To calculate your tire load rating, you need to have your vehicle weighed, and then you will need to compensate for weight distribution. For many vehicles, this is 70-30, front to rear.

Indianapolis Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for affordable auto repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide domestic and foreign car repair for all make and model vehicles. On top of competitive prices, we also offer car repair coupons and discounts! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis auto service, today.

How to Clean Your Car with Rain

Posted on March 8, 2017 by autorepair

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It may surprise you to learn that your vehicle will perform better and last longer if you do your part to keep it clean. Just like your home, a clean car is a happy car! Neglecting to wash your car will add up year after year, and form a thick layer of sediment and contaminants on the surface of your vehicle. Overtime, this can turn into rust, and eventually, cause corrosion. And this type of damage greatly reduces your vehicle’s value, making it harder to sell down the road.

Keeping your vehicle’s surface clean is clearly important, but it is easy to come up with excuses to not have the time to actually get it done. Fortunately, there is a simpler, and more natural way to wash your car, without visiting the local automatic car wash, and without spending hours outside scrubbing and rinsing it clean. Continue reading to learn a simple and efficient method for washing your car using rain!

What You’ll Need

☔ Large Soft Sponge
☔ Car Washing Soap
☔ Bucket

Getting Started

Rain is naturally soft, meaning it is free of hard minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. Soft water is great for our hair, skin, dishes, laundry, and plumbing, and for the same reasons, it’s great for our vehicles too! And coupled with the force of a powerful rain storm, it can easily clean the outer layer of sediment, bugs, and pollen on your car. Here’s how to get started:

💦 Check the weather to see when you can expect a rain storm. Even a light sprinkle can bring some shine back to your car!

💦 When the storm is approaching, change into something you don’t mind getting wet, and possible soapy.

💦 Next, apply your car washing product (or mild liquid dish soap) directly to your vehicle. Do this around the entire vehicle.

Note: If you really want a natural approach, use a biodegradable, phosphate-free car soap, or, make your own recipe by combining clean water with a phosphate-free dish liquid, such as Dawn® Pure Essentials Ultra, Free & Gentle dish soap.

💦 Then, fill your bucket with clean water. Then dip your large sponge in the water, ensuring it is completely soaked through.

💦 Begin wiping down all outer areas of your vehicle (including the wheels and tires) with your wet sponge to spread the soap out evenly.

💦 Then just wait for the rain to rinse all the suds away!

💦 Check your vehicle in the morning to be sure the rain was powerful enough to thoroughly rinse the soap away. If there is leftover residue, simply rinse with a hose or bucket of water.

Indianapolis Auto Service

Northeast Auto Service 317-475-1846

Call Northeast Auto at 317-475-1846 for professional car repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are ASE certified mechanics with decades of experience in the automotive industry. That is why we provide comprehensive automotive service and repair for all make and model vehicles. We also offer free estimates, free advice, and auto repair coupons! Call 317-475-1846 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis auto service, today.