West Babylon Auto Repair

When your check engine light comes on your dash, you're almost guaranteed to be faced with troubles. The CE light is a way for your car to communicate that there is a serious issue at hand. Depending on the behavior of the light itself, some reasons behind check engine lights are more urgent than others. When this light comes on, you should contact an auto repair shop immediately to diagnose the problem using proper computer diagnostic equipment to pinpoint the issue. Here are some of the most common reasons why your check engine light may be on. Faulty Catalytic Converter. The catalytic converter is a piece in your vehicle's exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions by changing carbon monoxide and other hazardous gases into less harmful emissions. The cat rarely fails on its own, so it is best to have a professional check out your exhaust system. Loose Gas Cap. The gas cap is the best-case scenario when it comes to any check engine light. When your cap is loose, gas will ... read more

Most vehicle owners will agree: your tires are a pretty crucial safety feature of your car. Having sufficient tire tread is what keeps you and your passengers safe on the road. Your vehicle needs good tread to be able to handle wet weather conditions like rain and snow. It will also ensure minimal wear and tear.   So, how do you know when you need to get a fresh set of wheels for your car? A tread depth gauge is an ideal tool to use, but it is not always readily available. You'll be glad that you can simply test your tread with some loose change; a penny or quarter will do the job. Let's look at how:   The Penny Test The Penny test has always been a dependable way to check your tire tread in a hurry. Grab a penny and point President Lincoln's head down towards the ridge of the tire. Insert the penny and inspect where Lincoln's head is. If you do not see Lincoln's head, then your tires are still in good condition. If all of Lincoln's head is visibl ... read more

As a responsible driver, you need to be knowledgeable of the functions of various parts of your car to remain safe. A primary system you need to understand is the exhaust system, which comprises numerous components, including the exhaust (manifold) and muffler.    As the engine works to power your vehicle, it produces a lot of noise that needs to be dampened -- that's where the muffler comes in. Without the muffler, your engine would be roaring all the time. On the other hand, the exhaust is responsible for eliminating the harmful byproducts of the engine and controls emissions.   The Exhaust The exhaust system comprises components and piping that transports the byproducts from the combustion process. When gasoline burns, toxic fumes are produced. If these gases were to be released into the cabin, they would damage your health. Instead, the exhaust manifold collects these harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, and moves them to the catalytic converter, where th ... read more

A few weeks into owning a car and the ride still feels new, with every component functioning healthily at optimum performance. However, you'll start noticing mechanical problems a few months later, and one of those is wheel misalignment. It's critical to repair bad wheel alignment because it restores your vehicle's handling and control. Wheel alignment is a fairly straightforward procedure that takes a short while and barely disrupts your day's schedule.   How Long Does Wheel Alignment Last?   Typically, wheel alignment (whether it's a pair or full-set alignment) takes about one hour, excluding the waiting times. Damaged suspension and steering bushing, ball joint, and track rod can also cause wheel misalignment, and it takes longer to repair such issues. Still, the duration varies, depending on the owner's driving habits, road and weather conditions, and the previous state of the vehicle.   Drivers can tell and review their ... read more