The check engine light is one of the most dreaded warnings a driver can see on their dashboard. It can be a minor issue or a sign of a major problem that requires immediate attention. Knowing what to do when this light comes on can save you time, money, and potential vehicle damage. This guide will help you understand the reasons behind the check engine light and the necessary steps to take when it appears. Understanding the Check Engine Light The check engine light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD). When it detects a problem in the engine, transmission, or emissions system, the light will turn on to alert the driver. Modern vehicles have complex computerized systems that monitor various components, and the check engine light is designed to inform you when something isn’t functioning properly. There are two types of check engine lights: • Steady Light – This usually indicates a minor issue that should be checked as soon as possible. • Flashing Light – This signals a severe problem that requires immediate attention, such as an engine misfire, which can cause further damage if ignored. Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Comes On 1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap A loose or cracked gas cap can trigger the check engine light. The gas cap maintains pressure in the fuel system and prevents fuel vapors from escaping. If the light comes on shortly after refueling, check that the cap is tightened properly. If damaged, replacing it is an easy fix. 2. Oxygen Sensor Malfunction The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system, ensuring the right fuel-to-air ratio. A faulty sensor can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions. If left unaddressed, it can also damage the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs. 3. Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow (MAF) sensor determines how much air enters the engine, helping to adjust fuel delivery for optimal performance. A failing MAF sensor can cause rough idling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. Cleaning or replacing the sensor can resolve the issue. 4. Bad Spark Plugs or Ignition Coils Spark plugs and ignition coils are essential for the combustion process. If they become worn out or fail, the engine may misfire, leading to poor performance and increased emissions. Replacing spark plugs regularly as part of routine maintenance can prevent this issue. 5. Catalytic Converter Failure The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions by converting toxic gases into less harmful substances. A failing converter can cause poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and a sulfur-like smell from the exhaust. This issue is often caused by prolonged neglect of other problems, such as a faulty oxygen sensor. 6. Issues with the Battery or Alternator A weak or failing battery can trigger the check engine light. If the alternator isn’t properly charging the battery, the electrical systems in your vehicle may not function correctly, leading to warning lights on the dashboard. 7. Transmission Problems The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. If sensors detect an issue, the check engine light may illuminate. Transmission problems can range from minor sensor malfunctions to severe mechanical failures, requiring immediate attention. Steps to Take When the Check Engine Light Comes On 1. Check for Immediate Signs of Trouble If the check engine light turns on, observe how your vehicle is performing. If you notice rough idling, loss of power, unusual noises, or smoke from the exhaust, pull over immediately and turn off the engine. If everything seems normal, you can continue driving but should schedule an inspection soon. 2. Tighten the Gas Cap Since a loose gas cap is one of the most common triggers, check it first. Remove the cap and reattach it securely. If the light doesn’t turn off after a few driving cycles, the cap may be damaged and should be replaced. 3. Use an OBD-II Scanner An OBD-II scanner can read diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle’s computer. These codes provide insight into what might be causing the problem. Many auto parts stores offer free code scanning services, or you can purchase a scanner to use at home. 4. Research the Diagnostic Code Once you retrieve the code, look up its meaning in your vehicle’s manual or online. Some codes indicate minor issues, while others may require professional attention. Understanding the problem will help you determine the best course of action. • Change Oil and Filters Regularly – Fresh oil and clean filters keep the engine running smoothly. • Inspect and Replace Spark Plugs – Worn-out spark plugs can cause misfires and poor performance. • Check the Battery and Charging System – Ensure your battery and alternator are in good working order. • Monitor Fluid Levels – Low coolant, transmission, and brake fluids can cause warning lights to appear. • Replace Sensors as Needed – Malfunctioning sensors can lead to false warnings and performance issues. • Keep an Eye on the Exhaust System – Leaks or damage to the exhaust system can impact fuel efficiency and emissions. Final Thoughts The check engine light doesn’t always mean disaster, but it should never be ignored. Whether it’s a simple fix like tightening the gas cap or a more complex issue requiring professional diagnosis, addressing the problem promptly can save you money and keep your vehicle in top condition. By staying proactive with regular maintenance and responding to warning signs early, you can ensure your car remains reliable and safe for the road ahead.

Gas prices seem to be constantly changing, and every driver in Aliso Viejo wants to get the most out of every gallon. Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or heading out on a weekend road trip, improving your fuel efficiency can save you money and help your vehicle perform better. Small changes in driving habits and regular maintenance can make a big difference. Here’s how you can boost your fuel efficiency and get more miles out of every tank.  Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Your tires play a bigger role in fuel efficiency than you might think. Underinflated tires create more resistance on the road, causing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure at least once a month and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level. Properly inflated tires not only improve gas mileage but also extend the life of your tires and enhance vehicle safety. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance Routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to ensure your car is running efficiently. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, and neglected oil changes can cause your engine to work harder, reducing fuel efficiency. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance, such as replacing air filters and using the right motor oil, helps your engine run smoothly and optimally. Avoid Excessive Idling Leaving your car running while parked or waiting in long drive-thru lines can waste fuel. If you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turn off your engine. Many modern vehicles come with stop-start technology that automatically shuts off the engine when idling to conserve fuel. If your car doesn’t have this feature, making a habit of shutting off the engine in long waits can make a noticeable difference in your fuel consumption. Drive Smoothly and Avoid Aggressive Acceleration Quick acceleration and hard braking burn more fuel than maintaining a steady speed. Gradually accelerating and coasting to stops whenever possible helps improve gas mileage. Cruise control can also help maintain a consistent speed on highways, reducing unnecessary fuel use. Lighten Your Load and Reduce Drag Carrying unnecessary weight in your trunk or backseat forces your engine to work harder. Removing heavy items that aren’t needed for daily driving can help improve fuel efficiency. Roof racks and cargo carriers also create wind resistance, reducing gas mileage. If you’re not using them, consider removing them when they’re not needed. Use the Right Fuel for Your Vehicle It might be tempting to use premium fuel for better performance, but unless your car specifically requires it, you’re just spending extra money without any added benefit. Check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the recommended fuel type for your vehicle. Plan Efficient Routes and Combine Trips Short trips with multiple cold starts can use more fuel than longer, combined trips. If you have several errands to run, try to plan them efficiently to avoid backtracking. Using GPS apps with real-time traffic updates can also help you find the most fuel-efficient routes and avoid stop-and-go traffic. Schedule a Fuel Efficiency Check Regular inspections can help identify issues that may be lowering your fuel efficiency. A misfiring spark plug, a faulty oxygen sensor, or even low tire pressure can all contribute to poor gas mileage. If you’ve noticed a drop in fuel efficiency, it might be time for a professional checkup. Get the Most Out of Every Gallon Improving fuel efficiency isn’t just about saving money at the pump—it’s also about keeping your vehicle in top condition and reducing environmental impact. Simple changes in driving habits and regular maintenance can go a long way in maximizing your fuel economy. If you’re looking to improve your car’s fuel efficiency, schedule an appointment with Super Service of Aliso Viejo. Call us at (949) 831-1525 or visit www.superserviceofalisoviejo.com to book your service today.

Aliso Foreign Car’s Kent DeBord is happy to announce we are now Super Service of Aliso Viejo, owned by Bob Cornwall and Andrew Bray. If you have not yet stopped by the shop to meet Bob and Andrew, we invite you to do so. “We very much look forward to meeting everyone and sharing the super service we are known for,” says Bob Cornwall. Bob and Andrew also own Placentia Super Service in North Orange County. To give you some background on the new owners, let’s take a look at ten things they have accomplished at their other shop location: They think of all their clients as “guests” and treat them with warm hospitality. They are a well-respected auto repair business that is regularly featured in the Placentia Buzz. They service all Domestic, Asian, and European cars. Bob is the leader of the customer service side. He considers himself a “counselor for auto repair,” and he wants to provide the best possible auto repair shop experience. Andrew (aka AJ) is the ASE-Certified Master Technician who is the leader on the mechanical side. He is the car guy who believes that having the best team, state-of-the-art equipment, and factory-level tools are vital in providing top-notch auto repair and maintenance services. Together, Bob and Andrew are 50/50 partners in the business. They offer digital inspections, which means they take plenty of pictures of the car and text reports to the car owners for repair approval. This provides a level of transparency and communication that people prefer. They offer loaner cars and shuttle service so you can get back home or off to work. They plan to have soda and popcorn available in the waiting room. Over the years, they have earned an excellent reputation for super service, as you can see from their customer reviews . When your vehicle needs preventive maintenance service or repairs, we hope you will make a point to say hello to Bob and Andrew. They plan to provide a seamless visit for each of our guests and continue the super service tradition in auto repair. Schedule an appointment and let us know if you need to reserve a loaner car. We look forward to seeing you soon!

With the holidays comes awkward weather outside of our fair city. Aliso Viejo is mild and dry, but if you head out east or north to visit loved ones for the holidays, you may encounter what Canadians categorize as ‘rough sledding’.  One of the biggest causes of roadside accidents isn’t rudeness and taking advantage of others, it’s not having awareness of what you’re doing. It’s very easy to think of your car as an extension of yourself and believe it will shelter you from harm perfectly. But that’s an arrogant way to drive and it can put you, your car, and your passengers in danger. It’s important not to treat a winter drive out of Aliso Viejo’s climate as typical. When you’re planning on taking a trip, no matter how short or how far the distance is, you should always treat the trip as a risk you are taking. Here are some tips we recommend for people hitting the roads for the holidays: Announce yourself. Everyone likes surprises like family and friends turning up unexpectedly. No one likes finding out that a friend spent 12 hours in the freezing cold when their car broke down off the interstate and they couldn’t get a signal to call. Make sure someone responsible knows that you are making the trip before you leave, and update them on the way with your estimated time of arrival. Do the math. You should work out how many miles you plan to drive and how much gas your car will consume. It’s good planning to consider what pit stops you need to make (food, gas, bathroom) and work them into your travel time. And it keeps the kids from asking “are we there yet” when they know the route, too, and know approximately what time their next stop will be. If you’re bringing pets, remember that traveling has extra stresses for them; don’t forget to plan for their breaks as you do your own. Map the route. Always know where you are going and what weather you may encounter on the way. The internet has a number of good resources for this. Don’t count on phone apps or services that may be hindered in bad weather; make a printed copy of your route. And know your pit stops well-- how to get in, and how to get back safely to the highway. Have an emergency kit. This can just be as simple as the things you’ll most need to get your car roadworthy again, like jumper cables, a tire inflator, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. If you have provisions and snacks for your trip, that can help make a long stay waiting for help to arrive into something manageable. We hope you’ll take this advice in the friendly spirit of trying to keep you and yours safe over the holidays! If you’re concerned or need advice, come schedule an appointment and speak to Bob or Andrew about it, we’re glad to offer some travel advice. We look forward to seeing you soon!

A car has necessary peripheral devices that enhance the functionality of the internal combustion engine. The devices, which include a power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump, cannot function optimally without the serpentine belt's help. The serpentine is the central engine belt that resembles a snake and is characterized by distinct ridges on one side of the belt. When the engine is turned on, the serpentine belt continues running until the car is shut off. Many experts recommend a serpentine change after 50,000 miles or after five years. Some last for 80,000 miles, but it is always recommended to always consult the car manual for the exact intervals. Heat and friction subjected to the serpentine subject it to failure, and there is a need for a replacement to guarantee a smooth and safe drive. Different warning signs can indicate a failing serpentine. It is essential to make appropriate serpentine replacements on time to prevent road mishaps like getting stranded. Watch out for these warning signs. Power Steering Failure A sudden failure in your car's power steering might indicate a failing serpentine. The belt might fail at pulling the pulley at flipped, and thus the pump fails to generate adequate pressure for the steering to work well. If the power steering fluid in the reservoir is full and no signs of leaks, the issue might be with the slipping belt Failed Air Conditioning If the air conditioning fails to produce cold air, it might indicate a failing belt. This might be a cause of the belt failing to turn the compressor at full speed. Squealing Noises When the engine is running, a failing serpentine may produce squealing noises due to misaligned pulley or belt spilling. It might start as a faint sound, which gets worse, indicating severity and need for replacement. Overheated Engine The water pump that cools the engine is activated by the serpentine. The damaged water pump fails to activate the water, and this makes the engine overhear.  For any serpentine changes and diagnosis, drive at our auto repair shop and let our ASE certified experts complete the repairs.

Welcome to the New Year! If you’re going out to play in the snow up in the mountains, or going skiing in Colorado, you might want to consider a few helpful steps before you head out on your adventures. These are our top 5 ways to prepare your car for winter activities: Give the Tires a lot of love. Get a tire inflator that works from the road and fill your tires to the correct pressure before you start out. Check your tire tread and the rotation of the tires. Consider snow tires or all-weather tires if you’re going deep into snow somewhere. Top up your fluids. This is a really obvious thing, but if you’ve not looked into the maintenance of your car in a few months, do it before you head into snow. Change your oil and antifreeze. Make sure the winter windshield wiper fluid is in your tank, to prevent it freezing. Prepare an emergency kit. You want things to help you get out of snow if you slide into a snow bank, like a small shovel and a piece of old carpet slightly wider than your car is (to lay under your tires for traction). But an updated first-aid kit and emergency provisions would not be a bad addition, either. Inspect your battery. Check the charge and look for signs of corrosion. Fix your heater. Make sure your heater is in the proper working order, because it’s terrible to be in the snow when the car isn’t warming for you.  With the exception of the emergency kit and a tire inflator, we can help you sort out most of these needs. Stay safe if you travel into cold weather conditions! If you need more cold-weather advice, come schedule an appointment and speak to Bob or Andrew about it, we’re glad to offer some travel advice. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Welcome to another February in Aliso Viejo! February is an active month with plenty of activities for everyone. In one week, we'll watch the Super Bowl, and in two weeks, we'll celebrate Valentine's Day on the weekend! Gift-giving Car owners tend to buy themselves their favorite things, so it might be hard to shop for one. But if you're determined to get your car lover a gift for Valentine's Day, here are some of our favorite gifts for car enthusiasts! Because their coffee table demands it, give them the book that they will love pouring over many times. Give them Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile . Because they might someday get stuck somewhere and need to see in the dark, we recommend they give them the GoalZero Torch 500 Multi-Purpose Light . The solar-powered battery can recharge your phone while it shines a spotlight or hazard lights. When they need to see their phone but legally must keep their hands free, the iOttie One Touch Dash 4 is an excellent system for securing a smartphone to the dash. When you just know they'd instead be washing their car then grooming themselves, this kit of car washing product is the perfect thing. When it isn't enough to have an inflator and need the kind of inflator they use in pit crews, the autowit Cordless tire inflator can give them that pit crew sensation! Super Service of Aliso Viejo has tried to come up with a few cool gift items that are obscure enough that your sweetheart won't know about them, but it's always an acceptable policy to snoop before you purchase! We hope your Valentine's Day is loving and affectionate this year. Happy Valentine's Day!

The transmission is one of the most important parts of your car, and with proper maintenance and care, it will last longer than you think! The lifespan in mileage depends on the quality of your preventative maintenance and the vehicle model. It's important to ensure all scheduled tune-ups and regular service are provided to give your transmission the longest life you can! Preventative Maintenance Equals Longer Mileage and Better Performance Your transmission can last as little as 10,000 miles without proper care and service, or up to 200,000 by ensuring your vehicle is regularly serviced and checked for damage. If you suspect your car isn't running properly, it's best to check in with your local mechanic to be certain, even after a tune-up. Proactive Maintenance Means Fewer Expenses for Your Vehicle and Transmission Considering how important the transmission is to your car's lifetime, changing transmission fluid should be done carefully, especially if mileage is high. A mechanic can safely make the change and avoid a potential failure, which would result in a full replacement immediately. The expected life of your transmission can range anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 miles if cared for properly. What Can I Do to Extend the Life of the Transmission? Regular service of the transmission, while it is important, should be done according to your vehicle's warranty and insurance guidelines. Bringing a copy of the coverage and specifications on repairs or service can be helpful too. Checking the fluid should be done often, according to the manufacturer's directions, to prevent unnecessary failures or issues that can impact your vehicle's performance. Understanding your vehicle's transmission's specifics is vital, as every model is different, with some requiring more regular service than others. Keeping the overall mileage low will successfully extend the life of your transmission and ensure it doesn't fail easily or too soon. Considering the normal lifespan range, your aim should be to keep your transmission running as long as possible, or as close to 200,000 miles as you can!  If you need transmission repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today!

Coolant, also called antifreeze, does exactly that -- it cools, and prevents freezing! Your car's cooling system needs coolant to regulate the temperature of your engine and prevent overheating. On the other end of the spectrum, it prevents your engine from freezing in the event of very cold temperatures. How is it possible? Although it may seem like magic, there's a perfectly reasonable -- and scientific -- explanation for why one colorful liquid can do two seemingly opposite jobs. The main active ingredient that is used in most coolant/antifreeze is a chemical called ethylene glycol, which is mixed with water before putting it in your car. As you may know, water has a boiling point of 100 degrees Celsius (212 Fahrenheit) and a freezing point of 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). When you combine equal parts water and ethylene glycol, the boiling point is raised to 106 degrees Celsius (220 degrees Fahrenheit) and the freezing point is lowered to -37 degrees Celsius (-35 degrees Fahrenheit). The difference can be more dramatic with a mixture that has more ethylene glycol than water. This is how coolant/antifreeze prevents both, overheating and freezing. How does it work? For coolant/antifreeze to do its job, you pour the diluted liquid into the radiator, which is located in front of the engine. The water pump pumps the liquid through channels in the engine block, where it absorbs heat from the engine. The hot liquid is then pumped back toward the radiator through thin rubber tubes, cooling along the way. Then the cooled liquid is pumped through the engine block again and the cycle repeats. It's the water pump's job to keep the coolant/antifreeze constantly circulating so that it can continue to cool the engine effectively. Does it need to be changed? The short answer: yes. There are elements of coolant/antifreeze that prevent the metal it comes into contact with from rusting and wearing away. Over some time, these elements break down and this puts your car at risk of corroding.  If you need a cooling system repair, give our auto repair shop a call today!