Tactical Response Academy

Service Engine Light - Typically this light will come on when you start your car, and then turn off again as part of the self-check. If it stays on for 10 seconds then turns off, it normally means you're within 500 miles of needing a service. If it flashes for 10 seconds, it normally means you've exceeded a recommended service interval. So what is it telling you when it illuminates? It's simply an indicator that you're getting close to a scheduled maintenance interval. On some cars it's as simple as counting miles before it comes on, while on others it measures engine temperatures, oil temperatures, air temperatures and other indicators of probable stress to tell you when it might be time for new oil or a service. Your vehicle car manual will tell you if this is the case.

Electrical Fault Light - This light is a bit different in all cars but basically it will look similar to a picture of a car battery. This light will come on each time you start your vehicle, as part of the vehicles designed self-test procedures. The light should turn off after a few moments but if it does not and it stays illuminated, it means your vehicles electrical system is not working properly. The most likely reason is that the vehicles alternator is no longer “charging” the battery due to it being faulty or the drive belt has broken. The light is telling you that the longer you continue driving the vehicle, the less time the vehicle will actually work. The cure to this issue is sadly, usually means to have to install a new alternator or a refurbished one.

Brake Warning Light - Many cars now days have a brake warning light on the dash instrument consol. The purpose is to let you know that there is something wrong in the braking system of your vehicle. This light does not have just one meaning, it may mean that the parking brake is still engaged or that the brake fluid is low. Each company that makes cars has a different use and standard for this light. Your vehicle car manual will give you specific information on your vehicle.

ABS Warning Light - In cars that are equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), there will also be a light on the dashboard cluster. This light will come on each time you start your vehicle and it should turn off after a couple of seconds. If it stays on, flashes, blinks or in any other way draws your attention, pay attention because the ABS computer has diagnosed that there is something wrong with your vehicle. It could be something simple like dust on the sensors or perhaps, something very expensive like replacement of the entire ABS unit. Unfortunately, a blinking ABS light maybe indicating a more serious issue than a steady ABS light and in some situations, it may mean you have no brakes at all.

Coolant Warning Light - If this light comes on and stays on, it means that the coolant level in the reservoir is low and there is a need to add more coolant. It is very important that you turn your vehicle off and let the engine cool before you attempt to open the radiator cap. Remember the radiator is pressurized and if you open when hot, you could be injured by the spraying. Once the engine is cool, add to the coolant to the vehicle. Do not use tap water as it contains mineral deposits that will boil out and the calcium will build up in the radiator and will eventually make it fail.

Oil Warning Light - Most often this light will come on when your oil pressure is low. This could be a serious problem for you if you continue to operate your vehicle with this light on. The reasons for this light coming on could be a failed oil pump, a blocked/bad oil filter, leak in the system or just low oil in the reservoir. Either way, get your vehicle into the service center asap because low oil pressure is a bad thing and could be a very costly item to ignore.

(In economic times like these, everyone needs to make the most of their investments, and your personal vehicle is one of the largest investments you'll ever make.


Danny Lawrence, the assistant chief engine builder and trackside engine department manager for Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines and the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet, has more than a little experience working with car engines, both in the shop and at home. He notes that by taking extra steps to help keep your car's engine performing at its best, you can help extend the life of your vehicle.



"Because of my role in building engines at work, it's embarrassing if something is wrong with one of my cars at home," says Lawrence. "I probably have way more cars than I should, but I regularly maintain all of them. The key is the engine. I have a Chevy S-10 truck, a four cylinder vehicle with 223,000 miles on it, and it's still running strong because I take the time to maintain the engine." 


Lawrence points out that many drivers at home lose track of regular maintenance activities, and he recommends keeping a log on your computer, phone, or with notes in your car. 


"Transmission maintenance, a lot of people will forget. Most people won't maintain the belts and fuses on their engines properly," he says. "Antifreeze, oil changes, changing the air filter - these are all things that make a huge difference. Keeping track of what you are doing for your engine helps you keep on top of maintaining your vehicle." 


By following the instructions in the user's guide provided by car manufacturers, says Lawrence, drivers can make sure they are doing everything they need to keep their vehicles in top shape. 


Using the right motor oil is another key to maintaining an engine. 


"Oil is like the lifeblood of the engine," says Lawrence. "It's not only used for lubrication. It cools engine parts, dampens valve springs, cools pistons -- it serves many purposes. Have you ever put a glove on when you're hitting a baseball to take the shock away? Oil does that to valve springs." 


He adds that although many people don't draw the connection, using a high-quality fuel can pay big dividends for a vehicle's engine. 


In particular, using a gasoline that contains a cleaning system to help remove gunk build-up on critical engine parts can make a big difference. This type of gasoline has an active cleaning molecule engineered to seek and destroy performance-robbing carbon deposits - more commonly known as "gunk" - that can be left by lower-quality gasoline's. Having gunk build up on critical engine parts, specifically intake valves and fuel injectors, can cause the inefficient mixing of air and fuel necessary for proper combustion. This can rob your engine of performance. 


Making sure that you are properly maintaining your engine can help your car last longer, says Lawrence. "Nowadays all cars are made well - how long your vehicle lasts comes down to how you maintain and take care of it."

While driving in snow and ice may be an unavoidable part of life for many people, taking a few simple precautions can help drivers stay in control when the weather isn't. According to the experts, following these easy car care tips could save you time and money while helping keep you safe: 

When the roads are covered, make sure you are as well with the proper tires for your vehicle. Winter tires are specifically designed to increase traction in wintry conditions. Install them on all four wheels and avoid mixing tires with different tread patterns and wear.

Make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth. Even if you live in an area with infrequent snow falls, you need to check the tread depth of your tires. Winter usually means more freezing rain, and proper tread depth is critical for providing the necessary traction in the slush. Ask your tire dealer to check the tread depth on all your tires and follow his advice. Tires that are getting worn down should be replaced before winter arrives.

A recent survey found that most drivers have tires that are under inflated. A drop in outside temperature will mean a drop in the air pressure (PSI - pounds per square inch) in your tires. For every 5°C of temperature drop, tire pressure goes down by approximately one pound. Under inflation affects handling and can also cause your tires to wear faster. Check your air pressure monthly and maintain pressure at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended level, found in your owner's manual or inside the doorjamb. 

Check your vehicle's battery, fluid levels, defrosters and wipers to ensure that everything is in working order. Cold weather is especially hard on batteries. Have your battery checked to be sure all connections are clean and tight. Always keep the gas tank at least half-full to prepare for unexpected delays. 

Use a block heater in winter when the temperature drops to -20°C. A block heater keeps your engine oil and coolant warm, which makes the vehicle easier to start and can increase winter fuel economy by as much as 10 percent. (Use a timer to switch on the block heater one or two hours before you plan to drive). 

Visibility is crucial when driving in inclement conditions. Scrape ice and snow from every window and from exterior rear view mirrors. Also, brush snow off the hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, lights and fender walls of your vehicle. 

In case of emergency, stock your vehicle with a first-aid kit, flashlight -make sure your batteries are fully charged, blankets, jumper cables, warm clothes and gloves, food, bottled water, a bag of abrasive material (such as sand, salt or clay-based cat-litter) and a cell phone.

Your battery is the heart of your engine's electrical system and maintaining its health is crucial to keeping your vehicle running smoothly.

Here is what you can do yourself to give your battery proper care in between visits to your local service facility.

Precautions

• Your vehicle's battery creates gases that are potentially explosive. Never smoke near your battery or use a match or other open flame near it


• Keep metal objects, including watches and jewelry, away from your battery terminals - contact could create a spark and ignite the gases


• Battery acid is caustic - use safety goggles and rubber gloves, and avoid contact with your skin, eyes, nose or mouth


• Always make sure your engine is turned off before you check your battery


• Never remove or damage the vent caps


• Make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated

Maintenance and care

• Keep the top of your battery clean and dry


• Make sure that the battery connection cables are tightly fastened to the terminals


• Check for broken connections and frayed or cut cables - these need to be replaced as soon as possible


• Check for any other obvious signs of wear

Cleaning battery corrosion

1. Remove the ground connection first by removing the negative (-) terminal from the post (note: older vehicles may have a positive ground)


2. Remove the positive (+) terminal from the post


3. Scrub any corrosion off the terminals, cables and posts using a stiff brush


4. For tough buildup, use a solution of baking soda and water, taking special care that none gets inside the battery


5. Reconnect the terminals in the reverse order from which you removed them, positive (+) first, then negative (-)


6. Double-check to make sure the connections are tight and secure