AUTONET TV

How Cool is That! (Coolant level sensor replacement)

Your vehicle’s engine runs hot.  It should, since it’s a series of little explosions that create the power that gets you going where you want to go.  To keep the engine cool, engineers have designed wonderful cooling systems that use liquid coolant, hoses, and a radiator to transfer the heat from the engine to the outside air. 

In order for the system to work right, it has to have the right amount of that liquid coolant in it.  So that you know when the coolant has dipped below the correct amount, there is a sensor that keeps an eye on it.  When the coolant gets low, that sensor lights up a signal on the dash to alert you.  It may literally say “Check Coolant” or it may have a picture that looks like an old-style bulb thermometer sitting in liquid.  Your owner’s manual will usually tell you exactly what the one in your vehicle looks like.

If that sensor system isn’t working right, you could wind up driving for a long time with not enough coolant in the engine, and the excess heat can cause some extensive—and expensive—damage. 

There are a couple of ways you will know if something’s wrong with your coolant level sensor.  One is when you top off the coolant tank, and the low coolant light stays on.  If you suspect yours might be having a problem, bring it in so we can thoroughly check your coolant system.

If it is a sensor, we can run a test to see where the problem is in your cooling system.  It could be a bad sensor, but it also could be that there is something causing your coolant level to be low.  If the sensor needs replacing, the technician will replace it, fill your coolant level to the manufacturer’s recommended level, and test for any leaks in the system.  Really, how cool is that?

Hans Imports
7275 Post Rd
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 295-7785
www.hansimports.net

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Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter: What’s the Difference?

You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle.  But did you know your vehicle has two different major air filters and they both perform quite different—but very important—duties?

Today’s vehicles have a cabin air filter, and an engine air filter.  The engine air filter cleans the air that enters your engine so it can run better, and so contaminants don’t foul vital parts.  While the cabin air filter keeps the air inside the vehicle’s cabin clean, the place where you and your passengers sit.  

It is important that you have each of these types of filters changed at regular intervals, or earlier if either shows signs that they’re contaminated. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual often will recommend how long that interval should be.

First, let’s look at the engine air filter. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will offer guidelines on how often you should change the engine air filter as a matter of routine, by mileage or time interval.  

If you see signs of engine air contamination, such as misfiring, an illuminated check engine light, smoke coming out of your tailpipe, or loss of power, you may need to have the engine air filter replaced sooner.  

Next, the cabin air filter.  Again, the vehicle manufacturer will suggest how often you should replace it. But if you notice excess dust in the cabin, on the dash, console or seats, a bad smell in the cabin, or lower air flow out the heating and cooling ducts, you should have us check to see if your cabin air filter needs replacing. In either case, we’ll make sure we replace your air filters - either engine or cabin - with ones that are right for your vehicle.  

Hans Imports
7275 Post Rd
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 295-7785
www.hansimports.net

Mileage Headed Downhill? (What Causes Bad Fuel Economy?)

Name someone you know who enjoys spending a lot of money on gasoline.  Yeah, me neither. That’s because it costs quite a bit to keep fueling your vehicle.  

One way to save money on gas is to get good fuel economy, and most of today’s vehicles are designed to maximize your mileage.  But you might find you’re filling up more frequently than you used to and are wondering what can cause your fuel economy to tumble.  Here are a few possible reasons your mileage has been headed downhill.

A logical spot to start is in your fuel system.  You may have a faulty fuel injector or an old fuel filter clogged with debris.  Another problem might be oxygen sensors, which measure the air coming into your engine and the emissions going out. An illuminated Check Engine light may be a sign of trouble there. Plus, worn-out spark plugs can reduce your fuel economy. 

Under- inflated, or over-inflated, tires can also be a cause. Make sure they’re all at the same pressure.  When’s the last time you changed your engine air filter? One that’s clogged and dirty can rob you of better fuel economy. Another bandit is a dirty, leaky, or clogged exhaust system, so have it checked out by a pro.

Finally, how you drive can also mean wasted gasoline. Jackrabbit starts and speeding use more fuel than smoother acceleration.  And if you often sit there with your engine idling while you’re waiting somewhere, you’re throwing fuel away.  Just turn the ignition off.

Try out some of these fuel-conserving habits and they’ll pay off for you in the long-run.

Hans Imports
7275 Post Rd
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 295-7785
www.hansimports.net

No Fueling Around (Fuel Filter Replacement)

A driver called in to the shop the other day saying his European sports sedan had an odd problem.  He was driving when his car started to slow down.  Applying more throttle didn't help.  He pulled over to the side of the road, shut the engine off and waited a few minutes before starting it up again.  It ran fine… for a couple of minutes.  Then the same thing happened.  He was able to finally get home by stopping and restarting, and he was calling to see if we could take a look at it. 

Turned out it was one of his car's fuel filters that choked up with debris so badly that enough fuel couldn't get through it.  When he stopped the car, enough fuel could flow through the unpressurized fuel line to supply enough fuel for a couple of minutes when he restarted his car. But then the pressure would cause things to clog again.  

There are other symptoms that point to a failing fuel filter. Perhaps your engine misfires, your vehicle is hard to start, or your fuel pump starts making odd noises. 
If you experience any of these signs, bring your vehicle in so we can have a technician check it out. 

Many vehicles have at least two fuel filters. One is a strainer that is part of the fuel pump in the fuel tank, and the other is in the main fuel line. Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends how often yours should be changed, but your driving habits and environment (such as dirty or dusty conditions) may mean yours will have to be replaced more often.  

The technician will also look to see if your vehicle might have another problem that's causing your fuel filter to fail more frequently than normal, such as corrosion in the fuel tank. 

Your engine needs fuel to run. Maintain the health of your fuel system and that will help keep you on the road to your destination.

Hans Imports
7275 Post Rd
North Kingstown, RI 02852
(401) 295-7785
www.hansimports.net