by Mark S. Taylor | Oct 3, 2026 | Engine Problems
A rough idle can feel like the engine is shaking, stumbling, surging, or fighting to stay running. Sometimes the cause is minor. Sometimes it points to a misfire or another problem that should not be ignored. The tricky part is that rough idle is a symptom, not a...
by Mark S. Taylor | Oct 2, 2026 | Engine Problems
A rhythmic ticking or clicking sound coming from your engine bay can be as harmless as a modern fuel system doing its job, or as serious as impending internal engine failure. Before assuming the worst—or ignoring a sound that could ruin an engine—you need to know what...
by Mark S. Taylor | Oct 1, 2026 | Engine Problems
An engine ticking at idle often stems from normal direct-injection fuel components, low oil pressure, collapsed hydraulic lifters, or an exhaust manifold leak. If the sound resembles a fast sewing machine on a direct-injected engine, it is usually normal. Heavy...
by Mark S. Taylor | Sep 30, 2026 | Engine Problems
Is your engine overheating? If the temperature gauge climbs into the hot zone, a temperature warning light comes on, or steam comes from under the hood, pull over and shut the engine off as soon as it is safe. Do not keep driving to “see if it clears up.” More heat...
by Mark S. Taylor | Sep 29, 2026 | Starting Problems
A car that only starts with a jump almost always has one of four problems: a battery that can no longer hold a charge, an alternator that isn’t recharging the battery while you drive, a loose or corroded connection, or something draining the battery while the...
