Quick Answer: Blue smoke exhaust is a classic sign your engine is burning oil. The culprit is usually worn valve seals or piston rings, but it could also be caused by a faulty PCV system, turbocharger issues (on turbocharged engines), or using the wrong oil viscosity. Ignoring it will lead to increased oil consumption, poor … Read more
It was a Tuesday morning in February, about 15 degrees outside, when a panicked customer rolled into the bay with his 2011 Chevy Silverado 5.3L. The oil pressure gauge was sitting dead at zero, and he’d driven three miles that way before noticing. I pulled the dipstick—bone dry. The engine was ticking like a time … Read more
Quick Answer: A “hard starting engine” typically means the engine cranks but takes longer than usual to fire up. This is usually caused by a loss of fuel pressure overnight, failing ignition components, or sensor data errors (like a bad Coolant Temperature Sensor). The Tuesday Morning Troublemaker It was 7:15 AM on a biting cold Tuesday … Read more
Quick Answer: If your car stalls at idle—especially at red lights or when stopped—the most common culprits are a failing idle air control valve (IACV), vacuum leaks, a dirty throttle body, or a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor (MAF). Diagnosis starts with checking for error codes and inspecting hoses and sensors. Many fixes are DIY-friendly and … Read more
Quick Answer: Oxygen sensor failure usually shows up as poor fuel economy, rough idle, or a check engine light. Most O2 sensors last 80,000–120,000 miles. Replacement is typically a moderate DIY job costing $80–$250, versus $250–$600 at a shop. That Cold Morning When the Check Engine Light Wouldn’t Quit It was a gray Tuesday morning, … Read more
If your car shudders, bucks, or threatens to stall the moment you turn the key—especially on a chilly morning—you’re dealing with a rough idle at startup. It’s one of the most common yet frustrating issues drivers face. Left unaddressed, it can lead to poor fuel economy, failed emissions tests, or even engine damage over time. … Read more
Opening: The Day the Engine Started Stuttering It was a sweltering July afternoon in the shop, the kind of heat that makes even the most seasoned mechanics slow down and grab an extra Gatorade. I was elbow-deep in a Toyota Camry’s timing cover when my service writer, Jake, walked in with that look—the one that … Read more
By a Certified ASE Master Technician with 15+ Years Shop Experience It was a Tuesday morning, and the temperature had just dropped to 28°F overnight—the kind of cold that makes cars angry. A woman in a 2015 Honda Accord pulled into my bay with that unmistakable look of panic. “The check engine light came on … Read more
How to Read and Clear Check Engine Light Codes: A Master Technician’s Complete Guide Last Updated: December 2025 | Written by ASE-Certified Master Technician It was a Tuesday morning in late October, the kind where the first frost coats the windshields and customers flood the shop with cold-weather complaints. A woman pulled up in a … Read more