We love our engines
Quick Answer Typical Cost Range: DIY: $200-$400 | Professional: $600-$1,200 Replacement Interval: 60,000-100,000 miles (check your model year) Critical Warning: Interference engine – belt failure = bent valves Opening: The $3,000 Lesson Rain was sheeting down on the shop bay doors that Tuesday morning when Sarah rolled in with her 2008 Mazda 3. “It’s making … Read more
It was 7:15 on a Tuesday morning in early March, the kind of cold that makes your knuckles crack just looking at a wrench. A customer had towed in his wife’s 2013 Ford Escape, convinced the engine was toast. The tow truck driver and I both knew the sound before we popped the hood—that distinctive, … Read more
Quick Answer: Most Toyota Camrys from 2002 onward (all 4-cylinder models) and 2007 onward (V6 models) use a timing chain that typically lasts the life of the engine with proper maintenance. Older models (1990-2001 4-cylinder and 1990-2006 V6) have a timing belt that must be replaced every 90,000-100,000 miles, or sooner under severe conditions. Always … Read more
Quick Answer: Replacing a timing belt is a complex but doable DIY job for intermediate mechanics. It requires precision, patience, and the right tools. Expect to spend 6-10 hours and save $500-$1,000 compared to a shop. Always replace the water pump, tensioners, and idlers at the same time. Introduction: A Mechanic’s Perspective It was a … 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
Quick Answer: A flashing check engine light means your engine is actively misfiring and dumping raw fuel into the exhaust. This can overheat and destroy the catalytic converter in minutes. Slow down immediately, avoid hard acceleration, and diagnose the issue—or shut the engine off and tow it. The Night a Flashing Light Saved a … Read more