It was 7:30 AM on a Tuesday that felt like Monday—rain coming down in sheets, coffee gone cold in my mug, and Mrs. Henderson’s 2012 Honda Accord on the lift doing its best paint-shaker impression. The poor woman’s hands were still tingling from her 20-minute drive to the shop. “It started last week,” she said, … Read more
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
Quick Answer Engine knocking noise is a metallic pinging or rattling sound caused by abnormal combustion (detonation) or worn mechanical parts. Common fixes: use higher-octane fuel, clean carbon buildup, replace spark plugs, or repair bottom-end bearings. DIY cost: $20–$400. Shop cost: $200–$3,500. Tuesday, 7:15 a.m., 38 °F in the shop—my coffee hadn’t even cooled when … Read more
If you’ve ever felt your car shudder, lose power unexpectedly, or idle like it’s about to stall, you may be dealing with a classic—and potentially serious—automotive issue: an engine misfire. As an ASE-certified master technician with over 15 years of hands-on experience diagnosing everything from weekend project cars to daily commuters, I’ve seen misfires cause … Read more