Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Why Is My Check Engine Light On?

It's a situation most drivers dread—without warning the check engine light on the car's dashboard suddenly turns on and you have no idea what it means or what to do. This confusion is understandable because the light may come on for many reasons. Sometimes the alert may have been triggered by a condition that is minor and easy to address, while in other cases it may be an indicator of a serious problem that needs to be looked at. It is very important to have a licensed mechanic assess the vehicle, as delaying maintenance may lead to further damage and more costly repairs. Be sure to stop by the Melloy Dodge service center in Albuquerque. Our licensed mechanics will be happy to take care of any issues related to your check engine light.

Before coming in for maintenance, it is possible to learn a little bit more about why the light came on. Some newer model vehicles display a diagnostic code on the dashboard, which can help give you some insight into the problem. You can do so by looking up the code in the driver's manual, or online. Keep in mind that the code will only point to the general source or location of the issue. Most likely, a licensed mechanic will need to fully identify and repair the problem. Here are a few of the most common causes:

•The gas cap is loose. Try tightening it and see if the light turns off.
•The mass airflow sensor or oxygen sensor needs replacement. If these parts are malfunctioning, the vehicle may have reduced fuel economy and suffer possible damage to other engine parts.
•The catalytic converter is damaged. This part is critical to the emissions system and damage will hinder performance and fuel economy.

It’s okay to err on the side of caution when the check engine light comes on. However, never ignore this alert. A timely checkup could easily prevent much more costly repairs down the road. To get your vehicle checked or for routine maintenance, reach out to the Experts at Melloy Dodge!

Monday, February 17, 2020

How to Properly Clean the Interior of Your Vehicle

Keeping the interior of your vehicle clean and organized is more important than you may think. Your vehicle’s interior plays an essential role in its longevity. Here are five crucial steps Melloy Dodge suggests you follow when cleaning the vehicle interior to make your car feel as good as new.

Decluttering

Look for valuables and other items that are important to you, such as bags, files, and children's toys. These are common items you may have forgotten to take out of your vehicle. We suggest gathering them up and bringing them back into your home, where they are safe and secure. Grab a garbage bag to store all the trash and the items you no longer have use for.

Cleaning the Central Console

Use a clean, moistened rag and dish soap to clean the center console, dashboard, and the steering wheel. Wipes for your vehicle’s interior are also available at many automotive stores. For the areas that are hard to reach, you can use cotton wool, or cotton buds to take out debris. You can also use an old toothbrush with soft bristles to clean around the buttons and hard to reach places on the dashboard.

The Windows

Spray window cleaner on a clean towel and spread it on the windows in a circular motion. Clean the windscreen, rear window, the front mirror, and the side windows.

Upholstery and Seats

Take out all floor mats and scrub them with a soft brush in soapy water. Use clean water to rinse and leave them in the sun to dry. Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery nozzle to clean the seats, roof, and the bottom of the car’s interior. Remember to move the seats back and forth to reach the areas beneath. We also suggest using a mild stain remover on any stains but make sure it is safe for the specific upholstery you are cleaning.

Completing

Open all the doors and windows to air your vehicle out. Return the floor mats and adjust the seats to the right positions. Adjust any other areas to their right position.

As you can see, there are many tips and tricks to cleaning your car at home. At Melloy Dodge, we always suggest keeping your vehicle in tip-top shape! For further questions or to schedule your vehicle for maintenance, reach out to us!

Friday, February 7, 2020

There’s No Magic Machine Diagnosing Your Vehicle's Problems


Vehicle issues can be quite a pain. When you bring your vehicle to the mechanic to be serviced, do you really know what’s going on behind the scenes? In a world that’s constantly changing due to technological advances, it’s common to think that machines are the primary source of resolution for your vehicular issues, but that’s not necessarily true. At Melloy Dodge, it’s our goal to educate our customers.

Although there are diagnostic tools that can be used to run error codes, etc, these devices are not a magic machine. Ultimately, the people are the ones tending to your vehicle from start to finish. When you initially drop off your vehicle for service, the service writer will document the symptoms on a diagnostic form or in the system. The technician then begins with basic checks and dives in deeper to determine and confirm the issue. Once that is settled, the technician then starts a step by step diagnostic procedure to diagnose the problem and determine a solution as efficiently as possible. This information is then provided to the service writer to assemble an estimate for the costs of the work. From there, the mechanics proceed with the vehicle’s care to repair any issues. While machines are used throughout this process, it is the skilled individuals who keep everything running smoothly. Without them, there would be no resolution.

As you can see, the service experts are crucial to a smoothly running vehicle. The expertise it takes to determine and solve a vehicle’s issues can not be compensated for by technology. The Service Team at Melloy Dodge takes every step to ensure your vehicle is in the best shape possible. Reach out to us for your next service appointment!