Bradley’s Auto Service in Red Bank, NJ, can perform fast, reliable auto diagnostics on your vehicle. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Is your check engine light on? Is your car making an unusual sound it’s never made before? Are you feeling every little dip in the road more than you have before? If your car is behaving in a way that seems odd, it is a good idea to bring it in for auto diagnostics, and the team at Bradley’s Auto is experienced at finding and correcting all kinds of common and uncommon problems. Even if something seems like an engine problem, the issue could be something else entirely. We will perform a comprehensive search to pinpoint the problem and perform any repairs or replacements as necessary.
Auto Diagnostics & Repair Services
Once the team at Bradley’s Auto Service has diagnosed the issue with your vehicle, we’ll know the next steps you need to take to fix the problem. Here are some of the auto repair services we offer for all makes and models, including classic cars, trucks, fleets, and diesel:
- Exhaust Repair – We are also fully licensed by the Motor Vehicle Commission to repair emissions failure. At Bradley’s Auto Service, we also build completely custom exhaust systems for our clients.
- Car AC Repair – Our team can diagnose your air conditioning issues and perform the proper car AC repair to get your system back in full working order.
- Car Heating Repair – Our team can diagnose your heating issues and perform the proper car heating repair to get your system back in full working order.
- Wheel Alignment – Correct wheel alignment is critical for safely controlling your vehicle and also extends the life of your brakes and tires.
- Radiator Replacements – If your car is overheating, it may mean that your radiator is in need of a fix.
- Emissions Repair – Our team of experienced mechanics is legally certified to handle emissions inspections and repairs.
- Suspension Repair – Bradley’s Auto Service offers professional suspension repair and maintenance services.
- Engine Repair – If your “check engine” light comes on, or if you are experiencing issues such as unusual noises or low gas mileage, you could have engine problems, and our team should investigate ASAP.
- Auto Electrical/Electronics Repair and Service – Modern vehicles function through many different electrical and electronic systems that keep things running, and our technicians are familiar with how to repair or prevent issues from developing.
- Transmission Repair – Regardless of whether you drive an automatic or manual, we can repair any type of transmission or related issue. We also perform transmission fluid flush service.
- State Car Inspection – It’s necessary to get your car inspected in New Jersey, and we’re licensed to do it for you!
- Steering Column Repair & Service – Issues with your steering column and power steering system should never be ignored, so have our team evaluate it and see if there are any issues that need to be dealt with.
- Module Programming (ECM Flashing) – Modern vehicles are heavily tied into computer systems, and we are one of the few shops able to work on these types of issues.
- Axle Repair – Axles support your car’s weight and turn the wheels. Axle maintenance and repair services are necessary for a safe and healthy vehicle, and our expert mechanics can make sure things are properly aligned and functioning as they should be.
- Car Battery Testing & Replacement – If your battery isn’t working as it should, we can investigate the issue. Sometimes, you’ll need a replacement, but sometimes, the issue could be a parasitic draw.
Why is the Check Engine Light On?
When you notice your check engine light has come on, it can cause a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. It could be something minor, like a faulty gas cap, which will not cause any major issues. However, it could also be a serious problem, such as a misfiring engine. The check engine light is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong. The problem is that the check engine light doesn’t actually let you know what the problem is, which means most vehicle owners will need to visit an auto shop for auto diagnostics in order to pinpoint where the issue is coming from.
If you see the check engine light come on, don’t ignore it. It is important to address problems indicated by the light promptly, as ignoring them could lead to larger, costlier problems later.
Common Reasons the Check Engine Light Will Come On
While there are many different reasons that your check engine light could turn on, there are several frequent problems that might be the culprit, such as:
Gas Cap is Loose, Missing, or Damaged
This is a pretty easy thing to look for if your check engine light has turned on. Your car will run fine with a gas cap problem, but it can allow gasoline to leak from your gas tank. Depending on the specific gas cap issue, these leaks can be relatively small or rather large. There are also other issues that can be found in your gas tank recirculation system, so even if you don’t see a problem with the gas cap, there might be another underlying issue. Ignoring these problems will cause increased gas evaporation which means you’ll need to fill up more regularly. It is in your financial interest to fix these issues as soon as they appear.
Failing Oxygen Sensors
The oxygen sensor in your car measures the unburned oxygen in the exhaust system. The area that houses the oxygen sensor can get to 800 degrees or more, which puts a lot of stress on the system. They commonly need to be worked on or replaced. Sometimes, the engine code identifies a problem, but it does not necessarily mean the oxygen sensors need to be replaced. If you ignore problems with your oxygen sensor, your engine will burn more fuel than necessary, and you will lose fuel economy. A faulty oxygen sensor also has the potential to damage your vehicle’s spark plugs or catalytic converter.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Your vehicle’s catalytic converter is a crucial component of the exhaust system that turns carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. It is a very simple but important part of any vehicle and one that you should keep an eye on, as failures can easily be avoided. A new catalytic converter can run you several hundred dollars, so it’s best to keep your current one in good condition rather than have to replace it. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and emissions repair, is also the best time to make sure your catalytic converter is in working order.
Ignition Misfires
In general, this is going to be an obvious problem even without the help of the check engine light. Your vehicle’s ignition system includes the spark plugs, coil packs, and everything else needed to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine. If you are experiencing frequent misfires when attempting to start your vehicle, there is almost certainly an issue with one of these parts that needs to be addressed.
In addition to those listed above, additional reasons your check engine light might turn on include the need to:
- Replace the evaporative emissions purge control valve.
- Replace the mass airflow sensor.
- Replace evaporative emissions purge solenoid.
- Replace fuel injector(s.)
- Replace thermostat.
Bradley’s Auto Provides Comprehensive Auto Diagnostics in Red Bank, NJ
If you notice any issues with your vehicle, don’t wait for it to get worse. Call or contact Bradley’s Auto Service in Red Bank, New Jersey, today to schedule an auto diagnostics check. Our ASE-certified mechanics have built a reputation for providing honest, professional auto services. We have experience with all makes and models. To learn more about our services, please refer to our comprehensive guide to auto repairs.
