Why is my check engine light on? Here are 5 common triggers

Few things are more frustrating than getting in your car, turning the key, and being met with either a sluggish engine start or complete silence. Hard-start and no-start issues can happen unexpectedly and are often symptoms of underlying problems that need immediate attention. At Novato Auto Service, our local mechanics are experts at diagnosing and fixing problems that cause no-start. Here are four common reasons your car might struggle to start—or fail to start altogether. Weak or Dead Battery A weak or dead battery is one of the most common causes of starting trouble. If the battery doesn’t have enough charge, it won’t be able to power the starter motor or ignition system. In some cases, you might hear a clicking noise when you try to start the car. Batteries naturally lose power over time, and extreme temperatures can accelerate the process. Corroded battery terminals or loose connections can also interfere with proper electrical flow, leading to starting problems. Failing Starter Motor The starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine when you turn the key. If it fails, the engine won’t turn over. A bad starter may produce a single click or no sound at all. Over time, the internal components of the starter motor can wear out. If your battery is fully charged but your car still won’t start, the starter motor could be to blame. Ignition Switch Problems The ignition switch sends power from the battery to various components, including the starter and fuel systems. When the ignition switch fails, your vehicle may not respond when you try to fire it up. A faulty ignition switch might also cause intermittent starting issues, making it more difficult to diagnose right away. Fuel Delivery Issues Your car needs the right amount of fuel to start and run properly. Problems with the fuel pump, fuel filter, or fuel injectors can prevent fuel from properly reaching the engine, resulting in a hard-start or no-start condition. A clogged fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, while a failing fuel pump may not supply enough pressure to start the engine. Auto Repair in Novato, CA For auto repair in Novato and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your car’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

At Novato Auto Service, we’re proud members of the local small business community. It’s our mission to earn our customers’ total satisfaction by consistently providing expert auto repair, friendly service, and fair pricing. Whether you need an oil change or in-depth engine repair, our team of local mechanics will work diligently to get the job done right. And we’re appreciative when our customers offer feedback about the work that we did for them. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “They solved a “check engine” problem, which turned out to be a faulty fuel sensor somewhere deep down the guts of my Jeep Renegade. Service was personable and transparent. Scott tested the car himself before and after the service. One week after I got the car back, Scott called me to check if everything was in order, which was very nice. The problem was solved and the car is running great. Thank you Novato Auto Service.” —Alex F. “Great service as always from Scott and his son!” —Jim M. “I never write reviews honestly, but THEY DESERVE MY COMMENTS!! The best service you could ask for. Scott and the crew certainly deserve the praise. I have been going to Novato Auto Service for over a half a decade and have zero complaints.” — Andrew B. “When it comes to regular maintenance service, Novato Auto Service is honest, trustworthy and reasonably priced. And Scott is a pleasure to deal with, excellent customer service and follow through every time. And I never feel taken advantage of, since I'm a female driver with just a basic knowledge about automotive mechanical issues. Thumbs up and 5 star review for Novato Auto Service. We will continue to bring our cars here for all our service needs.” — JCM “I have been using Novato Auto for over 15 years and always got great service and the work done right each time. Will be using their service for foreseeable future.” — Harry P. “Would give more stars if I could. Reliable service, kind staff and honest.” — Katie M. Auto Repair in Novato, CA When you need auto repair in Novato, CA and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at (415) 598-1488 . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

The shocks in your vehicle play a critical role in ensuring a smooth and controlled ride by absorbing bumps and keeping the tires in contact with the road. As the miles add up, shocks wear out and lose their effectiveness, leading to a less comfortable ride and potential safety issues. At Novato Auto Service, we provide expert suspension repair in the greater Novato, CA area. Here’s a look at five signs that it’s time to replace your shocks. Bouncy or Rough Ride A common sign that your shocks are in need of replacement is a bouncy, rough, or uncomfortable ride. When shocks wear out, they can no longer absorb the impacts of road bumps effectively, leading to excessive bouncing. If you notice your car bouncing excessively after hitting a bump, it’s a strong sign that your shocks are past their prime. Longer Stopping Distances Shocks help keep your tires in contact with the road while braking. Worn shocks can cause your car to “nose-dive” or dip forward when you press the brake pedal, which increases stopping distances and can affect overall braking performance. If you’ve noticed that your car takes longer to come to a stop, it’s time to get your shocks checked. Uneven Tire Wear Shocks that are no longer functioning properly can lead to uneven tire wear. This happens because the shock absorbers fail to evenly distribute the weight of the vehicle, causing some tires to wear down faster than others. If you notice bald spots or uneven tread wear, it’s a good idea to inspect the shocks. This type of wear can shorten the lifespan of your tires and reduce overall vehicle safety. Leaking Fluid Shock absorbers are filled with fluid that helps them maintain their performance. If you notice fluid leaking from the shock absorbers, it’s a clear sign that the shocks are worn or damaged. Leaking shock fluid reduces the shock’s ability to function properly, leading to poor ride quality and handling. If you spot any fluid around the shocks, it’s time for a professional inspection. Unstable Handling or Poor Control If your car feels unstable or difficult to control, especially when turning or driving over rough terrain, it could be due to worn shocks. Shocks are essential for maintaining proper vehicle handling by keeping the tires in contact with the road. If your vehicle feels loose or harder to steer, it may be a sign that the shocks are no longer performing at their best and should be replaced. Suspension Repair in Novato, CA When you need auto repair in Novato, CA and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

A healthy transmission plays a critical role in enabling smooth operation and reliable performance. Without proper care, transmission problems can lead to costly repairs or even complete failure. To keep your transmission in excellent condition and extend its lifespan, consider these quick tips for keeping your transmission healthy. Check and Change Transmission Fluid Regularly Transmission fluid is vital for lubricating moving parts, cooling the system, and enabling smooth gear shifts. But as the miles add up, the fluid can become contaminated or lose its effectiveness, leading to increased wear and overheating. Regularly check the fluid level and condition using the dipstick, if your car has one, or follow manufacturer guidelines for inspections. Dirty or low transmission fluid should be addressed promptly, and a complete fluid change should be done in accordance with your vehicle's requirements. Avoid Overheating the Transmission Excessive heat is one of the leading causes of transmission damage. Driving in stop-and-go traffic, towing heavy loads, or driving aggressively can increase transmission temperatures, potentially causing the fluid to break down. To help prevent overheating, avoid overloading your vehicle. Use the Correct Type of Transmission Fluid Not all transmission fluids are the same, and using the wrong type can result in poor performance and internal damage. Always refer to your vehicle's owner manual or consult with the mechanic to ensure you use the recommended fluid. Be Gentle with Gear Changes Abrupt gear changes or improper shifting can put unnecessary stress on your transmission. For vehicles with manual transmissions, avoid riding the clutch or shifting gears roughly. In automatic vehicles, always come to a complete stop before switching from reverse to drive or vice versa. Driving habits that minimize strain on the transmission will help prevent wear. Schedule Regular Transmission Inspections Even if your transmission seems to be working fine, regular professional inspections are crucial to catching small problems before they escalate. The mechanic can check for leaks, worn parts, or unusual noises that might indicate a developing issue. Early detection and preventive maintenance can help save you from expensive repairs. Transmission Service in Novato, CA When you need transmission service in Novato and the surrounding area, contact Novato Auto Service at  415-598-1488  . At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!