The Importance of Heeding Your Check Engine Light Warning

Learn how to save money on auto repairs in Richmond, CA without sacrificing quality. Follow these tips for preventative maintenance, addressing small issues early, and working with a trusted repair shop like Letcher Bros.

Improve your car’s performance with auto diagnostic services in Crockett, CA. Contact Letcher Bros at (510) 724-2335 to keep your vehicle running smoothly!

You probably don't consider yourself close personal friends with your car's check engine light (CEL). Most drivers only know that their check engine light means that a (potentially expensive) repair might be waiting just over the horizon. While false alarms, such as loose fuel caps, can sometimes cause your CEL to illuminate, this light mostly indicates a genuine issue with your car. Your CEL will turn on when the computer raises one or more diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). There are many different DTCs, but a few crop up more commonly than others. Lean fuel codes are some of the more common ones. Unfortunately, these codes can have some serious consequences for your vehicle. What Does a Lean Code Mean? Nobody's perfect, and the same goes for the engine in your car. An ideal engine using ideal fuel would maintain a precise ratio of air to gas. However, your engine can't maintain this in real-world conditions. Doing so also wouldn't always be beneficial since different gasoline mixtures will have slightly different ideal air-to-fuel ratios. Instead, your car uses a system of relatively sophisticated feedback loops to adjust the amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber. Your car's oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content in the exhaust stream and use this data to adjust the fuel mixture. For example, if there's too much oxygen in the exhaust stream, the computer will add more fuel to compensate. These adjustments are known as fuel trims and are a normal part of your car's operation. However, your car's computer can also recognize when these adjustments are outside the norm. If there's substantially too much oxygen in your exhaust stream, your car is said to be running lean. Once the computer can no longer add more fuel to compensate, it will trigger a lean code, illuminating your CEL. What Causes Lean Codes? The check engine light is a surprisingly misunderstood tool. Drivers commonly believe the codes stored in their car's computer can tell them the underlying cause of a problem, but it's more accurate to think of these codes as symptoms. In other words, you can think of your lean code as equivalent to your car complaining about a headache. Just as a headache can have many potential underlying causes, a lean code may also arise from a dizzying array of possible issues. Unsurprisingly, anything that allows excess air into your engine can trigger a lean code. On the other hand, a lean code may also be due to a lack of fuel. Clogged injectors, weak fuel pumps, or even a dirty fuel filter can cause your car to raise a lean DTC. In some cases, the root issue may even be a faulty sensor. Remember that your car relies on its sensors to adjust fuel trim, so a sensor reporting bad data can unnecessarily cause your car's computer to adjust the fuel mixture. Faulty sensors can often be tricky to diagnose because they may trigger many unrelated DTCs. What Should You Do About a Lean Code? A genuine lean condition can produce many drivability symptoms, including poor fuel economy, rough idling, or noticeable power loss. The problems may sometimes go away at higher RPMs if the condition is due to excess air. On the other hand, a problem with the fuel system may result in a fluctuating idle or even cause your call to stall. Because the symptoms of a lean condition can be relatively severe, you shouldn't ignore them for long. Additionally, running your car too lean can result in more serious damage. The excess fuel your computer adds can damage your catalytic converters, and your engine may also run too hot. If your car has a weak cooling system, this extra heat may result in serious damage. The best way to deal with a lean code is for a skilled automotive shop to investigate and diagnose the problem as soon as possible. Letcher Bros. Auto Repair has experience in a wide range of foreign and domestic vehicles, and we can help you get to the bottom of your car's lean condition. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!

Have you seen a wet patch underneath your car every time you park it? Before you make conclusions, it's essential to determine if you require expert help to fix the car problem. Whether it's your first car or you have several of them, identifying the leak might be difficult. For this reason, you should learn how to diagnose leaks and make an informed decision. This piece will help you understand the common types of car fluid leaks. Oil Seepage Oil leakage is a common problem you may face as you use a vehicle. The leakage forms a yellow or dark-brown patch under the car after parking it for some time. There are numerous reasons why a car may have an oil leak issue. Maybe you have a damaged oil filter, faulty oil seal, or damaged engine gasket. Issues like a defective or lost cap, holes in the oil pan, and valve gasket problems may also cause seepage. Fixing this seepage issue is affordable, so consider asking the mechanic for assistance. You may prevent this issue by prioritizing car service and oil changes. Ensure the oil you buy is from a good brand. 2. Brake Fluid Leakage Compared to an oil outflow, brake fluid leaks are somewhat challenging to diagnose. You will see a light-brown fluid close to the wheels or brake pads. If you notice this leak, do not hesitate to call your auto mechanic shop for emergency assistance. Brake fluids may leak if your vehicle has wobbly bleeder valves or worn brake pads, or when brake calipers, the rubber hose, or the master or wheel cylinders leak. Because this leak problem is severe, you should stop driving immediately after seeing the fluid signs on the wheels. 3. Power Steering Leakage Never ignore a power steering leak problem, as it indicates that your auto needs repair immediately. You will see this brown or red color leak towards the front part of the automobile. Its drip is thin and may occur after the seals and o-rings lose form because of old age. Older autos or those with significant mileage are more prone to this steering leak problem. You'll know there's a leak if turning the wheel when riding becomes challenging. This usually means the levels of the fluid are low and can't be pressurized. Sometimes the vehicle can also make a sound after turning the wheel. 4. Water Leak Another common fluid that might leak is water. Water leakages are odorless and clear and may appear under the car. The primary cause is the car's AC system. A mechanic should confirm that the clear leak is just water. If it is just water, no further action is necessary. 5. Antifreeze Leakage This is one of the unique leaks you may see under the vehicle. You will see a sticky substance that's pink, yellow, green, and a whole host of other colors. While this leak issue may not be an emergency, you should remedy it soon. The leaks occur when the radiator has a hole, or the sealing gasket is damaged. A blown head gasket or corroded radiator tubes may also cause this issue. So do not ignore the leakage, as it can cause severe complications like engine overheating or failure. You should take auto leaks seriously if you want your vehicle to function optimally without compromising your safety. Once you see wet patches under the car or on the wheels, do not hesitate to inform your mechanic and book an appointment. At Letcher Bros. Auto Repair, we can help diagnose and fix your auto leakage issues, so call us for professional help.

If you're in the market for a new car, you might wonder which type of transmission is the best choice for you. Explore the differences between automatic and manual transmissions, as well as the pros and cons of each. Ultimately, the choice between automatic and manual transmission comes down to personal preference, but this blog post can provide you with some helpful information to make an informed decision. Automatic Transmission An automatic transmission shifts the gears based on the engine's speed and torque rather than driver input. It uses a complex combination of gears, clutches, and a fluid pressure system to shift the gears. A torque converter connects and disconnects the engine from the driveshaft in automatic transmissions. The torque converter is a fluid coupling that makes it easy for the engine and driveshaft to work together. Since an automatic transmission handles most of the gear shift changes, you can use your hands and feet for other things while driving. With an automatic transmission, you only need to use one foot to operate the gas pedal and the brake pedal. You do not have to balance the clutch and pedal every time you brake. Thus, you do not have to use as much effort as you do in a manual transmission. An automatic transmission has less wear and tear on your engine. Shifting gears stresses the engine components when you drive a car with a manual transmission. Over time, this stress can cause parts like the clutch or gearbox to fail prematurely. The engine does not have to work as hard with an automatic transmission because the gears change based on your acceleration. Even though automatic transmissions have these pros, they also have a few cons. Automatic transmissions can use more gas than manual transmissions due to gear ratios. The gear ratios of automatic transmissions are often more extensive than those of manual transmissions. Larger gear ratios can make the engine of your car work harder, which can make it use more gas. Automatic transmissions can cost more to fix than manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions are usually more complicated than manual ones. They have more parts that can break or wear out over time, which increases the maintenance and repair costs. Manual Transmission A manual transmission uses a clutch and gear system to change gears while driving manually. The driver uses the clutch to disengage the engine from the transmission, which enables them to change the gears. When the driver shifts into a new gear, the clutch engages the new gear, which permits the engine to power the car forward. The driver uses the clutch to smoothly transition between gears, allowing for a comfortable and efficient driving experience. Manual transmissions are more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions since they have fewer moving parts and weigh less. Also, the driver has better control over the shift of gears. Thus, the lower weight and better control enable the engine to experience less resistance and better gas mileage. Manual transmissions require fewer parts than automatic transmissions, and those parts are generally less expensive. Fewer parts also mean that they only require some maintenance. Thus, they cost less to fix and replace than automatic transmissions. A manual transmission gives the driver more control over the speed and direction of the vehicle. This control can help when driving in bad weather or on roads with many turns. However, manual transmissions can be more complicated to use than automatic transmissions, especially for people who are unfamiliar with them. The driver must use both hands to change gears, which can be hard. Whichever option you choose, ensure that a qualified automobile service handles the maintenance, repair, or replacement of your vehicle's transmission. Contact us at Letcher Bros. Auto Repair for automobile repair and maintenance services.

Your vehicle is probably one of the significant assets you should take proper care of. One of the ways to maintain your vehicle and extend its lifespan is through regular engine oil changes. An engine oil change is a convenient process that any auto repair service expert can quickly do for you. If you don't know why you should regularly change your vehicle's engine oil, worry not because this blog will enlighten you about the benefits. Here is why you should make it a habit to replace your old vehicle's engine oil with new oil. To Ensure the Engine Doesn't Overheat Old oil reduces the engine's lubrication and causes more friction between its components as they move. Because of the friction, the components overheat the entire engine with time. The best way to cool your vehicle's engine after you notice the overheating problem is to replace its old oil with fresh oil. New oil will lubricate and minimize the friction between parts inside your car's engine and prevent overheating. To Improve the Engine's Performance The efficiency or performance of your vehicle's engine largely depends on the cleanliness of the available oil. Dirt and debris in old oil will accumulate and clog up your vehicle's engine and decrease its ability to run smoothly. New oil doesn't contain such residues, so it won't clog up your vehicle's engine. The fact that fresh oil will lubricate your vehicle's engine will also make it run without problems. To Protect the Environment When oil stays in your vehicle's engine for a long time, it turns into sludge. The sludge gets burned and released into the environment as harmful hydrocarbons through the vehicle's exhaust. New engine oil doesn't turn into hydrocarbons, so it will help you prevent environmental pollution. Also, new oil in your vehicle's engine will help you quickly pass an emission test. To Maintain the Engine's Cleanliness The accumulated residue picked up by oil as it moves inside the engine makes the whole engine dirty and unattractive. If you purchase a pre-owned car with a dirty engine, the first step to cleaning it should be to change the old oil. To Prevent Damage to Your Engine Old oil can damage crucial parts of your vehicle's engine, like the connecting rods and crankshaft. The friction caused by old, thick oil causes such parts to wear and tear with time, which reduces the engine's lifespan. When you change your vehicle's oil regularly, you protect the connected parts of the engine and extend its lifespan. Prevention of wear and tear to your engine's parts will also save you from future costly engine repairs or replacements. To Protect Your Car Warranty Failure to take proper care of your vehicle is one of the things that can void its warranty. A routine oil change is likely to be on the maintenance checklist from your vehicle's manufacturer. So, ensure you regularly change your vehicle's engine oil to prevent the cancellation of your car's manufacturer's warranty. To Enhance Gas Mileage Your vehicle's gas mileage will start to decline as soon as the engine starts to become inefficient. That's why fresh oil is crucial not only for the engine's efficiency but also for optimal gas mileage. With fresh oil, you won't have to worry about your engine experiencing friction-related restrictive forces or stress. Since oil filters also collect dirt and debris, you should have them replaced to prevent any negative effect on your car's mileage. A routine oil change is something you should take seriously if you don't want your vehicle to age faster. Although oil changes are simple and inexpensive, you shouldn't overlook help from an experienced auto repair expert. If your vehicle has shown signs that it needs an oil change, contact us today at Letcher Bros. Auto Repair for professional help.

A car's suspension is as important as the engine, steering, and brakes. All these components work together to ensure that your vehicle provides a comfortable ride for you and your passengers. A vehicle's suspension system consists of tires, tire air, springs, struts, shock absorbers, arms, bars, linkages, joints, and bushings. Neglecting your car suspension's health can affect your safety on the road. Most car owners are not sure when to take their vehicle in for a suspension inspection. Here are some common signs that indicate your suspension needs repair. 1. Bumpy Rides The smoothness of your travels along the road depends on how your suspension system handles bumps and potholes. Suspension issues can lead to a bumpy ride and, in extreme cases, cause parts of your car to warp or break. If your car bounces around on its suspension, you may have a problem with the shock absorber or struts. Shock absorbers are rubber dampers attached to the vehicle's frame. The shock absorbers control the up-and-down movement of the tires caused by uneven terrain. 2. Difficulty When Steering Your car's suspension connects the steering wheels to the chassis, allowing the wheels to move and maneuver over bumps and uneven roads. The difficulty in steering could result from loose belts or low power steering fluid. For your safety, stop by an auto care shop as quickly as possible to get your suspension checked whenever your vehicle has steering trouble. 3. Drifts During Turns If you need to turn against the steering wheel to stay on the road when you turn, your suspension system is failing, and you need to drive with caution. Drifting could mean that your vehicle’s shocks are not enough to keep it safe against its own centrifugal force. Drifting could result from a broken tie rod, spring, or control arm. Uneven tire pressure could also be to blame. Drifting is not an issue you can ignore or postpone dealing with. Eventually, the problem becomes more noticeable and may lead to more issues. A drifting vehicle is potentially dangerous for you, other motorists, and pedestrians. 4. Oil on Shocks Your vehicle fluids are integral to its suspension system and proper functioning. Noticing oil on your shocks or struts does not outright mean you need replacement or repair. The constant action of the pistons against the hydraulic fluid inside the suspension causes seepage out of the shocks and struts. Seepage is acceptable because it results from the residual fluid on the rod pulled past the oil seal on every stroke. On the other hand, oil leaks that drip to the ground needs a quick repair. Such leaks indicate that the seal has wear or a crack and is a danger to your entire suspension system. Experts recommend performing a visual inspection of the suspension system regularly. If you notice that your shocks look oily or greasy, the suspension may have a leak. 5. Uneven Tire Wear Irregular tire wear could point to damaged suspension alignments. The suspension alignments hold the weight of your vehicle evenly, and when they go bad, the wheels become unbalanced. Uneven wear on tires may not be enough to diagnose a faulty suspension. However, you should inspect your tires and suspension when you notice shimmying while driving. Your car suspension is a complicated group of components that work together to support your car's weight, absorb shocks, and protect your tires. Like all other vehicle parts, the suspension system needs regular inspection and maintenance. If you notice any of the above symptoms before car failure occurs, consult a repair expert. For suspension and general auto repairs, please feel free to contact us at Letcher Bros. Auto Repair.

Car tires are available in different types and sizes. Selecting the appropriate tires for your car is essential for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and comfort while driving. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right car tires. Weather Conditions Different tires are designed to perform optimally in specific weather conditions, such as: Summer Tires Ideal for warm climates, summer tires provide excellent grip on dry and wet roads. They are designed with a tread pattern that maximizes traction and handling during hot weather. Winter Tires Winter tires offer superior traction on snowy, icy, and slushy surfaces. Their specialized rubber compound stays pliable in low temperatures, enhancing the grip and reducing the risk of skidding. All-Season Tires All-season tires can be a suitable choice if you live in an area with both harsh and mild weather conditions throughout the year. They offer a balance between summer and winter tires, providing reasonable performance in a variety of conditions. Driving Style Your driving style plays a significant role in determining the type of tires that will best suit your needs. If you enjoy spirited driving and prioritize responsive handling, performance tires are the way to go. These tires offer enhanced grip, cornering stability, and precise steering response. However, they may sacrifice some comfort and have a shorter tread life. If comfort and a smooth ride are your priorities, touring tires are an excellent choice. They provide good handling, reduced road noise, and longer tread life compared to performance tires. For adventurous off-road excursions, off-road tires are designed to tackle rough terrains with their aggressive tread patterns and reinforced sidewalls. These tires offer enhanced traction and durability but may compromise some on-road comfort and noise levels. Noise Emitted The noise level produced by tires can significantly impact your driving experience. If reducing road noise is important to you, choose tires specifically designed for a quiet and comfortable ride. These tires feature noise-dampening technology, ensuring a peaceful driving environment. Keep in mind that some high-performance tires may produce more noise due to their aggressive tread patterns and softer rubber compounds. Right Tire Size Selecting the correct tire size is crucial for maintaining your vehicle's handling and safety. Refer to your car's owner manual or consult a tire professional to determine the appropriate tire size, considering factors such as rim diameter, width, and aspect ratio. Installing the wrong tire size can affect your vehicle's speedometer accuracy, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Tire Life Tire life directly affects the overall value and cost-effectiveness of your purchase. Tires with a longer lifespan can save you money in the long run, as you won't need to replace them as frequently. Moreover, tire life significantly impacts your safety on the road. By choosing tires with a longer life expectancy, you ensure that you maintain optimal grip and control throughout their usage period. Additionally, tire longevity contributes to environmental sustainability. Manufacturing and disposing of tires have environmental implications, including the consumption of resources and the release of pollutants. By selecting tires with an extended lifespan, you reduce the frequency of tire replacements, thereby minimizing your environmental footprint. Considering tire life also influences your driving experience. Tires that maintain their performance over an extended period provide a smoother and more comfortable ride. They can also contribute to improved fuel efficiency, as properly inflated and well-maintained tires result in reduced rolling resistance. Maintaining your vehicle's condition goes beyond tire selection. For any auto repair needs, don't hesitate to contact Letcher Bros. Our expert team can provide professional assistance to keep your vehicle in optimal shape for years to come. Contact us today for all your auto repair needs.

Your vehicle's health depends on the quality of its lubrication. Clean, high-quality oil enhances your car's performance and extends the engine's lifespan. The clean, fresh oil ensures your vehicle performs at its best by lubricating fast-moving parts inside the motor. Over time, however, the fluid breaks down and becomes less effective. Your car will likely display several warning signs when an oil change is due. Read on to learn about six signs that indicate your car needs an oil change. 1. Warning Lights Automobiles today have sensors that indicate when the oil pressure is low. Your check oil light could be orange or red, depending on your vehicle. The orange indicator serves as a reminder, while the red oil light comes on when the issue is critical. Stop your vehicle when either light turns on and confirm the problem with a dipstick oil check. Driving with the warning lights on could cause severe damage to your engine. 2. Blue-Black Exhaust Smoke Normally your car exhaust will release translucent vapor. Exhaust smoke of any other color could mean many things are wrong. The color of the smoke can generally tell you what kind of problem you have. Blue smoke means your vehicle burns oil and gas and sends the residue out of the exhaust pipe. The blue-black smoke is probably a result of an oil leak. Poor lubrication of the motor could damage your engine. Head straight to your local auto repair shop if you notice black exhaust smoke or any other color. 3. Overheating Engine Petrol and diesel combust best at high temperatures, but limits exist on how hot an engine can run. A car engine works best within an optimal temperature of 195-220° Fahrenheit . Higher temperatures could cause the oil and additives will degrade. The engine oil provides more than just lubrication; it also diffuses the heat from the engine. Low motor oil means high friction, and the engine could overheat. A simple oil change could do the trick if your engine is overheating. However, you should know that low oil is not the only cause of overheating. Other potential causes are no coolant, a faulty radiator, or broken belts. 4. Oil Smell Inside Your Vehicle If the interior of your passenger cabin smells like burnt oil, you need an oil change. The oil smell is often a result of an oil leak or dirty oil dripping on the overheated engine. Dirty oil cannot cool your engine, which causes a sharp burning smell. 5. Engine Oil Color The engine oil color tells a lot about your car's health, and you must pay attention. To check your engine oil, park on level ground and allow your vehicle to cool down for about 15 minutes. Using the dipstick and a clean rag, observe the oil level, color, and viscosity. Typically, brand new engine oil is a slightly translucent amber color. The oil darkens with continued mileage. Manufacturers recommend an oil change every 7,500 miles . Oil can also darken from additives, so you should frequently check to understand your car better. Dark oil means that the oil has cycled through the engine too many times and needs changing. 6. Engine Noises As engine oil ages, it loses its viscous properties and becomes increasingly difficult to cool the engine parts effectively. As a result, movable metal parts grind against each other, causing wear and tear. You may hear metal grinding and knocking sounds from your engine. Ignoring these sounds can lead to long-term damage to your engine. Stay on top of your oil change schedule to reduce the risk of engine malfunction and premature wear and tear. Oil changes are simple and inexpensive, and one of the most important things you can do to prevent the premature aging of your car. Contact us today at Letcher Bros. Auto Repair to schedule your next maintenance service.