The Dreaded CEL.

It seems as if everything is reduced to an acronym these days.  In your vehicle CEL stands for Check Engine Light.  When it illuminates you can’t escape seeing it on your dashboard.  It is a necessary evil in today’s vehicles.  This light is a mystery and hints at some unseen danger in the guts of your car. Some ignore it hoping it goes away, or just let it stay on. 

The check engine light is a riddle for most of us in that we have no clue as to what it means until it is properly diagnosed by a certified auto mechanic.  A popular misconception is that a code reader will reveal the exact problem.  It is only a single piece of information, a mere symptom of a possibly larger problem.

Unless you have the equipment and expertise to troubleshoot a check engine light then you need a trained mechanic to do so.  The A-Team at Able Auto Service has seen thousands of them and may be able to help you stay on the road safely when your CEL shines bright.  Come into our shop at 837 Osage Ave. in Kansas City KS or call us at (913) 321-1030.

The Alternative is Not Pretty.

A properly functioning alternator is essential for the continued performance of your vehicle.  What does the alternator do?  Well, it recharges your battery, using engine power, and it also delivers power to your car’s electrical components.  Essentially, it keeps the battery from losing charge, and of course if your battery dies, your car is no more than an expensive paperweight.

In the past, your alternator didn’t have to do much more than just power your headlights, and a few accessories like your radio. Think about all the accessories your car comes with today…entertainment systems use up a lot of power, and then you may have on-board navigation, power windows, power mirrors, and perhaps even heated seats.

Alternators, batteries, mufflers, heaters, engines…oh my!  So much can go wrong with your vehicle this winter.  To prevent being stranded on the side of the road visit Able Auto Service.  The A-Team will troubleshoot any and all potential problems.  Call ahead for an appointment at their 837 Osage Ave. shop in Kansas City KS at (913) 321-1030.