by Mark S. Taylor | Jan 4, 2026 | Maintenance
The bumper is a hidden metal bar that protects you in a crash, while the bumper cover is the plastic shell you see on the outside. Did a body shop tell you that you need a new “bumper” but then quoted you for a “bumper cover”? It is confusing....
by Mark S. Taylor | Jan 4, 2026 | Maintenance
If your car won’t start with a new battery, the most common causes are loose or dirty terminal connections, a bad starter motor, or a failing alternator. You just bought a brand new battery. You hauled it home and installed it. You turn the key, expecting a...
by Mark S. Taylor | Jan 3, 2026 | Maintenance
Stuck in your driveway on a freezing morning? It’s a bad feeling. Your car won’t start in the cold. This is a very common problem. I have seen it for years as a mechanic. The cold makes weak parts fail. The main issue is often the battery. But it can be...
by Mark S. Taylor | Jan 3, 2026 | Maintenance
A bad lifter makes a fast, rhythmic ticking sound that matches engine speed. It can cause misfires, power loss, and eventually severe engine damage. Do you hear a loud “tick-tick-tick” from your engine? That is a scary sound. I have been a mechanic for...
by Mark S. Taylor | Jan 2, 2026 | Maintenance
Common rail is a modern electronic fuel system that is quiet and efficient, while traditional direct injection is an older mechanical system known for being loud but simple. Shopping for a diesel truck or just curious about your engine? You have likely heard the terms...
by Mark S. Taylor | Jan 1, 2026 | Maintenance
The P0303 code means cylinder number 3 in your engine is not firing properly, which causes shaking and power loss. Is your check engine light on and your car shaking? A rough running engine is scary. It often means you have a misfire. The specific code for this is...
