by Sherri Ingalsbe

Have you ever wanted to know more about the car you drive? Or are you just happy the car starts when you put the key in the ignition? I’m here to help you get some useful (and sometimes fun) advice and information about your vehicles. 

When my son seems sluggish or too quiet for an 11-year-old, I know he is either upset or not feeling well. I ask him questions to determine if he just needs a hug or if we need to make a trip to the doctor’s office. 

Your car is very much like your child — well, not completely, although I did hug my car once. I don’t think it felt any better, but I did.

When your car is feeling sluggish, it gives you warning signs, too. Here are four common automotive symptoms and things you can check to help you speak to your mechanic.

1. Check Engine Light is on

Check: Did you tighten the gas cap after your last fill up? If a loose gas cap was the problem, the car’s computer should clear the codes after a couple of trips and the light will go off. If the light does not clear, please take your car to your mechanic as soon as possible.

2. Smoking

Check: What type of smoke? 

White smoke: This is often OK. It is generally condensation and should only happen at start up and then go away.

Black smoke: There is most likely too much fuel going into the engine and the car is not going to run its best.

Blue smoke: There is some type of oil burning.

3. Vibration

Check: Do the tires look OK? Besides the tires, other things your mechanic might check are the front-end parts  and the brake rotors.

4. Pulsation

Check: Your mechanic will want to check for problems with the brakes; the rotors may need to be turned or   replaced.

I hope this helps point you in the right direction and also helps you understand your car a bit more. Keep those engines running!

Sherri Ingalsbe is the founder and owner of Rods-2-Rides Automotive Repair, a proudly female-owned and family-operated repair shop in San Bruno with over 2 years of automotive experience. Contact her at 650-952-3018 or at rods-2-rides@hotmail.com — or visit www.rods-2-rides.com.