HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN YOUR CAR FISHTAILS

WHAT CAUSES FISHTAILING IN A CAR

When your rear tires lose traction—or grip—on the road, your car begins to slide on the road’s surface rather than move in the direction you’re steering. This is “fishtailing,” which is also called acceleration skidding or over-steering.

Fishtailing happens most often on slick, icy, or snowy roads, but it’s also likely in heavy rain when the road begins to flood. It doesn’t just happen when making a turn, either. Your car can easily start skidding if you’re driving too fast in less-than-ideal road conditions.

IF YOUR CAR STARTS TO FISHTAIL

When the rear of your car starts skidding on the road, remember these simple strategies to stop fishtailing:

DON’T PANIC.

As scary as it is when your car starts to slide in a direction you don’t want to go, it’s important to remain calm. Give yourself the best chance you can to handle the situation effectively and keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe.

TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SKID.

As soon as you feel your rear wheels skidding, begin turning the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear wheels are moving. So, if the back end of the car is sliding toward the driver’s side, turn the steering wheel to the left. The rear is skidding toward the passenger side? Steer right. This will help your wheels turn back to the direction you want to travel and help you regain control of your vehicle.

TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS AND GENTLY BRAKE.

When you lose control of your car, your first gut reaction may be to slam on the brakes to stop your vehicle from moving. Resist this urge. Instead, take your foot off of the accelerator and pump your brakes if they’re standard. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS) apply steady pressure instead of pumping

4 Ways to Show Your Car Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s day is here, and that means it is time to pamper your true love with attention and affection. That means you may want to book a time at the car day spa for a fluid replacement and wash and wax. What are your date plans for your 4-wheeled love this Valentine’s day? No plans? Here are some ideas. Many people schedule annual, biannual or quarterly services for the new year, but this can cause scheduling problems because everyone else is doing it as well. Waiting until February, you are past all the new year’s schedules and can have an easier time getting service done, so schedule annual Valentine’s service and cleaning so your car is ready for the date.

Car detail

This is a simple way you can show your baby you love her. You can even do it at home. It is always a good idea to have a once in a while complete cleaning for your car. If you have a date for Valentines, you will want your car to be perfect for a special night, and if you don’t, you have nothing better to do than spend the day on a deep detail cleaning at the car wash! Single or not, it is a good idea.

Fluid replacement

Oil should be changed every 5,000-10,000 miles depending on the type of oil, so at the beginning of the year and then again before a summer road trip or 4th of July are good times for most regular drivers. Transmission, power steering, and differential oil every 3 years, so if you are approaching 3 years, now is a good time. Power steering fluid is recommended every two years, but some add it to an annual service because it is easy enough to all do at once. So, if your car is coming up on three or six years old, this is a definite for your to-do list.

Tire service

Tires need an occasional rotation as well. Most recommend every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, which puts it in at the same time as an oil change. So, while you are getting those fluids done, add a tire rotation to it.

Annual service

Any high-performance BMW, Mercedes or other vehicle needs an annual inspection. Recommended is every 10,000 miles. This is a good time to do many of our ideas mentioned here as well as have a full overall inspection for incoming problems. Make sure your electrical and other systems are in good shape and not wearing down. It is better to have an annual inspection and find something before it breaks than wind up on the side of the freeway a month later

 

6 SIGNS THAT TELL YOU YOUR RADIATOR IS CLOGGED

Are you aware of what to do if your radiator begins to make odd noises? Or, worse yet, if it stops working altogether? If not, don’t worry! We’re here to help. In this Article, will discuss six signs that tell you your radiator is clogged. Knowing these signs allows you to take action before the problem gets too severe.

SIGN 01: OVERHEATING ENGINE

An overheated engine is one of the most prominent signs that your radiator is clogged. If you notice that your car’s temperature gauge is reading higher than usual, it’s time to take your vehicle in for service. Signs of an overheating engine include:

  • The temperature gauge needle moving into the red zone
  • steam coming from under the hood
  • smoke coming from under the hood

If you notice these signs, pull over immediately and turn off your engine. Do not open the hood until the engine has cooled down completely.

SIGN 02: COOLANT LEAK

It is a sure indicator that your radiator has a blockage when fluids, particularly radiator coolant, begin leaking. When the fluid in your radiator cannot flow properly, it flows in another location, which causes leaks. As a result, always consider a potential radiator blockage when there is a coolant leak.

SIGN 03: LOW COOLANT LEVEL

It’s a good idea to inspect your radiator for leaks if you find that your coolant level is low. The coolant may run out of a blocked radiator, resulting in a low coolant level. It’s crucial to check your radiator and top off the coolant as necessary since low coolant levels might result in the engine overheating.

SIGN 04: DISCOLORED AND THICKER COOLANT

You are aware of the original color of your coolant, right? Do you take care to check your coolant’s condition? If you do, you’ll be able to see that its color and viscosity have changed. The coolant will develop a dirty brown shade and feel heavier than usual when rust, sludge, and other impurities mix. Whenever this occurs to your coolant, the likelihood of accumulation rises, and the radiator’s efficiency will decrease.

SIGN 05: DAMAGED WATER PUMP

If your radiator is clogged, it can cause damage to the water pump. The water pump is responsible for circulating the coolant throughout the engine. If the coolant can’t flow properly, it can cause the water pump to overheat and fail. This will eventually lead to your engine overheating as well.

 SIGN 06: BLOCKED, BENT, OR DAMAGED RADIATOR FINS

The radiator fins are the metal pieces that protrude from the radiator. They help dissipate heat and keep the coolant cool. If they become blocked, bent, or damaged, it can prevent the coolant from flowing properly and cause your engine to overheat.

CONCLUSION:

If you notice these radiator signs, taking action is essential. A clogged radiator can cause severe damage to your engine if left unchecked. Try flushing the radiator with a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar. You might have to replace the radiator if this doesn’t work.

 

5 Reasons Why Your Steering Wheel is Shaking

Many drivers are frightened when they notice a shake or vibration in their vehicle, but it’s important to avoid jumping to conclusions. Why is your steering wheel shaking, really? There are several potential issues at play; however, the most common cause is unbalanced tires. When your car’s tires are unbalanced, the steering wheel will often vibrate—the entire vehicle might feel like it’s shaking. Read on to learn more about the causes of a shaking steering wheel and how we can help!

f your steering wheel shakes, it can most likely be chalked up to one of the five following problems:

 

  1. Unbalanced Tires: When your car’s tires are unbalanced, weight distribution is also unbalanced. This causes the vehicle to vibrate, especially at highway speeds. In this case, steering wheel shaking is even more noticeable if the car has a lightweight suspension system. Failing to address this issue can result in damage to your car’s suspension components.
  2. Misaligned Wheels: Your car’s wheels also need to be properly positioned. If you’re usually careful when crossing railroad tracks and take care to avoid potholes, you can more easily avoid throwing your wheels out of alignment. One tell-tale sign that your wheels are misaligned is uneven tread wear.
  3. Bad Wheel Bearings: When the wheel bearings become damaged or aren’t properly lubricated, the resulting friction can cause steering wheel shaking. If this is indeed the problem, the wheel won’t shake all the time — just during turns. Sometimes, simply cleaning the bearings can stop the shaking, but if there’s damage, you’ll need to bring your vehicle in for service.
  4. Suspension Problems: Damaged or loose suspension components or an imbalanced driveshaft can be the causes of steering wheel shaking. Whatever the case, you shouldn’t postpone these repairs. They’re fairly simple fixes, and our team can have you back on Rye roads in no time.
  5. Brake Problems: Does your steering wheel shake when you slow your speed? If so, the problem may be the brake system. Warped brake rotors or damaged brake calipers, pads, discs, or shocks can be the cause.

Easy Steps to Clean Car Battery Corrosion

Many drivers will encounter situations where the car is difficult to start, car can not jump-start because of a problem of important parts, one of the most important reasons is because the positive and negative extreme mouth of the car battery is corrosion. Car battery positive and negative electrode corrosion will reduce the efficiency of the use of car batteries, car maintenance for battery maintenance can not be ignored, and learning to clean the corrosion of the car battery terminal can avoid unnecessary spending and trouble.

How to Clean Car Battery Corrosion? Follow these 6 easy steps to remove car battery corrosion:

1. Disconnect Your Battery Cables

Disconnect the battery with the negative terminal first. Use a wrench to disconnect the negative terminal and avoid letting the wrench come into contact with the positive side as it may shock you. Do the same for the positive terminal.

You can identify negative and positive cables by checking what they’re marked by: the negative sign (-), the abbreviation ‘NEG’, and/or the color black; and the positive sign (+), the abbreviation ‘POS’, and the color red.

2. Check for damage to the battery.

If you notice any cracks, dents, or warping with your battery, cleaning the corrosion may not do you any good. then that should serve as an indication that you should have them replaced straight away.

3. Cleaning Your Battery With Baking Soda & Vinegar

If you find yourself dealing with extra stubborn corrosion that doesn’t come off with just baking soda, try the baking soda and vinegar method to clean your battery terminals. Vinegar is a powerful acid that can break down corrosion pretty quickly when combined with the fizzing action of baking soda. The baking soda method, for its part, is tried and true as well as simple to perform.

To use this method, first, make sure your terminals are disconnected. Then simply sprinkle baking soda powder on your terminals liberally. Next, pour the vinegar on the terminals and baking soda and let it sit. When you pour the vinegar on the terminals you’ll see it fizz. Similar to peroxide the fizzing action breaks up and moves the dirt and grime out. After it sits for a few minutes and it’s done fizzing, rinse it clean with hot water and follow the remaining steps from below before reconnecting your cables.

4. Rinse and Dry

Completely dry the battery. Water and electricity don’t mix well, so make sure the battery and its terminals are completely dry before reassembling it. After that, you’ll want to use your toothbrush or bristled brush to scrub the corrosion off. Once you’ve scrubbed away all the corrosion, rinse the battery and cable ends completely with clean water and let it all dry.

Be careful not to let the solution nor the corrosive elements fall on the other engine components to keep your car protected from the damage these could potentially cause. We advise you to take the battery out completely.

5. Take Some Corrosion-Preventative Steps

It’s never a bad idea to spray an anti-corrosion solution or apply an anti-corrosion gel to your terminals after you’re through. Doing so can help to prevent the issue from recurring! Also known as battery terminal protectors, these little guys help protect your battery posts. Use pads coated in a battery-corrosion preventative compound.

6. Reconnect Your Battery to Your Vehicle

Once you clear the corrosion (step 3), let everything dry completely (step 4), and apply some preventative substances to your battery parts (step 5), you’re ready to reconnect your battery to your vehicle.

Do this in REVERSE order to avoid injury. Start with connecting the positive battery terminal first, followed by the negative one. Car battery corrosion removal is a must-know maintenance task. Keeping your battery clean will add years to its lifespan and help maintain its performance levels.

How to Check Blind Spots While Driving

Checking blind spots is a crucial aspect of safe driving. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be directly observed through the mirrors. Here are some tips on how to effectively check blind spots while driving:

  1. Adjust Mirrors Properly:
    • Ensure that your side mirrors are adjusted correctly. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommends the “Blind Spot Mirror Setting.” This involves adjusting your side mirrors so that the rear edges of your vehicle are just out of sight.
  2. Use Rearview Mirror:
    • Check your rearview mirror frequently to have a general awareness of the vehicles behind you. This helps you to anticipate the need for a lane change.
  3. Shoulder Check:
    • Physically turn your head to check over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. This is a direct visual check of your blind spot and is a critical step before changing lanes.
  4. Signal Before Changing Lanes:
    • Always use your turn signals before changing lanes. Signaling communicates your intention to other drivers and gives them a chance to react.
  5. Maintain a Safe Following Distance:
    • Keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This gives you more time to react to any sudden movements by the vehicle ahead and allows better visibility around it.
  6. Be Aware of Larger Blind Spots:
    • Larger vehicles such as trucks and buses have larger blind spots. If you are driving near one, be extra cautious and avoid lingering in their blind spots for an extended period.
  7. Use Technology:
    • Many modern vehicles come equipped with blind spot monitoring systems. These systems use sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spots and provide a warning, often through a light on the side mirrors.
  8. Regularly Check Mirrors:
    • Make it a habit to check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds, even if you’re not planning to change lanes. This helps you stay aware of the traffic around you.
  9. Stay Vigilant in Parking Lots:
    • Be particularly cautious in parking lots, where pedestrians and smaller vehicles may be harder to spot. Use your mirrors and turn your head to check for any obstructions before moving.
  10. Educate Passengers:
    • Encourage your passengers to assist with blind spot checks, especially when merging onto highways or changing lanes. Having extra eyes can be helpful.

Remember, being aware of your surroundings and actively checking your blind spots can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and enhance overall road safety.

Items to Include in an Emergency Car Kit

Some of a driver’s worst fears are a dead battery or alternator, a blown gasket, your car running out of gas and any number of other car troubles that leave you stranded on an empty stretch of road.

For winter drivers, there’s also the possibility of sliding off an icy road into a snowbank. A quick call to a tow truck or roadside assistance service will usually get you to safety within a couple of hours, but technology can fail, and there are still parts of the country that aren’t covered by cellular service.

In such scenarios, having a car safety kit with the right components can make the difference in keeping you and your passengers safe until help arrives. 58% of people have some emergency supplies in their cars, but only 30% are confident that what they have is sufficient if bad weather strikes.

Depending on the problem, having the proper tools can also get you back on the road as quickly as possible. While some items should be found in every trunk, not every roadside emergency kit is built the same. You should tailor your kit to the type and condition of your vehicle, as well as the weather in which you’re typically driving. With the unpredictability of winter weather, even drivers in traditional warm-weather states may want to consider adding safety items for snow and ice. It’s always wise to err on the side of caution and include certain items just in case.

Here is the essential emergency car kit list:

1. Flares and lighting

The first and most important safety items to include in your auto emergency kit are flares or reflective triangles, which warn other drivers of the roadside hazard, especially in low visibility conditions. In case of a breakdown, they should be spaced out evenly along the roadside behind your vehicle. For a reusable, longer-lasting option, invest in battery-operated LED flares. A flashlight is also a necessity, especially a multi-use version that flashes.

2. Jumper cables

Jumper cables are another essential to include in the car emergency kit. Batteries can die or lose their juice at the least opportune moment, and jumper cables, with a jump start from another vehicle, can at least get you to the next service station. You should also consider carrying a separate battery pack for starting your car when no one else is around to help.

3. First aid kit

A first aid kit is a must-have item to include in any emergency road kit, indispensable for addressing smaller everyday injuries and more serious wounds from an accident. You can purchase them prepacked with all the essentials or assemble one customized to your needs. Families with small children should include medications that are age appropriate. Be sure to know what medications are needed for your passengers and pack enough to last for a reasonable time.

4. Spare tire, tire iron and car jack

A spare tire and tire-changing equipment should be included in your car emergency kit. You should familiarize yourself with how to change a tire just in case help is unavailable and you have to do it yourself. Check your kit every 6 months and make sure that your spare tire is properly inflated.

5. Mobile phone and charger

Another essential for your safety when driving is a working mobile phone and charger in case of a low or dead phone battery. It’s important that you can call for help if you’ve been seriously injured from a car accident or something is wrong with the car.

6. Water

Along with keeping warm, staying hydrated is an essential element of survival. Keep clean drinking water in smaller plastic containers, which will thaw faster with a little body heat in the winter than large gallon jugs. If driving in a remote area, you should be sure to bring plenty of water – one website recommends at least one gallon per person per day for three days if possible.

7. Nonperishable food

Packing food in your kit will help keep you fed in an emergency. Nonperishable food such as granola bars, soup, nuts, jerky, peanut butter and dried fruit are great options to pack in your kit.

8. Car fluids and tools

Flat tires are one of the most common causes of roadside trouble, but it’s not always possible to change a tire. Including a can of tire inflator and sealant in your kit can get you back on the road at least until the next stop. Other items that may help avert a roadside crisis and keep you going:

  • 1 quart or more of motor oil (make sure it’s the right formula for your car)
  • 1 gallon of coolant
  • A toolkit with screwdrivers, pliers and an adjustable wrench
  • 1 set of windshield wiper blades

Good wiper blades are also crucial to have handy, as they can clear a windshield in less than three swipes without leaving streaks. Keep a set of new blades in your vehicle so you can replace worn blades quickly and on the go.

9. Winter emergency car kit

Aside from winterizing your car, you should keep certain things in your car to prepare you for a winter emergency. If you know you’ll be driving in snowy weather, include:

  • An ice scraper
  • A spray bottle with washer fluid
  • 1 set of snow chains for your tires
  • A shovel
  • Waterproof matches

Store all your items together in a box or carrying case in the trunk, making sure it’s easily accessible in case you need it in a hurry. Blankets, a sleeping bag or a heat-retaining emergency survival blanket are critical for making it through a cold night, especially in wintry climates. Bottled water and long-lasting food items such as granola or energy bars can be rotated out over time.

6 Signs that Your Vehicle’s Exhaust System Needs Attention

Internal combustion engines produce exhaust gases that can be dangerous if breathed in for too long. The primary purpose of the exhaust system is to keep these gases far away from you–though it also serves other purposes, including reducing engine noise and decreasing pollution. So, it’s important to keep an eye (and ear, and nose) out for signs that the exhaust system isn’t performing as it should be. Below are six possible symptoms.

6. Vibration/Shuddering

There are many things that can cause your car to vibrate, and most of them aren’t good. While vibration is often caused by non-exhaust-related problems, trouble with the exhaust system is still a possible cause. One of the hangers or brackets that hold the exhaust pipes against the underside of your vehicle may have come loose, or the pipes may have become misaligned. A failed muffler or clogged catalytic converter could also cause vibration. Another common cause is an exhaust leak. As exhaust gases escape through a small hole, they may cause the car to shudder.

5. Loud Engine Sound

The muffler that’s located near the end of the exhaust system serves to muffle the sound of the engine. If it’s damaged or not working the way it should, the engine will sound much noisier. However, leaks located before the muffler in the exhaust system can also lead to a loud engine sound, so pinpointing the exact location of your exhaust leak can be difficult without professional help.

4. Drop in Power & Fuel Efficiency

If you find you’re filling your gas tank more often than you used to, it may be due to trouble with the exhaust system. This is because the engine is working harder and using more fuel to try to compensate for the problem. In addition, you may find that getting up to speed is tougher, since exhaust leaks and other exhaust problems can keep your Subaru from performing at its peak.

3. Scraping or Rattling Sound

If it sounds like something is dragging beneath your car, scraping or rattling against the road, it’s time to pull over immediately. This is likely to be an exhaust pipe that has come loose. It’s dangerous to drive with a dragging pipe, and it can create a danger to cars behind you due to flying sparks. That danger to yourself and others only grows if the pipe snaps off completely.

2. Exhaust Smell

The smell of exhaust in your vehicle is never a good sign, and it may be due to an exhaust leak. If you notice that the exhaust has the scent of rotten eggs, it may be due to a failed catalytic converter. Exhaust gases contain a small amount of sulfur, which the catalytic converter then converts to odorless sulfur dioxide. If it’s not doing its job, the sulfur will still give off its characteristic rotten-egg smell.

1. Illuminated Check Engine Light

The oxygen sensors and the catalytic converter are important components of your vehicle’s exhaust system. The oxygen sensors read the level of oxygen in the exhaust to make sure that your car is getting the right fuel/air ratio, and the catalytic converter transforms some of the more harmful pollutants generated by combustion into less harmful compounds. Trouble with either of these components may send the signal to illuminate the check engine light.

TOP 5 MOST COMMON VEHICLE PROBLEMS DURING WINTER

The first snowfall of the year is a cause of celebration for many folks. There’s just something special about seeing those pretty flakes flying for the first time in November or December. But, the onset of winter also means it’s a good time to ensure your vehicles maintenance is up-to-date. Freezing temperatures can lead to issues with your vehicles. Read on for the five most common problems—and how to prevent them this year

  1. Your battery may die in colder weather. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested every time there is a routine service (like an oil change) performed on the vehicle. It also helps to keep your car or truck in a garage during the winter months if possible.
  2. Fluids thicken. To stay ahead of this common winter problem, be sure to have your trusted auto technician regularly check your oil, antifreeze, power steering, brake and transmission fluids. Leaks can also occur; it helps to warm up your vehicles before driving them.
  3. Parts corrode. Road salt laid down to melt the ice and help prevent slide offs can stick to your car’s metal components. If it’s left there, it can cause these to corrode. Wash vehicles regularly to protect the undercarriage, brakes and wheel wells.
  4. Your tire pressure will drop. Most tires lose one pound per square inch (psi) for every 10 degrees F of temperature drop. Under-inflated tires do not perform well in icy weather, so it is crucial to check your tire pressure throughout the winter season.
  5. Spark plugs may fail. A bad spark plug, ignition component or clogged filter may cause your vehicle not to start, so it’s smart to check these ahead of the harshest driving conditions.

8 Signs of Auto Transmission Failure

While an auto transmission failure isn’t a death sentence for your car, it can definitely be a major repair. It usually means a lot of downtime and a huge bill. Your transmission is an amazing work or art. Ok, you might not want to mount it over your fireplace, but you have to admit that it is rather fascinating how all these gears and bearings and interestingly shaped parts are put together to create a system that actually propels your vehicle from Point A to Point B. Some people say that the transmission is the second most important part of the car, next to the engine. But, I respectfully disagree. It’s really a team effort – you can’t have one without the other. While, I guess you can, but they are rather useless independently. They are like the heart and the brain of your car. They work together. So, a problem with your transmission can affect the operation of the engine. And if you don’t fix it, you could have even bigger issues to deal with.

But, contrary to popular belief, an auto transmission failure doesn’t always have to be scary (are you breathing a sigh of relief now?) While it can be a costly adventure, in a lot of cases, the problem is actually quite minor. And, as with anything mechanical, if you catch the problem early enough, you may be able to avoid more serious issues. But, you can’t always count on mechanics to offer you the easy way out. After all, they are in the business to make money. So, when they see a woman walk through their doors, they get dollar signs in their eyes.

Transmissions are complex and complicated systems so fixing them usually requires a professional. But, that doesn’t mean that you have to accept whatever diagnosis you are handed. If in doubt, get a second opinion. Or, better yet, learn how to recognize the most common signs of auto transmission failure and how to rule out simple fixes before you authorize an expensive auto transmission repair. Replacing or rebuilding may be necessary, but it is important to check out other possibilities first. You never know, some basic knowledge could save you thousands of dollars.

Signs Of Auto Transmission Failure

  • Slippage. This is when your motor is revving but your car isn’t responding. It’s similar to the way your vehicle would react if your tires were slipping on ice or stuck in the snow. You are pushing the gas pedal and you can hear the engine roaring, but you don’t seem to be getting anywhere. Slippage affects your transmission’s ability to propel the car forward and if it gets really bad, eventually you may not move at all.
  • Leaks. Check under your car on a regular basis to make sure there aren’t any leaks. In most automatic transmissions the fluid is red, so if you notice a colored puddle on the ground, you should probably have your car checked out. In fact, if you notice any puddle at all (except for the ones made from your AC) you should investigate further.
  • Smells. If your fluid level is low, your transmission can overheat. When your transmission or transmission fluid gets too hot, you may notice a burning odor. Check your fluid level and add if necessary. You may also want to find out why the level was low in the first place.
  • Sounds. Knocking, whining, humming, buzzing, clunking, and grating can all be signs of transmission problems. These sounds can be a result of wear and tear, but they also can mean a low fluid level.
  • Delayed Engagement/Lack of Response. Sometimes your transmission doesn’t want to do what you ask when you ask. Just like your kids, right? But, unlike your children, there are times when motherly negotiations (aka bribing) will not convince your vehicle to behave properly. There are varying degrees of delayed engagement, and sometimes we are in danger of letting things for too long.
  • Rough Shifting. Again, your car should transition between gears smoothly. If you notice shaking, jarring, bumping, clunking, or abrupt/hard shifting, this may be a sign of transmission problems.
  • Fluid Color. Transmission fluid is red, clear, and has a slightly sweet odor. Look at a sample of new, clean fluid so you know the correct color and smell. If the fluid in your vehicle is murky, dark, or dirty, this could be an indication of problems. Sometimes changing the oil or doing a transmission flush will fix the issue. In some cases, more serious repairs may be necessary.
  • Check Engine Light. Sensors in your car can pick up small vibrations or other problems even before you notice them. The check engine light could be a warning of transmission problems, especially if you are also experiencing any of the above signs.