Windsor Auto Repair

This post is a little more technical than most. I've included a glossary below should you like more information about a term. What does it cost to perform a check engine light diagnosis? Repairpal says between $88-111. What does it cost to skip a diagnosis? It could be a lot. Let's give an example: if the check engine light on your 2008 Mini Cooper comes on and you're a do-it-yourselfer, you immediately grab your trusty scan tool, or you head to your local parts store. The diagnostic trouble code you find stored in the ECU is P0420 which is the universal code for catalyst inefficiency (bank 1 if the engine has two banks). This means the catalytic converter is not reducing emissions the way that it's designed to do. What's a catalytic converter cost? Well, almost $1100 for a ... read more

You may wonder why oil doesn't seem to last as long as other fluids in your car. You may also have wondered how there could possibly be so many different kinds of oils. After all, whether you come in 500 miles before the oil change is due or 3000 miles after it's due, the car seems to drive the same. Well your wait has come to an end. Oil is made up of a foundational compound (called the “base oil”) and additives (called “additives”—I know, I know, don't quit my day job). What additives are included in the oil depend on what vehicles the oil is designed for. A large portion of research and development has been devoted to fuel efficiency and decreased emissions. It wasn't uncommon for passenger cars in the 70s and 80s to call for a 10w-40 oil. Now many passenger cars recommend using a 0w-20 oil. You don't have to understand much about weight ratings and viscosity to know that's a lot less thick. One reason we use thinner oils is that less viscosity CAN tran ... read more