Spanish Fork Auto Repair

Why Higher Octane Fuel Can Reduce Engine Knock in a 2019 Ford F-150 If you’ve ever noticed a pinging or knocking sound from your engine—especially when accelerating or climbing a hill—you may be experiencing early detonation, also known as spark knock. We recently inspected a 2019 Ford F-150 with this exact concern. After checking for any major issues and performing a fuel induction service, the noise was still present. Since no serious problems were found, the next step we recommended was trying a higher-grade fuel. In some cases, this can reduce or even eliminate the noise—but is it actually fixing the problem, or just masking it? Let’s break it down.   What Is Early Detonation? Under normal conditions, your engine’s air/fuel mixture ignites at a precise moment, controlled by the spark plug. This creates a smooth, controlled burn that pushes the piston down efficiently. Early detonation happens when that ... read more

Active Fuel Management (AFM)—also known as Cylinder Deactivation—is GM’s variable-displacement engine technology. It's designed to improve fuel economy by allowing V6 and V8 engines to deactivate cylinders under light-load conditions, such as steady highway driving. When deactivated, these cylinders are closed off and filled with trapped air, effectively turning them into air springs. This reduces energy loss through pumping, helping the engine run more efficiently while maintaining a smooth driving experience. 👨‍🔧 How AFM Works 🔧 Hydraulic Lifter Control AFM uses a combination of solenoids and hydraulically-actuated lifters, located in the engine valley, to disable specific intake and exhaust valves. These lifters, supplied by Eaton and Delphi, temporarily prevent certain cylinders from firing, allowing the engine to operate in a leaner mode when full power isn't ... read more

​General Motors (GM) has announced a significant recall impacting nearly 600,000 vehicles in the United States due to potential engine defects that could lead to power loss or complete engine failure. This recall affects several popular models across GM's Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands. Affected Models The recall encompasses certain 2021–2024 models equipped with the 6.2-liter V8 engine, including:​ Cadillac: Escalade, Escalade ESV Chevrolet: Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe GMC: Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL​ The issue stems from manufacturing defects in the engine's con ... read more

  Modern diesel cars come equipped with a variety of dashboard symbols and warning lights designed to alert drivers to potential issues with their vehicles. While these symbols can vary between car models, understanding their meanings is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your diesel vehicle. In this guide, we'll decode common diesel car dashboard symbols, drawing insights from reputable sources like MotorTrend.com, to help you navigate your vehicle's warning signals with confidence.   1. Glow Plug Indicator: Symbol: A coil or spiral shape with a lightning bolt Meaning: The glow plug indicator illuminates when the engine's glow plugs are warming up. Glow plugs are essential for diesel engines, especially during cold starts, as they help ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. Once the engine is sufficiently warmed up, the indicator should turn off.   2. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Warning: Symbol: A filter-shaped ico ... read more

The last thing you want is to damage your car while driving. But if you're in the middle of a highway and the check engine light comes on, what should you do? Will you damage the engine if you drive a few miles further to the next gas station? The answer to this question can be tricky. It's useful to know what kind of check engine light your car has. Is it just an orange light or is there a red one as well? Does the light flash when the situation is dire? Does the light stay constant when the issue does not require your immediate attention? Knowing how the check engine light functions in your car can help you understand what the car's diagnostic system communicates whenever it flashes or lights up. Check your car's manual to make sure you're familiar with its language. When the frightful check engine light does comes on, stay calm. Reduce your speed and inspect how your vehicle is performing. Use all your senses to reassess if there is something strange or dist ... read more