We know that all this talk can sometimes spark your crankcase until your cylinder fluid has completely compressed your drive belt and you're about to burst your distributor cap just because you don't know what the mechanic is talking about. Well relax, get your cooling system down and your ignition timing back in place, we are here to help.

1.  What is the purpose of the "Ck Engine/Service Engine" light?

The purpose for the warning light is to advise you, the driver that a malfunction in the powertrain management computer and/or emission system is occurring. This light has nothing to do with the engine oil or engine coolant.

2.  What might be happening when the light is on?

When a malfunction occurs in the powertrain management computer or emission system and the "Ck Engine/Service Engine" light comes on and stays on, one or all of the below four events may be occurring: Your vehicle's emissions (Pollution) may have increased. Your fuel mileage may have decreased. Your engine's performance may be reduced. You may be damaging the catalytic converter(s).

3.  What should I do when the light comes on?

There is no cause for alarm if/when the light does come on. The vehicle is not going to stop, but you may cause damage to related parts if you continue to drive for any length of time. When the light does come on you should, as soon as possible call and make an appointment to have the cause of the problem diagnosed and repaired.

4.  What has to be done to diagnose and repair the cause of the "Ck Engine/Service Engine" light coming on?

Today's powertrain management computer systems are very sophisticated and have literally hundreds of pieces that make up the system. If any one of these pieces malfunctions for a prescribed length of time, the "Ck Engine/Service Engine" light will be turned on and a trouble code(s) set in the computer's memory. This is what is required to diagnose and solve a "Ck Engine/Service Engine" light coming on problem: The technician first must do a visual inspection of all engine management and emission electrical and vacuum connections. Next the technician will plug in a special piece of equipment called a "Scan Tool" into the diagnostic connector to retrieve stored trouble code(s). The retrieved code(s) identify the circuits that have malfunctioned. Unfortunately in many cases the code number and its description do not give enough information to identify where or which component in the circuit malfunctioned. In the event the cause of the malfunction cannot be identified during this initial scan a more in depth diagnosis will be required. If this additional diagnosis is required you will be called and advised as to why this additional diagnosis is required and what the additional cost will be. After the technician has finished the diagnoses and determined the cause, repairs and/or replacement of part(s) are usually required. Again you will be called and advised as to additional cost of repairs/parts.

5.  Must you take your new car back to the dealership for servicing to prevent voiding the warranty?

New cars do not have to be taken back to the dealership during the warranty period for any routine maintenance service. All that is required to maintain the new car warranty is to have the vehicle's routine maintenance services (oil and filter changes, etc.) performed as often as recommended in the vehicles owner's manual. These services can be performed by any qualified repair facility. We suggest that you have access to your vehicles service records in case of a warranty dispute. Most service facilities can retrieve your service records in just a few minutes.

6.  Why should I flush the brake hydraulic fluid in my vehicle?

For the same reason that it is recommended to change our oil every 3-5,000 miles, to prolong the life of your braking system. The fluid, over time, will absorb moisture and given that water is heavier than oil, it will settle in the lower portions of the brake hydraulic system. Rust and corrosion are a result of the moistures contact to the metal. Flushing the brake hydraulic fluid system every 2 years will help prevent moisture accumulation and premature failure of very costly brake hydraulic components.

7.  How do I choose the right repair shop for me and my car?

One of the more stressful experiences consumers face is that of finding a reputable car repair facility. Due to several factors including technicians who are poorly trained, the use of inferior parts or the lack of the applicable diagnostic and service tools, the task of finding a qualified repair shop is far more difficult today than it has ever been in the past. QUALITY VERSUS THRIFT When selecting a car repair shop, choosing quality over thrift is of primary importance. A cheaper shop may charge less for parts and labor, but you may ultimately have to return your vehicle several times before the job is done right. Or you may have to pay another shop to redo the service you just paid someone else to do. Can you afford to gamble your hard earned money, time and frustration on a shop that offers a cheap price? IDENTIFYING A QUALIFIED SERVICE FACILITY Be sure the repair shop you choose offers quality technicians, quality diagnostics and service equipment, quality parts in addition to quality warranties. Failing to take the time to determine if a shop meets these standards can make car repairs far more expensive than you bargained for. ADHERING TO A HIGHER CODE OF ETHICS Always select a repair shop that is a member of a State of National Industry Association namely ASC (Automotive Service Council) ASA (Automotive Service Association) or AAA (Automobile Association of America). These industry leaders take pride in the services they provide and adhere to a higher code of ethics. CHOOSE A REPAIR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES One that focuses on specific automobiles (GM, Ford, Chrysler) will provide superior service. Since the very sophisticated world of automotive computerized technology is constantly changing, a shop cannot effectively service all vehicles. Shops that perform all services on all makes is a "Jack Of All Trades, Master Of None." TECHNICIAN TRAINING/CERTIFICATION A good repair shop reinvests in educating and training its technicians on a constant basis. Ask when and how often their employees attend training classes. Be sure to ask if the repair shop employees ASE Certified technicians. A superior repair shop will assure you that all their technicians are properly trained and have received ASE Certification. Ask to see their certificates and be sure they are current. WRITTEN ESTIMATES When planning to leave your car for repairs you should receive a written estimate for the work that will be done. If a repair shop will not provide a written estimate, refuse to leave your car for repairs. Never rely on verbal promises. Professional repair shops will give you a written estimate, prior to starting repairs, that is exact to the penny. The estimate will also spell out in detail exactly what is going to be done to your vehicle. WARRANTY POLICIES Determine what type of warranty the repair shop provides for parts and labor prior to leaving your car for repairs. Most shops offer a 90 day or 4,000 mile warranty, whichever comes first. A superior quality car care environment will offer at least a 12 month /12,000 mile warranty. At Iten's Car Care we offer an unprecedented 15 month /15,000 mile warranty. SELECT A CLEAN, PROFESSIONAL SHOP Choose a car care facility that is clean and professional. Ask all the questions you want. If the repair shop is not willing to answer your questions completely or gives you vague and confusing answers, do not leave your car for repair. Take note of the cleanliness and professionalism of the environment. Remember: If the shop and the people working in it do not take pride in its appearance, they will not take pride in their work.

8.  Are all Iten's technicians ASE certified?

Many facilities employ only one certified technician, which may mean that a non-certified technician will be working on your vehicle. We are pleased to say that here at Iten's Car Care, all of our technicians and managers are ASE certified and in most cases we use O.E.M. parts. We strictly enforce a drug free work place and are actively involved with national industry associations such as ASC (Automotive Service Council) and ASA (Automotive Service Association).

9.  If parts are needed, what is the brand of parts you will be installing?

The best parts for your vehicle are original equipment manufacturers parts. (O.E.M.) Most aftermarket (Non-O.E.M.) parts are of a lesser quality and may reflect in the quality and length of service you will receive from them. Iten's Car Care believes that only replacement parts used by the manufacturer (new car dealer) of your car, or OEM parts meet these criteria. There are many after-market parts that are cheaper, but very few of these parts come even close to meeting the standards of a dealership OEM part. We will use aftermarket parts only if the quality meets OEM standards, and if it offers you a better value.

10.  Does Iten's have the latest, up to date tools and equipment to service my vehicle?

Today's sophisticated cars and trucks cannot be diagnosed/serviced correctly and accurately without them. Our AllData computer system provides up-to-the-minute factory Technical Service Bulletins containing updated repair procedures and recall information.

11.  How long has Iten's been in business?

You want to choose a facility that has stood the test of time and will be there in the future if needed. We've been here at the same location for over twenty-three years. When you choose Iten's Car Care to service your vehicle you not only receive the best valve for your money but you also receive peace of mind for you and your family.

12.  What is the length of Iten's warranty?

Most automotive repair businesses only offer a 4,000-mile/90 day warranty on their services. Here at Iten's, we offer a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.