When money is tight and people are on a fixed budget, their natural  response is to hold back on spending, especially when it comes to  anything that we consider to be non-essential. Additionally, when  people don’t have confidence in the future, we will become even more  cautious about what we are spending our money on. It’s under these conditions that people need to step  up to the plate and take really good care of their automobiles. As we  all know, the cost of unexpected repairs can be financially devastating,  and if you don’t have the money for repairs, you’ll more than  likely don’t have the money to buy a new vehicle either.

So do this: Sit down with our service advisor or myself Mike Moore (owner) and we’ll help you understand that during these uncertain economic times, one of the best  investments you could ever make is in properly maintaining your automobiles. We will discuss all of the cost-saving benefits of vehicle maintenance, and break the investment down into meaningful and digestible numbers  that you can easily understand.

For example, you may discover that with the more popular vehicles,  the actual investment in the maintenance services that our advisors are  recommending works out to less than 50 cents a day, and what you get in return for that small investment is amazing. You will be  protecting warranties,you will be protecting the value of the automobiles, you will be squeezing every mile out of every gallon of  gasoline, and you will have the peace of mind that comes with having a  well maintained vehicle. Perhaps most importantly, you will be reducing  the risk of unexpected and costly failures that can be particularly  crushing during these tough economic times. When you break down the cost  to a daily amount, and are able to see all of these benefits for less than the price of morning  coffee, the decision becomes a no-brainer.

While making the most of this maintenance you can also, help save our environment, by extending the life of your car to over 300,000 miles. It is our ethical responsibility to help. Most of the time we can see just how crucial maintenance is when it comes to protecting our safety, the safety of our families, vehicles, environment and without question, our checkbooks too.

So stop by today for a “NO COST” Auto Heath Inspection.

Vehicles today really don’t require the attention they once did. In fact, these days all you have to do is listen to your mechanic since he most likely will let you know when to take care of what needs to be taken care of.

Yet, with the simplicity that has been set in place due to auto-reminders and routine maintenance schedules, we still don’t seem to follow the habits we easily could be. The people with the craziest schedules (the ones who drive their cars more every day) seem to have forgotten the importance of routine check ups, and the over-achievers spend too much time trying to get oil changes sooner than they really need.

Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.

Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner’s manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle’s needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls. Or you can create your own schedule, whatever works best for you, the importance is just knowing it is needed and necessary.

1. Proper Tire Inflation and Rotation
Tires leak air naturally and need the occasional check. Under-inflated tires can actually slowly suck up gasoline. Under, or over-inflated tires wear out sooner, and deliver the same emergency maneuver handling as marshmallows. You probably aren’t going to check tire pressures monthly, but how about twice a year? That’s not a lot to ask.

Furthermore, front and rear tires wear differently and should be rotated to even that wear. Most user manuals or maintenance schedules will let you know when this should be done.

2. Windshield Wiper Replacement
It’s much easier to avoid hitting things you can see! Simple as it is, that’s the concept behind replacing your windshield wipers before they fossilize into noisy uselessness.

Fall is the ideal wiper replacement time: after the blade-baking summer and before the fall and winter nastiness. Depending on location, wiper replacement may only be an annual affair in the South, like in Wilmington.

3. Tune-Up Timing and Saving
There are no more “tune-ups.” Valves no longer need adjusting, ignition timing is computer controlled and there are no carburetors to fiddle with. About all that’s left of the old tune-up drill are the spark plugs. These are often good for 100,000 miles, so don’t change parts to change parts. Instead, save up for those big 60,000- and 120,000-mile services when the timing belt, spark plug wires and coolant are due for replacement.

4. Fuel (Octane Overdose)
Here the rule is to supply whatever octane the engine is rated for and call it done. Higher-than-required octane does not yield more power or mileage, only oil company profits. Some engines are rated for premium 91 octane fuel but can burn 87 octane regular, thanks to the magic of knock sensors. In that case, run regular gas if puttering around surface streets, and premium fuel if full-throttle driving is part of your daily repertoire.

5. Oil Change Timing
Oil changes every 3,000 miles used to be required jobs, just like cleaning the accumulated dust from the corners of the molding in your house. Today, advances in engine design and lubricants make oil changes something to be done when the schedule calls for it, not when your grandfather says it’s time. Some cars call for 5,000-mile change intervals, some up to 15,000-mile stints. Others have a variable timer. Follow the schedule and use the oil called for by the manufacturer.

6. Worn out Tires
Tires wear out. The tire industry says tires are toast after five years, but they’re selling tires. It all depends on heat, sunlight and ozone conditions. If you’re not sure how old your tires are, a tire shop can read the date code stamped into the sidewall. Or your you can wait until they’re down to bear rubber and your mechanic will give you more than enough warning that its time.

7. Dirty Air Filter
Semi-clogged air filters hurt fuel economy. The question is, when is your filter dirty? Under a Norman Rockwell schedule of, an air filter might not see much grit. But grimy city surface streets or driving daily on a dirt road are often enough to overwhelm air filters. This one is about conditions. If you go near dirt, the air filter may need changing twice as often as the schedule calls for. At Atlantic Car Care, they will show you how dirty your filter is and you will understand.

8. Don’t Forget Your Brakes
This one is fairly obvious, if you notice anything different about your brakes — sound, feel or response — they are telling you to visit your mechanic. Now.

9. Tighten Your Gas Cap
Is the Check Engine light on? Then make sure the gas cap is on tightly before calling the dealer. No joke, this is one of the most common ways of setting off your car’s diagnostic system, since a loose gas cap defeats the fuel system’s venting arrangement.

10. The Garage in Your Home
Your house is your most valuable investment. Your car is likely your second most valuable investment. If you’re paying all that money, then why are you storing empty cardboard boxes and old holiday wreaths in the garage? Pitch that junk and put your car in the garage!

At Atlantic Care, we pride ourselves on letting you know what needs to be done and when, so you don’t have to. But if you don’t understand the importance of routine maintenance for one of your most valuable investments, than you aren’t going to listen to us either. First, understand that it needs to be done, let us take care of the rest!

Contact us today with questions or comments!

Atlantic Car Care
21 New Bern St.
Wilmington, NC 28403
910-794-1390
www.atlanticcarcare.com

BRAKE SYSTEM

What is a brake system?
Your car’s brake system is its most critical safety system. Because of this, you should check it immediately if you suspect any problems. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation under a wide variety of conditions. Its important to always feel at ease that your brakes are going function at a red light or a stop sign.

What does it do?
When you push the brake pedal, the force generates hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. This pressure flows through the hydraulic lines and hoses to the wheel cylinders and calipers, forcing the shoes against the drums (drum brakes) and the pads against the rotors (disc brakes). The resulting friction slows the vehicle and is relative to the amount of force applied at the brake pedal. As you know, the more force you put on the pedal, the faster the whole process will occur and eventually stop your vehicle.

Wear and Tear
Brakes are a normal wear item for any vehicle and eventually will need replacement. Avoid letting your brakes get to the “metal-to-metal” point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement.

Several factors that affect wear include:

• Driving habits
• Operating conditions
• Vehicle type
• The quality of brake lining material

Symptoms

• Car pulls to one side during braking
• Brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes
• Brake pedal feels “mushy”
• Noise when you step on the brake pedal
• Repeatedly need to add brake fluid to the master cylinder

A good mechanic will check your brakes every visit and let you know what level your wear is at. At Atlantic Car Care, we’re in business to make sure your car stops when it’s supposed to stop, accelerates when its supposed to and functions the way a healthy engine should. If your car isn’t properly maintained, you’re putting yourself and everyone else on the road in danger.

Come in today and let us have a look!
www.atlanticcarcare.com
(910) 794-1390
21 new bern st wilmington, NC 28403

Isuzu auto repair requires complex knowledge and some very specialized equipment.

That is why our Isuzu car repair shop technicians are ASE certified and experts in the field. Our technicians have been factory training and we use the latest computer diagnostic equipment. This high level training and equipment is just one of the ways we ensure your complete satisfaction.

Wilmington N.C. Isuzu Auto Service
Here are some of the reasons to choose us:

• Quality Service & Repairs

• Technicians Trained in Isuzu Vehicles

• Same Day In & Out Service

• 24 Month 24,000 Mile Warranty on All Repairs*

• 25+ Years of Experience

• Trust

• Done Right The First Time

• Good Advice

• No “Guess” Work

• The Right Team

• Auto Maintenance is Cheaper than Auto Repairs

• Nationwide Warranties on Most Auto Repairs

• No Warranty “Gotchas”

Isuzu Services We Perform

• Engine

• Isuzu Auto Transmission

• Manual Transmission

• Heating/Cooling

• Steering/Suspension

• Alignment

• Road Trip Inspection

• Pre-Purchase Inspection

• Smog

• Isuzu Clutch

• Air Conditioning

• Isuzu Maintenance

• Isuzu Tune-ups

• Battery

• Tires

• Brakes

• Shuttle Service and Rental Vehicles

Make an appointment for your Isuzu today
You won’t be disappointed with our work. We think you’ll be impressed with our customer service.  “Give Us One Chance to Earn Your Trust”

January 14, 2012
Hidden Battleship
For the explorer at heart, bring a friend and join us for a unique, behind-the-scenes tour of un-restored areas of the Battleship. The four-hour tour consists of small groups with guides. Guests explore the bow (officers’ country and boatswain locker), third deck (Radio II, brig, after gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling, Engineer’s office, torpedo area), Engine room #1, the refrigerator compartments, and climb inside the fire control tower to the top of the ship. The Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio II to explain their work on the ship’s radio transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the snakes!
Battleship North Carolina Highway 17/74/76/421 Intersection Wilmington, NC
910/251-5797
Admission/Fees: $45 per person. Reservations only.
The tour is limited to ages 12 and older and limited to 40 participants per time slot. It is not appropriate for those who have difficulty climbing narrow ladders or over knee-high hatches. Wear warm, comfortable, washable clothing, sturdy, rubber-soled shoes and bring a camera! Choose between a morning (8:30 – 12:30) or afternoon (1:30 – 5:30) tour. Registration and payment are due by Thursday, January 12th.

Sunday, 01/15/2012 12:00 PM – Monday, 01/16/2012 3:00 PM
Bride & Groom Expo 2012
Bridal Expo is coming to downtown Wilmington. Great prize giveaways like a honeymoon on Jekyll Island, Georgia, a romantic getaway in Savannah, Georgia, and (just for the guys!) a giant screen television. Lots of free parking. The one wedding event you cannot afford to miss! For more information call 910.259.8323.
Schwartz Center CFCC
411 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.carolinaweddingguide.com

Monday, 01/16/2012 9:00 AM
Martin Luther King Jr. Parade
Wilmington honors Dr. King’s memory on the third Monday of January with a commemorative parade on Castle Street, beginning at noon. 910-352-2473 for more information.
Downtown Wilmington
5th Ave & Castle Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Saturday, 01/21/2012 – Sunday, 01/22/2012
4th Annual Cold Stroke Classic
Featureing a 3.5-mile Recreational course or 7-mile Elite course with a cash purse and prizes for winner. The event also includes a SUP race clinic, manufacturer’s expo with demonstrations, live entertainment and a banquet. For registration, accommodation, banquet, clinic and race details, visit www.coldstrokeclassic.com
Blockade Runner Resort
275 Waynick Blvd
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
www.coldstrokeclassic.com

Saturday, 01/21/2012 10:00 AM – Sunday, 01/22/2012 4:00 PM
147th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher
“The Lights of the Great Armada: 147th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort Fisher.” The Battle of Fort Fisher was the largest amphibious operation of the Civil War. Topics include the Union Navy & Marine Corps operations, Confederate sailors and marines. Free. 910.458.5538 or email fisher@ncdcr.gov
Fort Fisher State Historic Site
1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. S
Kure Beach, NC 28449
www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/fisher.htm

Saturday, 01/21/2012 8:00 PM
New York Voices
Thalian Hall welcomes the Grammy-winning vocal jazz quartet synonymous with exquisite airtight musical perfection. Like Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Singers Unlimited and Manhattan Transfer, New York Voices is heralded among the stellar vocal groups on the globe, infusing jazz, Brazilian, R&B, big band, classical and pop arrangements with unequalled musical brilliance. Box Office: 910.632.2285; 800.523.2820
Thalian Hall Main Stage
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalianhall.org

Sunday, 01/22/2012 3:00 PM – Monday, 01/23/2012
Pied Piper Theatre: Aladdin
This well-loved tale of a very special genie with a very special lamp, permits the whole family to travel together through a very magical bazaar — all the way to Aladdin’s magic cavern. Box Office: 910.632.2285; 800.523.2820
Thalian Hall Main Stage
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalianhall.org

Friday, 01/27/2012 10:00 AM – Sunday, 01/29/2012 5:00 PM
NC Jr. Sorosis Antique Show & Sale
The Show & Sale features dealers with a large selection and diversity of antiques including furniture, jewelry, linens, paintings, porcelain, silver, glassware as well as other decorative arts. Admission tickets are $7. Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 12noon-5pm. 910-799-1324 or email: info@ncsorosis.org
Coast Line Conference & Event Center
501 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.ncsorosis.org

Friday, 01/27/2012 8:00 PM
Dad’s Garage Improv Theatre
Think SNL with your input. The show goes at a hysterical pace and induces nonstop belly laughs. If the idea of a completely unscripted evening of theatre scares you, there’s no need to worry as it’s taken Dad’s Garage years to learn how to be this reckless in front of other people. It’s wildly smart comedy from the funniest people in Atlanta, proving that city’s improv is “second” to none. The night could get raucous. Box Office: 910-632-2285 or 800-523-2820. $25/20/14
Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalianhall.org

Saturday, 01/28/2012 – Sunday, 01/29/2012
2012 Home EXPO & Remodeling Show
With more than 80 exhibitors offering the latest in home improvement products and services including the latest ways to make your living space more eco friendly. The EXPO also includes seminars with tips on reducing energy costs, gardening and more! FREE. Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4. For more info call 910-799-2611.
CFCC Schwartz Center
601 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtonhomeexpo.com

Saturday, 01/28/2012 10:00 AM – Sunday, 01/29/2012 4:00 PM
Cape Fear Model Railroad Show & Sale, 15th Annual
The show will feature model railroad dealers as well as “O”, 027, “G” and “HO” scale modular layouts. Free clinics by Tom Staley from “Tom’s Train Station”, Cary, NC, door prizes and raffles. Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 10am-4pm. Tickets are $5 adults; $3 children; 5 and under free. For more information call 910.270.2696 or 910.371.9595.
American Legion Post 10
702 Pinegrove Road
Wilmington, NC 28409
www.capefearmodelrailroadclub.org

Saturday, 01/28/2012 11:00 AM
Step Up for Soldiers Backyard BBQ Cook-Off
25 teams will take to their grills, forks in hand, secret recipes folded and stashed in pockets, all for the glory of the title and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped a good cause. Admission is free. Tickets can be purchased to sample the BBQs after the double-blind judging is completed. There will be music, raffles, arts and crafts vendors and additional food and drink for purchase. Gates open at 11am and prizes awarded at 2pm. 910-547-0087
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428

Thursday, 02/02/2012 – Saturday, 02/04/2012
NC Jazz Festival, 32nd Annual
This is one of the largest traditional jazz festivals in the Southeast and a STS Top 20 Event. We will open Thursday night featuring 3 hours of different styles of jazz. Friday and Saturday nights we will return to our 7 sets of traditional jazz with a different leader for each set. Our all-star musicians are all world renowned and include guitarist Bucky Pizzarelli, Dion Tucker on trombone, vocalist Nicki Parrott, John Royen, a powerful pianist from New Orleans. For additional festival information and reservations 910-793-1111 or ncjazzfest@yahoo.com
Hilton Wilmington Riverside
301 N. Water Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.ncjazzfestival.com

Thursday, 02/02/2012 – Sunday, 02/05/2012
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird was first published in 1960 winning the prestigious Pulitzer Prize. It was adapted for the screen, winning Oscars for the script and for Gregory Peck (best actor in a leading role). Now, the Thalian Assocations presents this popular stage version which continues to be one of the most inspiring of the American classics addressing the themes of racial injustice and the loss of innocence. Thur-Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. Box Office: 910-632-2285; 800-523-2820.
Thalian Hall Main Stage
310 Chestnut Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.thalian.org

Friday, 02/03/2012 – Sunday, 02/05/2012
Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival
Friday Night – Grand Tasting – Take your pleasure as participating regional vintners and chocolatiers offer their best for ampling and sale. Tickets: $40 in advance/$45 at door. Saturday & Sunday – Sip, Nibble & Sigh – enjoy a tasting tour of the best Caolina wineries, sampe sweet sensations from the region’s signature chocolatiers and revel in the good things in life with demonstrations, informal talks, raffles and more chocolate! Tickets: $12 in advance ($11 for groups of 15 or more)/$15 at door. Hours: Fri 7:30-10, Sat 11-6, Sun noon-4. 910-512-9948, 910-742-0120.
Coastline Conference & Event Center
505 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401

Thursday, 02/09/2012 6:30 PM
Jazz at the CAM with Stardust
The winter jazz series returns with the collaboration between CAM and the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Hear the best mix of musicians and jazz genres in the area. Admission charged. Series and/or individual tickets are available. 910-395-5999 or www.capefearjazz.com
Cameron Art Museum
3201 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
www.cameronartmuseum.com

Friday, 12/16/2011 5:30 PM
70th Anniversary Hannah Block USO
“Christmas 1944 at the Wilmington, USO”. The 70th Anniversary of Wilmington’s World War II renovated and restored USO building, named the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, will feature New Hanover county public school children remembering the home front through history interpretations and music and art presentations. The building is one of a handful of WWII USO’s still standing. For more info: JonesWD@aol.com or 910-793-6393
Hannah Block History USO/Community Arts Center
120 S. 2nd Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wilmingtoncac.org  

Friday, 12/16/2011 6:00 PM – Saturday, 12/24/2011 10:00 PM
Caroling by “REINDEER” Drawn Carriage or Trolley
Come and sing Christmas carols with Santa. See the beautiful lights of old Wilmington snuggled under warm lap blankets in our enclosed Christmas carriage or trolley, pulled by our special “reindeer”. Free candy canes for children. $12 adults, $5 children under 12. Call Springbrook Farms at 910.251.8889 or email horsedrawntours@hotmail.com for more information.
Downtown Wilmington
Water & Market Streets
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.horsedrawntours.com  

Saturday, 12/17/2011 9:00 AM
5K Jingle Bell Run
The Wrightsville Beach Museum of History invites you to participate in the museum’s Third Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run. As this will be a celebratory, holiday event, race participants are encouraged to dress in holiday apparel (i.e. Santa costumes, antlers, snow men etc.). Historic cottages, beautiful winter marshes, and all your old haunts are part of the scenery as you meet the challenge to experience this special 5 K to benefit this special museum. Call 910.256.2569 for more information.
Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
303 West Salisbury Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
www.wbmuseum.com  

Saturday, 12/17/2011 10:00 AM – Sunday, 12/18/2011 4:00 PM
Colonial Christmas
The house will be decorated in the 1700′s Christmas tradition during this two day event. Visitors will be entertained by colonial daners, weaving and spinning, colonial surgeon, static displays, house tours, 18th century kitchen and more. Hot wassail and cookies will be served. Tickets are $10. Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 12-4pm. Call 910.762.0570 for more information.
Burgwin-Wright House Museum
224 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.burgwinwrighthouse.com  

Saturday, 12/17/2011 4:30 PM – Sunday, 12/18/2011 
Polar Express Holiday Show
Annual family favorite: A reading of the classic story, visit from Santa Claus, special “first gift”, treats for kids and hot chocolate for all. Shows take place in a special “story corner” surrounded by exhibits and displays of railroad history and heritage. Seating is limited, reservations required. Readings at 4:30pm & 6:30pm each day. $5 per person. Call 910.763.2634.
Wilmington Railroad Museum
505 Nutt Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.wrrm.org  

Thursday, 12/29/2011 – Sunday, 01/08/2012 
The Full Monty
City Stage presents the musical stage version adapted from the 1997 British film of the same name. Seeing how much their wives enjoy watching male strippers during their “Girls’ Night Out,” unemployed steelworkers in Buffalo, New York come up with a bold way to make some quick cash. In the process they find renewed self-esteem, the importance of friendship and the ability to have fun. All performances will be at Thalian Hall. Dec 29-Jan 1; Jan 5-8. Sunday performances are matinee at 3pm. Dec 31 – New Year’s Eve Gala includes show, drinks and food. 910-264-2602
Thalian Hall Main Stage
304 Chestnut St
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.citystagenc.com

Saturday, 12/31/2011 11:00 AM
New Year’s Noon Countdown @ The Children’s Museum
Join us as we count down the New Year at Noon! Noise Makers, confetti and a good ole’ fashion countdown at noon! Free with admission. Call 910.254.3534 for more information.
Children’s Museum of Wilmington
116 Orange Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.playwilmington.org

Saturday, 12/31/2011 8:00 PM
Keller Williams in Concert
Originally from Fredericksburg, VA, Keller Williams began performing in the early 1990s. His music combines elements of bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, reggae, electronica/dance, jazz, funk, and other assorted genres. For this New Year’s Eve show expect some of his ‘one-man jam-band’ act plus appearances with Keller & the Keels, and Kdublicious. Doors: 8pm; Concert: 9pm. Tickets: $40 Advance: $50 Day of show.
Brooklyn Arts Center at St. Andrews
516 North 4th St
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.brooklynartsnc.com

Saturday, 12/31/2011 9:00 PM
Island of Lights New Year’s Eve Countdown
The New Year’s Celebration will be held at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk near the Gazebo. Don’t miss the giant lighted beach ball being dropped at midnight followed by a spectacular fireworks demonstration. This free family-friendly event will feature a DJ and dancing with refreshments and party favors available for purchase. In an Island of Lights tradition, there will be a raffle, with the winner taking home the original artwork for the 2011 official Christmas card and ornament. Bring the family to join the festivities.
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
www.islandoflights.org/newyears.html

Saturday, 12/31/2011 9:00 PM
New Year’s Eve Celebration Cruise
Cruise into the new year aboard the Henrietta III Riverboat. The cruise along the Cape Fear River includes a heavy hors d’oeuvre buffet, entertainment, party favors and a champagne toast. Pre-paid Reservations Required. All ABC Permits. For more information call 910.343.1611 or 800.676.0162.
Henrietta III Riverboat
Water & Dock Streets
Wilmington, NC 28401
www.cfrboats.com

Thursday, 01/05/2012 6:30 PM
Jazz at the CAM with El Jaye Johns & the Port City All Stars
The winter jazz series returns with the collaboration between CAM and the Cape Fear Jazz Society. Hear the best mix of musicians and jazz genres in the area. Admission charged. Series and/or individual tickets are available. 910-395-5999 or www.capefearjazz.com
Cameron Art Museum
3201 S. 17th Street
Wilmington, NC 28412
www.cameronartmuseum.com

The computer knows what readings are in a normal range for various conditions. Get out of range, and it logs a trouble code and lights up the check engine warning.

The computer will then try to make adjustments if it can. If the computer can’t compensate for the problem, the check engine light stays on.

The computer logs a trouble code. Some people think the code will tell the technician exactly what’s wrong. But the way it actually works is the code will tell the technician what sensor reading is out of parameters. It can’t really tell you why, because there could be any number of causes.

Here is an example:
Let’s say you’re feeling hot. You get your heat sensor out – a thermometer – put it under our tongue and in a minute or two you learn that you have a fever of 104 degrees.

You know your symptom – a fever – but you don’t know what’s causing it. Is it the flu, a sinus infection or appendicitis? You need more information than just that one sensor reading. But it does give you a place to start and narrows down the possible problems.

There are reports on the internet telling you that you can just go down to an auto parts store and get them to read your trouble code or buy a cheap scan tool to do it yourself.

There are two problems with that. First, the computer stores some trouble codes in short term memory, and some in permanent memory. Each manufacturer’s computer stores generic trouble codes, but they also store codes that are specific to their brand.

A cheap, generic scan tool, like you can buy or that the auto parts store uses, doesn’t have the ability to retrieve long-term storage or manufacturer specific codes.

The second problem is that once you’ve got the information, do you know what to do with it? For example, a very common trouble code comes up when the reading on the oxygen sensor is out of whack. So the common solution is for the auto parts store to sell you a new oxygen sensor, which are not cheap, and send you off on your way. Now your oxygen sensor may indeed have been bad and needed replacing. But the error code could have come from any of a dozen of other problems and the service engine light comes right back on in a few days!

How do you know the right solution? Back to the fever analogy, do you need surgery or an aspirin? Leave it to the pros.

In closing, anyone can scan a vehicle for codes and tell you the code and the possible part the code is referring to, but only a certified, experienced auto repair technician who lives and breathes auto repair can correctly diagnose the problem the first time and have you on your way.

Just like you should never try and self-diagnose a potentially serious illness, you should never trust anyone but the experts to help you understand what could really be wrong with the car. And in the end, that could save you a lot of time and a huge headache.

Come into Atlantic Car Care today with any questions or concerns about your vehicle.
www.atlanticcarcare.com
www.facebook.com/AtlanticCarCare
910-794-1390