What Is My Car Trying to Tell Me? The 5 Most Common Causes of a Check Engine Light

The check engine light is the most frustrating of all the dummy lights on your console. It's passive aggressive, telling you yes, there is a problem, now figure out what. Some may ignore it and wait for other symptoms to surface that will direct them to the problem. That's not good. You could potentially be allowing a small problem manifest into a big one. But you also don't want to spend half a day at the mechanic just to find out the problem is something you could have fixed in your driveway.

The easiest and cheapest solution is to make a quick trip to your local auto parts store. Most are equipped with a diagnostic tool that reads the codes from the check engine light. This is usually a free service they provide in hopes that you will purchase your parts with them. Which you should.

A dirty oxygen sensor is a common culprit for the engine check light annoyance. This part is measuring the amount of unburned oxygen that is left over in the exhaust. If it isn't working right you are losing gas and increasing emissions. Not replacing it could cost you the price of a new catalytic converter, so buy the new O2 sensor and replace it right away. This is an easy job to do if you follow the owner's manual instructions.

Believe it or not, your gas cap could cause the check engine to come on. This is one of those things that you can check before you get to the auto part store. If after tightening it the light goes out then you have effectively found and solved the problem without embarrassing yourself. If you do make it there and the diagnostic tool still points to the gas cap, it could be faulty or cracked. All you need to do to stop gas vapors from escaping and turn off that dumb light is replace it with a new one.

The most expensive and problematic cause of the check engine light is a faulty cataltyic converter. This is a big problem that needs to be addressed immediately by a mechanic. There is no easy fix here. If the cat converter has gone bad you have no other choice but to replace it.

Another sensor that can make the check engine light start crying is the mass airflow sensor. This one is like the O2 sensor, if its busted emissions are increased and gas mileage is decreased. Unlike the oxygen sensor, you can't replace this one yourself. You can however increase its life span if you would just change out the air filter like you are supposed to.

Lastly we have the spark plugs. If one stops working it will trigger the check engine light. Luckily for you the auto parts store will most likely have them in stock and if you know what you are doing you can just go ahead and replace them at home.

Motorcycle Custom Painting - Harley Davidson Models

Harley Davidson has been a pioneering brand in American motorcycling since the very beginning. There are many reasons for this besides their inherent quality, a loyal following, innovation and breathtaking designs. Since their inception, they were known as a brand encouraging personalization of these two-wheeled motor vehicles. Motorcycle custom painting is no exception to this fact when it comes to showing your own uniqueness and individualism, it has been that way since the very beginning. Sometimes a motorcycle, as pronounced as it might be, needs to lose that out the factory look in order to gain personality and strength. From flames to be two-tone to murals and more motorcycle custom paintings can add a considerable touch. I will mention Harley Davidson's different models next:

1. Sportster.

These models have been produced since 1957, and they are known for their power and lack of superfluous features. It is an American classic which symbolizes and portrays many values of the Harley Davidson Company. With the smaller tank, detailed murals are probably out. Designs, stripes and simple murals are great.

2. Dyna.

Custom style with raw appeal and big twin performance comprises just some of the appeal of this best-selling motorcycle product line. These classic choppers looking machines are visually attractive and your ability to customize them is high. All types of custom painting are fine.

3. Softail

With more than 25 years in production this model takes the best of the forties to today. With clean looks, it is well suited for touring. Harley Davidson considers it better suited to be an aggressive town beast with capabilities to take a larger route. All types of custom painting are great.

4. V-Rod

This magnificent refined and smooth package is one of the finest cruisers available. It has the great power with very little vibration. With its liquid cooled and large capacity V-Twin engine it is ready to take on the hardest challenges and to turn heads everywhere it goes. Stripes or two-tone are best for this bike.

5. Touring

Harley-Davidson and the highway are two perfect companions. This is shown in this powerful product line. With power to boot and the ability to carry everything you might need while on the road, this classic line is one of the best of its kind worldwide. Anything is fine with this one also.

6. CVO

This head-turning model has lots of chrome and cutting-edge technology inside its classic look. The team is proud about the many details this line of motorcycle has. It is no wonder it has many technological amenities, and it will be a favorite among demanding customers for a very long time. Most custom paintings are fine except for detailed murals for this one.

7. Trike

The open road is the natural home of this beast. This premium model takes the best out of the most legendary motorcycles and enhances them with the best modern technology and power. Luxury is tastefully combined with classic details to provide a unique experience only Harley Davidson can provide. Anything is fine with this one especially.

As you can see, there are many models to choose from. Although each one of these machines can benefit from motorcycle custom painting, sportsters usually gain the predilection of enthusiast and seasoned veterans alike, this is because this line of motorcycles has always been at the forefront of what you may name as cool. Showing your personality and great taste is an important part being the proud owner of a Harley Davidson motor machine. By making one of the finest motorcycles on earth your own is a large part of the promise of freedom and independence.