Q&A with David Harrison - July 17, 2008

publication date: Jul 14, 2008

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author/source: David Harrison

Volume 3

Q: My 2001 sports coupe’s check engine light is on. Is it safe for me to drive with the check engine light on, or will I cause damage to my vehicle?

A: I recommend that you take your car to a local dealership or reputable independent shop for a diagnosis of the check engine light. With today’s complicated computer controlled cars, a check engine light can signal anything from a loose gas cap to a faulty internal engine sensor. While the vehicle may seem fine with the exception of the light, continued driving with the check engine light illuminated may cause problems to develop.

Issues associated with the check engine light are sometimes bad for fuel economy, too. Additionally, the car will not pass the emissions test for motor vehicle registration unless the check engine fault code is taken care of. Get it checked out!

Q: I just purchased a used 1998 Japanese sedan with squeaky brakes. It is great on gas, but it is noisy when I stop. The previous owner had the brake pads changed about 15,000 miles ago. What do you think is the cause of the brake squeal?

A: Frequently, the source of squeaky brakes is brake pad vibration. Another source is bare metal on bare metal contact, typically a sign that the brake pads have worn down much too far. Since the pads only have 15,000 miles on them, it is unlikely that the source of squeal is from metal on metal contact.

The likely culprit is a low-quality brake pad. Low-quality pads are known for causing vibration that manifests itself in the form of a “nails-on-the-chalkboard” squeal when braking. I suggest taking your car to the dealership for a replacement of the pads in favor of quality original-equipment brake pads.

Also, let the dealership know you want your brake rotors resurfaced. This will “clean” the rotors and allow the new brake pads to properly mate to the rotors.