The Light that No One Wants to See.

We are referring to that dreaded Check Engine Light.  It is part of your car’s so-called onboard diagnostics system.  Over time, computers increasingly have controlled and monitored vehicle performance, regulating such variables as engine speed, fuel mixture, and ignition timing.  These days a computer also tells the automatic transmission when to shift.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, when it finds a problem in the electronic-control system that it can’t correct, a computer turns on a yellow warning indicator labeled “check engine,” or “service engine soon”.  The light may be nothing more than a picture of an engine, perhaps with the word “check”.  Consider yourself lucky if you have never seen it in your vehicle!

A.J.’s Auto Import Garage knows all about the check engine light and what to look for when it goes off on the dashboard of your domestic or foreign car.  You see, A.J’s Import Garage may have import cars in their name, but they service all makes and models.  Make an appointment at their location 501 S.W. Harrison by calling (784) 233-1000.

What is a Catalytic Converter?

A catalytic converter converts (duh!) the harmful exhaust gases produced by the engine into much less harmful emissions before they leave the vehicle's exhaust system.  It looks similar to a muffler and it typically consists of a stainless steel housing with a ceramic honeycomb inside that is full of platinum, palladium and rhodium.

How does a catalytic converter work?  The catalytic converter has multiple sections, commonly referred to as beds.  Each one of these “beds” contains specific catalyst elements that work at a temperature of at least 400 degrees F to promote specific chemical reactions.  That makes less noxious gasses expel from your exhaust pipe.

Repairing a catalytic converter is often done as part of a larger project.  Whatever the case may be, if you own an import car and are driving around the Topeka area you should call on the expertise of A.J.’s Auto Import Garage located at 501 S.W. Harrison in Topeka Kansas.  For catalytic converter repair, or any other maintenance call them at (784) 233-1000.