Summer is all about road trips, warm weather, and enjoying the open road. But while the sunshine is great for weekend adventures, the heat can take a toll on your vehicle. High temperatures can contribute to everything from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the repair bill can be just as painful.

If you've ever had your check engine light scanned at your local AutoZone, you probably remember the employee plugging a scanner into your vehicle's OBD-II port and printing out one or more trouble codes. I'm sure there was a sense of relief; after all, the scanner identified the problem...right?

When working on a vehicle, it is easy to misdiagnose certain problems. After all, when an OBD-II scanner pulls a code related to an oxygen (O2) sensor, your mind naturally jumps to the component mentioned. However, knowing how to chase root causes instead of throwing parts at a problem is what separates a solid diagnostic workflow from money poorly spent.

Vehicle: 2016 Chevy Tahoe, 2WD, V8-5.3L, Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 166,008

Problem: Originally, the vehicle came in with a misfire on cylinder No. 8 caused by a failed fuel injector. The extended warranty would only replace the injectors on the right bank and would not pay for spark plugs. The customer refused to pay any extra out of pocket. The vehicle left with no issues.

Figuring out what comes after high school is not always clear. College is one path, but it is not the only one. For students who enjoy working with their hands, solving problems, and seeing the results of their work, there is another option that leads directly into a career.

That is where SkillsUSA comes in.

We’ve all been there before. You’re casually driving along when the outline of what looks like a 4-year-old’s interpretation of a yellow submarine suddenly appears on your dashboard. While it’s thankfully not the genie-in-the-lamp oil light coming on, it’s still cause for concern, and that concern grows when it starts flashing. Sure, you could pull the bulb or throw a piece of tape over it and pretend your car isn’t trying to tell you something, but figuring out why the light is on isn’t difficult. Modern vehicles no longer fail silently, and ignoring the problem can quickly lead to bigger, more expensive issues.

When working on a vehicle, it is easy to misdiagnose certain problems. After all, when an OBD-II scanner pulls a code related to an oxygen (O2) sensor, your mind naturally jumps to the component mentioned. However, knowing how to chase root causes instead of throwing parts at a problem is what separates a solid diagnostic workflow from money poorly spent.

Vehicle: 2021 Toyota RAV4, 4WD, L4-2.5L (A25A-FKS), Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 163,956

Problem: This vehicle came in with a customer concern of stalling when stopping or idling and sometimes while driving. Each time the engine restarted. The customer stated that several other shops had worked on the vehicle and replaced the mass air flow (MAF) sensor, purge valve and spark plugs, but the problem wasn’t fixed.

It never fails. The forecast calls for cold weather, and the next morning, you walk out to your car, reminding yourself why you wish you were on a beach somewhere else, only to turn the key and get a few slow cranks, followed by an electronic stutter as a Christmas tree of warning lights illuminates the dashboard. The battery that worked just fine before the cold set in is suddenly dead, and now you’re late for work. While it’s easy to blame Murphy’s Law or bad luck, the real reasons behind winter battery failure are far more scientific. 

When it comes to automotive care, there is only so much an owner can do to keep a vehicle in top shape. For those living in climates where roads are salted to improve winter traction, some damage is simply unavoidable. Over time, salt and moisture work their way into fasteners and seams, turning routine garage work into frustration, like when a 12 mm bolt head suddenly rounds, or worse, snaps off. At the same time, watching once-clean fender lines, rocker panels, and other salt-spray zones begin the process of rust deterioration is more than cosmetic; it’s heartbreaking, wallet-busting, and a reminder that spring and summer better be perfect to offset the harsh winters.

For some, winter means skiing, snowmobiling and other cold-weather fun. For your vehicle, however, winter can bring a long list of problems. These issues do not fix themselves over time and, when left unnoticed, can lead to costly repairs and, eventually, a vehicle that is no longer safe or roadworthy. To help prevent that, here are some of the most critical components affected by winter driving.

Vehicle: 2017 Ford F550, 4WD, Super Duty, V8-6.7L DSL Turbo

Mileage: 140,598

Problem: This vehicle was brought to the shop because the malfunction indicator light (MIL) was on, and the engine kept stalling intermittently. Also, the engine occasionally took a long time to start.

There are few pastimes that capture American culture quite like a car show. I spent my youth immersed in car shows and racing events, with a father who always had a project in the driveway (something I naturally inherited). But don’t let that make you think you wouldn’t be welcome if you're not a traditional “car person.” Car shows are about more than just the cars; they’re a way for owners to showcase their finest achievements and builds. Since COVID has passed, destination-style, weeklong car shows have grown in popularity, celebrating not just the rides themselves but the culture and camaraderie that surround them.

Vehicle: 2010 Toyota Tundra, 2WD, V8-5.7L (3UR-FE), Automatic Transmission/Transaxle

Mileage: 187,009 miles

Problem: The owner’s concern was that the transmission would shift into fourth gear but not overdrive. The malfunction indicator light (MIL) and the traction control lights were on.

If you spend enough time reading automotive care magazines, you will start to see the same fall maintenance tips over and over: check your tire pressure, inspect your brake rotors, inspect fluid levels, and maybe even check the two-digit month and year on your battery to see if it is nearing the end of its life (typically 3-5 years on average). While these are all great suggestions to work into your maintenance schedule, they are a bit redundant. We thought a new list with some oddball ideas might be a better fit.