That amber icon on your dashboard gets your attention immediately when it comes on, and for good reason. The check engine light (CEL) is your vehicle’s way of telling you something in the engine or emissions system needs attention. But because it can signal anything from a loose gas cap to a failing catalytic converter, […]
Regular oil changes are one of the most important parts of vehicle maintenance, but choosing the right oil can feel confusing. With labels like 5W-30 or 0W-20, many drivers aren’t sure what those numbers mean or which option is best. In this guide, we’ll explain what oil weight is, how it affects your engine, and […]
Unlike conventional automatic transmissions that shift between fixed gear ratios, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) uses a system of belts or chains and pulleys that can adjust to an infinite number of gear ratios. Think of it as having one smooth, continuous gear rather than 5, 6, or even 10 distinct gears. Traditional automatics shift […]
![Signs of a Dirty Engine Air Filter [5 Signs]](https://sunautomotive.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/dirtyfilter-share-scaled.avif)
As a vehicle owner, it’s important to keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. One critical component of your car’s engine system is the air filter. The air filter plays a crucial role in ensuring the engine receives the clean air it needs to run without issue. In this post, we’ll discuss the signs of […]
If you’ve owned a car for an extended period of time, it will reach a point where components that you normally don’t think about need to be replaced. The majority of the components in your car are not considered “maintenance items” (maintenance items are things like spark plugs, brakes, fluids, and filters). Wear items (think […]
Have you ever stopped at a light and noticed that your vehicle’s idle just feels a bit off? If you’re experiencing your vehicle’s engine struggling to sustain a steady idle while stopped, it could be a sign of issues within your powertrain. In this article, we’ll go over the causes of a rough idle, what […]
Power steering is one of those systems in our vehicles that often goes taken for granted and is mostly forgotten while operating properly. That is, until it experiences a failure. The loss of power steering can be one of the most abrupt and worrying sensations while driving, as you lose the hydraulic or electric steering […]
Alternators are one of the most important components of any vehicle’s electrical system. While automotive batteries get much of the attention, they’re generally only used in the initial startup of the vehicle. On the other hand, the alternator is responsible for providing the power necessary to run all of your vehicle’s crucial systems. When the […]
Most drivers understand, to some level, the importance of spark plugs in their engine, as they’re responsible for producing the electrical spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber. With the constant use that spark plugs see, firing once for every power stroke of the piston. Given that spark plugs fire once for […]
The timing system of your powertrain is responsible for ensuring that each step of the combustion cycle occurs at precise intervals to keep the engine operating smoothly and efficiently. If the various components of your engine were an orchestra, the timing system would be the conductor. Timing systems rely on either a chain or a […]