Can I Reset the Check Engine Light in My Car?

Posted on September 14, 2022 by Benjamin

An illuminated Check Engine Light on the dashboard of your vehicle could mean a lot of things. Some things are quite minor, while others might suggest you need a whole new car. If your Check Engine Light problem is something serious, it is critical that you have it repaired by a certified mechanic as soon as possible. Driving with the Check Engine Light on is dangerous, plus it can cause serious internal damage to the engine and more.

If for some reason you wish to clear the Check Engine Light on your vehicle yourself, there is an easy way to get the job done. Continue below to learn how to reset a Check Engine Light.

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What is Your Check Engine Light Doing?

A flashing Check Engine Light indicates a serious engine problem, such as a bad catalytic converter. A solid Check Engine Light icon signifies a less urgent problem, such as a loose gas cap or defective spark plug. If your issue is something that can be done yourself, like tightening up the gas cap, go right ahead. For all other automotive problems, you will need a professional. A mechanic has the proper skills to read the Check Engine Light code, repair the problem, and clear the icon from your dash.

DIY Check Engine Light Clearing

Unless you have your own Check Engine Light code reader, you will not be able to reset the icon yourself. It is not recommended to ignore a serious mechanical problem and simply reset the Check Engine Light. Not only is this unethical if you want to sell the car down the line, but it is dangerous and only does more harm to the vehicle.

How to Reset the Check Engine Light

Was your problem minor, like a loose gas cap, and you fixed it, but the light won’t turn off? Do this:

Try disconnecting the car battery. Let it sit for several minutes, then connect it back up. This is known to work well.

At a steady pace, turn your vehicle on and off, three times in a row, driving a few miles in between. This usually triggers the onboard computer to reset itself.

You can also just drive for a while, without stopping. Often times, the onboard computer system will run self-tests and finally confirm that the issue is resolved, thus switching off the light.

Are you using a code reader?

Simply plug it in, select the Check Engine Light error code, and erase the code. Some code readers do not have this feature, but most will.

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How to Get Rid of Old Gasoline

Posted on November 4, 2021 by Benjamin

Many car savvy people wrongly assume that old gasoline is harmless since it loses its combustibility over time. However, there is no room for risk when it comes to old cans filled with gasoline. It is your duty as a respectable citizen of your community to ensure that you are getting rid of gasoline, safely and responsibly.

Continue reading to learn how to dispose of old gasoline the right way.

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Safe and Legal Gasoline Disposal

It is important to understand that you cannot simply toss old gasoline in the trash cans and set it on your curb for garbage collection day. Old gasoline, although less combustible, is still a dangerous chemical that can pose countless health and safety risks to you and those in your community. Regardless of combustibility depreciation, old gasoline is still flammable, and therefore still dangerous.

Be a Good Citizen and Know the Laws

Old gasoline is typically unusable, which is why many people find themselves in need of a disposal route. Whether you are draining motorized lawn equipment for the season, emptying the fuel tank in a junk car you are preparing to sell, or storing a surplus of gasoline that has now expired, the method in which you choose to dispose of it matters.

Not only is it important to dispose of old gasoline for the safety and preservation of our local environment and the citizens within our surrounding communities, but it is also important for legal purposes. Many jurisdictions have strict regulations and legal requirements for gasoline disposable. It is important to check with your local county to ensure you are following the proper gasoline disposal procedures. Not sure where to begin?

Here is the standard process of gasoline disposal:

1. Check the Quality

Start by inspecting the gasoline to see if there is any chance it can be reused. Old gasoline may still be reusable if it smells moderately fresh and retains clarity. In order to reuse gasoline safely and effectively, you will need to dilute it with fresh gasoline first.

2. Find a Local Hazardous-Waste Center

Your next step is to find a local hazardous waste disposal center that will accept your old gasoline. You can contact your local police department, county clerk’s office, or garbage management company for answers to your fuel disposal questions.

3. Transfer it to a Government Certified Container

Most likely, your gasoline is already stored in a container that is government approved and certified. If not, you will need to transfer your old gasoline into a government certified container before transferring it to a local hazardous waste disposal center. The conventional red gas cans you see in the store and at the local gas station are government certified containers.

4. Secure Your Cargo for Transportation

Once your gasoline is transferred to government certified containers, it is important to secure them inside your vehicle to avoid spillage in transit. It is recommended to put a box in your car and line it with plastic tarp. Then place the gasoline cans inside to reduce movement during the trip.

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3 Factors Used to Calculate Junk Car Actual Cash Value

Posted on October 15, 2021 by Benjamin

If you are preparing to sell a junk car, you will come across the term, Actual Cash Value (ACV). This term is important to the total profit you make from your junk car. To calculate the actual cash value of a junk vehicle, you must use 3 impressionable factors. Continue reading to learn which 3 factors are used to calculate junk car ACV, and where to get the most money for yours in Central Indiana.

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Actual Cash Value for a Junk Car

Although there are various other factors used to calculate the actual cash value of a junk car, the top three most impressionable factors include book value, fair market value, and the replacement cost. Additional factors might include the age, make, model and condition of the vehicle, as well as the location, difficulty of removal or transport, and the particular discretion of the buyer.

❶ Fair Market Value

Fair market value is similar to the blue book value, but not entirely the same. Both values are often used in combination to estimate the worth of a vehicle. Fair market value is also referred to as wholesale or retail value among auto dealers. Because of the ambiguous definition, fair market value is often used to the insurance company’s advantage when claiming a total loss vehicle.

❷ Book Value

Book value is the closest value to actual cash value (ACV). It is best described as a vehicle’s common value. Top resources for finding book value are Kelly Blue Book, NADA, and similar book value directories.

❸ Replacement Cost

Replacement cost is the retail market value of the same car when purchased brand new, minus a set standard of depreciation and damages. If you were to total your car right now, the money you would receive from the insurance company would be the replacement cost. This factor is mostly used for newer model or brand new vehicles.

Calculating the value of a junk car is done differently all across the nation. It is important to check with your local and federal laws to ensure that you are receiving a fair offer for your junk or total vehicle.

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