Blog

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Electrical problems are some of the most frustrating issues for any driver, as the source of the issue is difficult to pinpoint. Fortunately, your Chrysler dealer is here to help you. We can quickly and easily fix any possible fault in the electrical system. These are a few of the issues we can repair. 3 Electrical Problems You Should Always Fix at Your Chrysler Dealer Battery Issues The battery's most important task is to supply the power used to start your engine. Its secondary function is to maintain your car's electrical systems when the engine is switched off. Electricity is stored in the battery in the form of chemical energy. Over time, the battery chemicals will degrade, and the battery will fail naturally. This usually occurs within three to five years. more A battery can also be affected by other engine issues. The alternator is responsible for replenishing the power used by the battery. If your alternator is weak or damaged, it can't fully recharge the battery, and the battery will weaken. Other issues like corroded battery clamps or wiring issues can cause battery problems. Our technicians are experts at diagnosing and repairing any battery-related situation. Starter Issues As we saw above, the battery supplies power to start your engine. When you push the start button, an electrical impulse is sent from the battery to the starter solenoid. This charge activates the solenoid, which then powers the starter. The starter then cranks your engine, and this mechanical process starts combustion, which then powers your car. If you experience slow cranking or the engine won't crank at all, you could have a starter problem. A starter can fail due to age, but it's more common for the solenoid to wear out. A failed solenoid won't pass the charge to the starter, and this prevents the engine from cranking. A start-related problem will cause the battery warning light to illuminate. We'll examine your starter and the rest of the system and fix the problem. Alternator Issues The alternator is a mini electrical generator that supplies power to your Chrysler's systems. It's powered by the movement of the crankshaft as you drive. An alternator is a very rugged component with few moving parts, but even it can eventually wear out. A failing alternator produces less electricity than it previously did, and this supply will drop until the alternator fails. A failing alternator will cause a variety of problems, from jammed systems, like heated seats that refuse to work, to dim headlights, to a dead battery. We can test your alternator, and replace it if it's wearing out. Electrical system problems can be quickly repaired by our technicians, especially if identified early. Contact our service department today at Tom O'Brien CDJR - Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN.

As the temperatures drop and the snowflakes begin to fall, all of us drivers here in Indianapolis, IN, need to take a moment to consider the state of our tires. Winter driving can be treacherous, and having good tires can make all the difference in maintaining safety on the road. What Are Winter Tires? Winter tires are designed to perform well in cold temperatures, snow, and ice. Their unique rubber compound remains pliable in freezing conditions, providing better traction and grip. In addition, their tread patterns are specially designed to channel snow and slush away, enhancing control and preventing accidents. And just like normal tires, these tires will need to be replaced after a few seasons of wear and tear. more When Should Drivers in Indianapolis, IN Get New Winter Tires? Tread Depth One of the key indicators that it's time to invest in new tires is the tread depth. The minimum recommended tread depth for tires is 6/32 inches. To check the tread depth, you can use a tread depth gauge or even a penny. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head when you insert the penny into the tread, it's time for new tires. Insufficient tread depth can result in reduced traction, leading to dangerous skidding on slippery roads. Age of the Tires Even if your tires have adequate tread depth, it's essential to consider their age. Rubber deteriorates over time, and tires can lose their effectiveness as they age. If your tires are more than six years old, it's advisable to replace them, even if they appear to be in good condition. Older tires may not provide the same level of grip and safety as newer ones. Visible Damage Inspect your tires for any visible damage, such as cracks, bulges, or punctures. Damage to the tire's sidewall or tread can compromise its performance and safety. If you notice any signs of damage, it's best to replace the tire promptly. Climate and Weather Forecast In Indiana, winter weather can vary from mild to severe. Monitoring the climate and weather forecast can help you determine when it's time to install those tires for the winter months. It's advisable to get tires on your vehicle before the first significant snowfall or when temperatures consistently drop below 45°F (7°C). Don't wait until winter's worst weather hits. Visit us here at Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis today, and make sure you're equipped for safe winter driving. We offer a wide selection of tires that are designed to provide exceptional performance in cold and snowy conditions. Our experienced technicians can help you choose and install the right tires for your vehicle to get you through these winter months safely.

The combustion process that provides the energy to move your car also generates toxic chemicals. These chemicals would contribute to airborne pollution, but your Chrysler has a very efficient catalytic converter that prevents this. The converter will eventually wear out or get damaged, and you'll need a replacement from your Chrysler dealer. We'd like you to know some signs that your converter could be in trouble. Signs You Need a New Catalytic Converter From Your Chrysler Dealer Your Engine Dies Just After It Starts If you start the engine, and it dies within seconds of starting, you could have a converter problem. When the engine is running, the combustion process produces a residue in each cylinder. This residue consists of burnt fuel and air, and it's dumped into the converter when each cylinder opens. Once inside the converter, the residue is converted into less toxic chemicals and then passes out of the exhaust pipe. more Carbon is a byproduct of conversion, and it can build up in the converter and block the exit of the converter. This blockage forces the exhaust gases back into the engine and increases engine pressure. If the converter is completely blocked, the exhaust gases produced when your engine starts can raise the pressure high enough to shut down your engine. We can fix this problem by removing the blockage. Your Converter is Blue The converter is one of your car's components that you can examine without any special tools or effort. If you look underneath your car and follow the exhaust pipe to the front of your car, you'll spot the converter. It's bulbous or oblong and looks shinier than the rest of the exhaust system. If you look at the converter, and it's blue or blue-tinged, your converter has failed. A converter operates at a temperature of 1,200 F to 1,600 F, and a temperature of 2,000 F or over, can destroy its internal structure. The internal temperature in the converter can rise due to engine misfiring. When this happens, the hot, unburnt contents of the cylinder are dumped into the converter and can raise it enough to burn out. We'll examine the converter and replace it if it's damaged. Check Engine Light An illuminated check engine light is always a sign of an engine problem. Every vital component in your engine has a sensor connected to it. These sensors report any problem with the component they're attached to. If the converter is blocked or has developed any other problem, sensors will detect the problem and inform your computer. When this happens, the check engine light will illuminate as a warning of the problem. Our technicians will identify the problem and repair or replace the converter if it's damaged. If your converter is failing, call us right away at Tom O'Brien CDJR - Indianapolis.

Many car accidents happen at night due to reduced visibility. Your headlights are an important safety feature once the sun goes down. If you notice any of these four signs of failing bulbs, don't hesitate to visit your nearest Chrysler dealer for a pair of new headlights. Time for New Headlights? Visit Your Indianapolis Chrysler Dealer Dimming Light As they near the end of their lifespan, both high-intensity discharge (HID) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs tend to lose a great deal of their brightness. If you notice you can't see quite as far as before, it might be time for replacements. more The third type of headlight bulb – halogen bulbs – don't dim much. Instead, they flicker and then go out all at once. This is because of how tungsten particles recycle inside the filament. Hazy Light If the light from your headlights seems quite hazy, the culprit might be dimming bulbs, but it might also be damage to the acrylic headlight surface. Exposure to UV rays in sunlight can oxidize the plastic over time, causing them to haze over. Thousands of tiny scratches from road debris have the same effect over enough time. You can protect the acrylic somewhat with car wax or automotive sealant, just as you protect your car's bodywork. Flickering Light If you're using halogen bulbs, then any flickering means the filament is broken and failing. That bulb will have to be replaced. With LED or HID bulbs, flickering tends to mean there's loose wiring or some other disruption to the voltage. Halogen bulbs are less likely to flicker in this case as the filament that creates the glow stays hot enough to cover small gaps in the voltage. Blowing Fuse As some headlight bulbs fade, especially lower-quality bulbs, they create an unsteady draw on the battery's voltage. This volatility can cause the headlight fuse to blow. If this happens a few times, your headlights probably need to go. The Lifespan of Different Bulb Types It's a good idea to know which type of headlight bulb you're using. Halogen bulbs have the shortest lifespan by far at only around 500 to 1,000 miles of usage. HID bulbs last anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on the quality. LED bulbs can last an impressive 30,000 of usage, which can sometimes be the entire lifespan of your car. Upgrade Your Bulbs at Your Local Dealership With many modern car models, you can have your headlights upgraded to a superior type of bulb at your nearest dealership. If you have LED bulbs installed, the money and hassle saved over the decades ahead will usually far outweigh the cost of upgrading. Have your headlights checked and replaced today at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Indianapolis. We offer a wide range of vehicles and top-notch customer service, whatever your vehicle needs may be.

Summer is a time when everyone enjoys driving. Road conditions are good, the sun is shining, and the world feels great. We all, however, depend on our AC when the temperature gets just a little too hot. Your car AC not working can make driving feel very uncomfortable very quickly. As your Chrysler dealer, we can fix any AC problem for you. These are signs that you may need to visit us for an AC repair. Car AC Not Working? Visit Your Chrysler Dealer Today No Air From the AC When the temperature is sweltering, you need that blast of cold air to make life bearable. If you turn on the AC and there's no air movement through the vents, your AC has a problem. There are several possible causes for this problem, inducing a blockage in the vents or ducts, a worn compressor, or a damaged blower motor. more Dirt and debris can build up and block the air vent underneath your windshield that draws air in for the AC. If the vent is blocked, air won't enter the AC system, and the AC won't work. The compressor is responsible for controlling the AC system, and a damaged compressor prevents air from moving through the system. Finally, the blower motor is responsible for blowing cold air into the cabin. Our technicians will need to examine your AC to find and fix the problem. Refrigerant Leak Refrigerant is essential for your AC system, as it chills the air that bows into the cabin. Without refrigerant, your AC system would operate just like a fan. This gas is highly pressurized, and any damage to the AC system can cause a refrigerant leak. To trace a leak in the system, our technicians feed a special UV dye into the AC and then start the system. The technicians use a UV viewer to trace the progress of the refrigerant through the system until they spot the source of the leak. Once we've identified the site of the leak, we'll seal it, and your AC will work effectively again. Wet Passenger Floor Water on the passenger floor is usually a sign of a blockage in the AC system. During the cooling process, humidity is removed from the air drawn into the AC. The humidity is converted into water, which drains out of your car. This humidity is the source of the puddles you can see underneath cars in the summer. The water drains out of your car via a drain hose behind the front section of the passenger side of the cabin. If this hose is blocked, the water will overflow into the passenger compartment. We can clean or replace the drain hose to fix this problem. If you have any problem with your AC, call us today at Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis.

No one knows the ins and outs of a Chrysler engine better than a qualified technician at a certified Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and RAM dealership. That's why it's always a wise decision to take your car to a Chrysler dealer if you're experiencing any of these three common engine problems. 3 Engine Problems You Should Always Fix At Your Chrysler Dealer Damaged Ignition Coil The ignition coil is a key component of your car's engine. Fitted above the spark plug, the coil amplifies your car's normal 12-volt alternator voltage to a staggering 50,000 volts, triggering the spark that ignites the fuel-air mixture in your engine's cylinders. more A damaged or worn ignition coil can cause all sorts of engine performance problems because it won't provide enough power for its spark plug. The lack of power can cause misfiring, or prevent combustion in the cylinder altogether. Strange noises from the engine and poor acceleration are other common symptoms of a bad ignition coil. If you think you might have a problem with your ignition coil, it's important to get it fixed as soon as possible. Damaged Catalytic Converter As your car's engine burns fuel, it produces several unwanted combustion byproducts that are released into the exhaust system. These can be harmful to both your car and the environment, so your car's catalytic converter is designed to convert them into harmless chemicals before they are released into the air. However, the converter can become blocked or damaged by a build-up of byproducts, especially carbon. Should this happen, the engine gases forced into the exhaust system will flow back into your engine. This backflow can lead to problems like stalling, damaged spark plugs, and poor fuel efficiency. A skilled technician can examine your converter and remove any blockages that may have formed, or replace the converter if necessary. Colored Tailpipe Exhaust More a symptom of a problem than the problem itself, colored exhaust smoke from your car's tailpipe is one of the easiest ways to tell that something is wrong with your engine. If you see black, blue, or white smoke coming from your exhaust, it's a definite sign that fluids are leaking into the exhaust system. Black smoke is a sign of a damaged catalytic converter or an engine running rich on too much fuel. Blue or white smoke both point to a damaged head gasket. Blue smoke means engine oil is leaking through a crack in the head gasket into the exhaust. White smoke also indicates leakage into the exhaust, but instead of oil, it's water from the engine's coolant that's leaking through the blown gasket. These are just a few engine-related problems that you should always fix at your local dealership. If you're experiencing these or any other engine performance issues, call today to schedule a service appointment at Tom O'Brien Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram - Indianapolis.

After an accident, knowing how to proceed can be stressful and intimidating. Where do you turn for quality collision repair services, and what can you do to reduce or minimize damage to your car? The best place to turn is your Chrysler dealer, who will have intimate expertise in that specific make and model. 4 Keys to Getting a Quality Collision Repair from Your Chrysler Dealer 1. Don't Drive a Damaged Car If you've just gotten into an accident and your vehicle miraculously still drives, the best thing you can do for it is to pretend that it doesn't. The worst thing you can do for your vehicle after an accident is to continue to drive on it. It has financial and safety repercussions. more Even if the vehicle has the ability to go, it is inadvisable to operate it as it could exacerbate damage and make things harder to fix. It also puts the driver in danger of an accident as the extent of the damage internally has not been assessed. 2. Book Repair Services Immediately The longer that you wait after an accident, the more chance you give damage to worsen. If corrected early, many issues can be solved in a cheaper and faster way than if left to wear down further. Be sure to call professionals to book a repair service immediately and have the vehicle looked at. Your local Chrysler operation will have friendly and informative professionals to help assess your situation and book your repairs. 3. Get To Know Your Mechanic Your dealership will be easiest to work with on repairs when you spend time getting to know your contact person and their experience. Ask questions about the damage so that you can ensure you understand what will be done to repair your vehicle, and why it is necessary. You can also ask to hear from prior references or hear about other similar damages and similar vehicles that the mechanic has worked on. This can be a great way to get to know the person who will be handling your vehicle and to understand if they feel comfortable taking on this type of damage. 4. Opt for Chrysler Expertise Try to work with professionals who have experience directly with the make and model of the vehicle that you drive. While all mechanics can perform the job, the best candidate is one who is intimately familiar with the specific way that your car is built. Dealerships can be the perfect spot to go for repair services after an accident as they understand the inner workings of the specific car. You don't need to panic when your vehicle is left reeling after an accident occurs. The damage can be undone with powerful repair offerings from a quality local Chrysler-based dealership. Visit Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for some of the best high-quality repair services in the area.

Replacing your Dodge parts when they are worn out boosts performance, improves fuel economy, prolongs your car's life, and most importantly, promotes your safety while on the road. There are many places you can take your car for repair and parts replacement, but here are several reasons to choose an authorized dealership: 5 Reasons You Should Go to an Authorized Dealership for Dodge Parts Replacement 1. OEM Parts Just like with vehicles, authorized dealerships get their parts directly from the manufacturer. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed by the same engineers that created the parts your car came with. Since these parts are made with your specific car model in mind, they are a perfect replacement and fit. more They do not require any modification or adjustment to work properly, though that is often the case with many generic parts sold at regular auto repair shops. While some people may consider aftermarket parts to save on replacement costs, they often spend more in the end because those parts do not offer the quality and reliability found in OEM parts. 2. Dodge-Trained Technicians All technicians receive training to help them diagnose and address technical and mechanical failures in different types of cars. In addition to this general training, technicians at authorized dealerships receive additional training and regular updates from the automaker. This ensures the technicians have an in-depth knowledge of all aspects of your vehicle, allowing them to detect some problems that a general mechanic might miss. Additionally, since they spend their day doing replacements and repairs on other Dodge cars, they can replace damaged parts in minutes, ensuring minimal interference in your schedule. 3. Safeguards the Warranty The warranty helps you take care of your car by covering some repair and maintenance services for a specified period. However, it comes with certain terms and conditions. Failure to meet these conditions can void your warranty, preventing you from enjoying the covered services. Some of the things that can void your warranty include damages caused by generic parts or those suffered at an unauthorized auto repair shop. Since dealerships use OEM parts and have certified technicians, you do not have to worry about violating the warranty terms. 4. Special Tools and Equipment Each year, automakers include additional technological features and mechanical parts to ensure they meet their customer's ever-changing demands. Technological and mechanical hardware is prone to wear and tear or failure. While many regular repair centers have the necessary tools to replace general parts, a significant number do not have tools to diagnose the failure and replace some of Dodge's unique parts. Authorized dealerships have the tools and equipment to help replace even the most delicate and unique parts. 5. Service History Record Dealerships keep a record of all replacements and adjustments made on your car. A clear service history record helps you fetch a higher price when you sell your car, helps the dealership remind you of scheduled maintenance, and can get you lower insurance rates. Taking your Dodge to an authorized dealership gives you access to certified mechanics, OEM parts, and special tools and equipment. Dealerships also help you preserve your warranty and keep a detailed service history record. Visit Tom O'Brien Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Plano in Indianapolis, IN, for all your replacements and repairs.

When a car battery is weak or failing, all sorts of electric issues pop up, it will be hard to start your vehicle, and before you know it, your car will not start at all. Below are ways to tell if it's time to get a new car battery from your Chrysler dealer before you get stranded. Is It Time for Your Chrysler to Get a New Car Battery From Your Chrysler Dealer? Your Battery Is Old Batteries have a limited life cycle. In general, a car battery can last anything from three to six years. Over time batteries deteriorate, become weak, and fail. When a battery is three years old, have it tested regularly to determine if it still holds a sufficient charge and requires a replacement. You want to replace the battery before your electronic accessories start giving problems, or it becomes difficult to start your car. more You're Struggling With Electric Issues When your car battery loses charge and becomes weak, it will trigger your car's battery or check engine light due to the fluctuation in voltage. Your dashboard lights and headlights will be dim, the power windows and windshield wipers will move slower, and your radio, heated seats, or sunroof might not work at all. When you see a dashboard warning light is on, get your car checked out by a qualified technician as soon as you can to avoid a breakdown. You Notice a Build-Up Around the Terminals It's best to ask your technician to inspect your battery. If you see a white substance on top of the battery around the metal connections, the build-up will cause voltage issues, making it hard to start your car. You can quickly get rid of the build-up by brushing it off with a solution of water and baking soda. If the corrosion has already caused damage, you need a battery replacement. It's Difficult To Start Your Car When you have a problem starting your car, it could be due to a weak battery. When the engine is cranking slower than usual and takes longer to start, a malfunctioning alternator that is not properly recharging the battery could also be the culprit. To determine if it's the battery or the alternator causing the problem, try to jump-start your car. If it keeps running after the jump-start, your battery is weak. If you need a jump-start more than once a week to get your vehicle going, it's best to replace the battery before your car doesn't start at all. The Battery Case Is Damaged Extreme hot or cold temperatures could cause damage to the battery case. The case could become misshapen or even crack. Replace a battery ASAP when the case is swollen, warped, or cracked to avoid leaking chemicals from eating away at other components under the hood. You Smell a Sulfurous Odor If you pop your head under the hood and you smell a sulfurous odor, much like the horrible smell of rotten eggs, your battery is damaged or overcharged. Leaks could form when a battery is bloated, cracked, or old, releasing hydrogen sulfide. Not only does it smell awful, but the chemical leak will also cause corrosion that could damage engine components. Act fast and replace the battery to avoid expensive repairs. Don't ignore battery problems to avoid electric issues and breakdowns. Inspect and get your battery tested regularly. If you experience battery issues, visit Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis today for a battery test and a range of high-quality batteries.

Your alternator is a relatively simple component, but it is a critical part of your vehicle. It is powered by the turning of the crankshaft, and it turns this mechanical power into electrical energy. This energy is used to charge your battery and power all of the electrical devices in your Chrysler. An alternator has a finite life, and when it starts to fail you need to see your Chrysler dealer for an alternator repair. How to Tell When You Need To See Your Chrysler Dealer for an Alternator Repair Damaged or Misaligned Belts The serpentine belt, also known as the alternator belt, drives several devices in your engine including the alternator, the water pump, and the power steering pump. As the belt moves, it spins pulleys attached to each of these devices and powers them. The belt is made from tough, reinforced rubber and moves continuously as you drive. Although the belt is tough, the constant tension and movement can cause it to wear down. If the belt frays, it will work less efficiently. The belt can also partially slip off one of the pulleys, or one of the pulleys can jam and disrupt the belt. If you pop the hood, you can visually inspect your belt and any damage will be easy to see. Our technicians can install a new belt if it's damaged, or if there is a problem with one of the pulleys we can fix that too. more A Weird Smell A damaged or misaligned belt will still move, but it will create more friction than it was designed to. This friction causes the belt to heat up, and this produces a burning rubber smell which also signals that the belt is taking extra damage. An electrical fire smell from the engine means that the belt is slipping and needs to be correctly reset on one of the pulleys. Our technicians will check the tension on the belts, their overall condition, and look for signs of a misaligned belt. We can replace the belt if necessary, but the belt may simply need to be reset and tensioned correctly. A serpentine belt is inexpensive, and our service department always has replacements available. Damaged or Loose Wiring Your engine contains numerous wires and cables that transmit power from the alternator to all the peripheral devices that require it. Cables can fray due to wear, and this will affect the supply of power in your car. A wire can also loosen due to movement and this can also disrupt the electrical supply. Damage or loose wiring is not always easy to spot, but our highly-trained technicians have the best technology available to trace any electrical supply problem. If you have strange noises or noises from your engine, or something just doesn't feel right, call our service center at Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis. Our experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we can speedily find and repair any problem with your vehicle.

If you suspect you need a radiator repair, it's important to visit your Chrysler dealer immediately. Your radiator helps to control the engine temperature and prevent your car from overheating. An engine is very hot naturally due to the heat given off by combustion and constant moving parts. When you add a hot summer sun to the mix, your engine certainly needs to keep cool. These are some of the reasons you need to get your radiator checked. Do You Need a Radiator Repair at Your Chrysler Dealer? Damaged Radiator Tubes When your engine temperature rises, coolant is released to reduce the temperature. Coolant is a mix of antifreeze and water, and as it travels through your engine it absorbs the heat. This hot coolant is pumped under pressure into the radiator where it will be cooled. The liquid enters the radiator and flows into thin tubes, and air from the radiator grille blows over the pipes to reduce the temperature of the liquid. more The thin tubes are designed to carry hot liquid under pressure, but they are also delicate. Debris lying on the road can be drawn into the radiator grille, and this debris can strike the tubes and damage them. If enough of the tubes are damaged or bent, your radiator will have increasing difficulty in cooling your engine. You can check for signs of damage by looking through the grille, and if the tubes are damaged contact our service department. A Damaged Thermostat The supply of coolant in your engine is controlled by the thermostat. When the engine reaches a predetermined temperature of between 180º F and 195º F, the valve opens and releases coolant. As the coolant flows through your engine and reduces the temperature, the thermostat will start to close. A thermostat can fail, and if it does it can jam in an open or closed position. If the thermostat jams open, it will continue to supply coolant even when it is not required and your engine will operate inefficiently. A closed thermostat will not release coolant at all, and your engine temperature will start to rise uncontrollably. The rising temperature can cause serious damage to your engine. The good news is our technicians and easily replace the thermostat. Leaking Coolant A coolant leak is usually easy to spot. Coolant is available in yellow, green, or pink, and if you find a pool of this liquid under your car you definitely have a coolant leak. The cooling system operates under high temperature and high pressure, and a loose hose clip, a worn hose, or damage to the radiator can all cause this liquid to leak out. Our technicians will investigate, and we can perform a pressure test to find and identify the source of the leak. If the problem is a damaged radiator, we can quickly replace it for you. To protect your engine from serious damage, if you think you have a radiator problem call us immediately at Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis.

As a car owner, it's important for you to be constantly on the lookout for signs and symptoms of impending trouble. Every time you turn in your car or hit the road, take note of any odd behaviors or strange issues that may arise, and, once you notice them, get to your Chrysler dealer as soon as possible for an engine diagnostic. Automotive problems will only worsen over time if they go untreated. 1. Knocking Noise A knocking noise that begins to come from under the hood is an indication of engine trouble. If the noise rises and falls in speed with the engine's RPMs, then an engine bearing is most likely failing. Engine bearings support the movement of the moving engine parts, and when it seizes, the car's engine can suffer some major damage. more 2. Increased Exhaust If you notice more smoke than is typical coming out of your vehicle's tailpipe, then a maintenance appointment should be scheduled. The color of the smoke will often indicate the type of problem that is occurring. Blue smoke is indicative of burning oil, and white exhaust means that coolant has gotten into the combustion chamber. Black smoke is never a good sign, as it means that too much fuel is being used. 3. Illuminated Check Engine Light The check engine light was installed on your vehicle to alert you to a problem before your car completely shuts down. Too many people ignore that light multiple times after turning their car on, resulting in increased damage. When the check engine light illuminates, getting your vehicle in for a diagnostic test is imperative in preventing further damage. If left unchecked, whatever issue has arisen will become larger, costing you more time and money to fix it. 4. Decreased Performance If you have noticed a decrease in fuel efficiency, or it has become difficult to get your car to accelerate on command, then your engine may not be working at its best. A failing engine can present in many ways, but a decrease in overall performance is a good indication that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. Another sign that may be tough to identify on a regular basis is if your car begins to require more warm-up time than is typical. You know your car best, so pay close attention to what is considered normal for your engine. A more serious sign could be if your engine turns itself off when the vehicle has come to a stop. Even if it turns back on, a rough idle means your engine is struggling. Never hesitate to visit our dealership if you suspect that your engine, or another part of your vehicle, is experiencing issues. For quality technicians and professional engine repair, contact us today at Tom O'Brien CJDR - Indianapolis. Our expert team will diagnose and repair any issues at hand, getting you back on the road as quickly and safely as possible. Give us a call to schedule your next auto repair.   Image via Jeep.com