Beyond the trending Google searches like “Game of Thrones Season 8 Air Date” or “Academy Award Winners”, millions of drivers are turning to Google to find quick answers to their most pressing car questions.
We analyzed Google Trends to see what’s grinding US drivers’ gears in 2019 and to provide you with the most helpful, relevant answers from our automotive care experts at Team Openbay:
Search: My car won’t start
Team Openbay response: Here’s the 5 most likely reasons:
1 – Your spark plugs need replacing. Spark plugs are part of your ignition system and play a major role in your vehicle’s ability to start and run properly. If your car’s engine cranks as if it’s trying to start, but won’t turn fire, this is a sign that your spark plugs are possibly in need of replacement.
2 – Your fuel injection system may need servicing. Fuel injectors are your engine’s fuel delivery system. If your car starts and immediately dies, the solution may be a fuel injection service or a fuel injector(s) replacement.
3 – You might have a dead battery. If you don’t have the convenience of automatic headlights or you (or your passenger) absentmindedly left your interior dome light on overnight, your battery might have drained itself out of power. You’ll know your battery is dead if you put the key into the ignition, turn it and nothing happens. You may hear a click, or just silence. If this is the case, you can get a jump or request roadside assistance with the Openbay app.
4 – A clogged fuel filter. If your engine cranks but does not start, your fuel filter could be partially blocked. Avoid a potential problem by checking out Openbay’s Maintenance Schedule Lookup tool or your owner’s manual to see how often you should be replacing your fuel filter. If your engine takes too long to start, your fuel filter may be partially blocked. Some vehicle’s fuel filters are now only serviceable with your fuel pump assembly, so don’t be alarmed if you cannot find a scheduled maintenance service interval for your fuel filter.
5 – A bad ignition switch. The symptoms are easily confused with those of a dead battery (nothing happens when you turn the key), but you may still have power to operate your car radio, interior lights or headlights. If this is the case, then your battery is likely still okay and you should book an appointment for an ignition system diagnosis.
If your car won’t start, it’s usually at the most inopportune moment and you’re looking for a quick fix. Openbay is here to save the day with our platform that connects you with local mechanics, providing you with quotes, appointment scheduling and a payment platform to get you back on the road without the hassle.
Search: What do the lights on my dashboard mean?
Team Openbay response: Not all dashboard lights are created equally. Flashing lights usually indicate that the issue is more urgent than solid lights, but check your owner’s manual for more information. Here are the 5 lights you can’t ignore. The generic “Check Engine” can be as simple as a loose gas cap (P0457 or P0455), which is a quick and easy fix. Once tightened, it may take a few key cycles before the Check Engine light turns off. Maybe you left your parking brake on (we’ve all been there). If the battery light is on, find a service center ASAP before the battery dies. Whatever you do, don’t ignore any check engine lights. You owe it to yourself and to your car. When in doubt, have a professional check it out.
Search: used cars for sale near me
Team Openbay response: Online shopping isn’t just for furniture, clothes and household essentials. Digital shoppers are venturing into online car buying and here are some helpful resources if you’re willing to go that route. You can also use these sites to do some homework before the test drive. Team Openbay wants you to get the best bang for your buck, so keep these five tips in mind when you look at used cars.
1 – Take a close look at the paint job. Check underneath the car, along the bumper and in the wheel wells for evidence of rust that the seller may be covering up with a recent paint job.
2 – Look closely for evidence of major body work. Check if the car’s door panels don’t align neatly with the car’s side panels or bumpers.
3 – Take the car on an extended test drive. If you aren’t allowed by the current owner to test drive the car on the freeway as well as in the city, they could be trying to hide something from you. Insist on this. You don’t want to plunk down your hard-earned cash just to discover the car has no pickup when trying to get up to freeway speeds.
4 – Take the vehicle in for a a pre-purchase inspection at a mechanic you can trust. By putting the car on a lift for a closer inspection, a mechanic can check out the front suspension, drive train, check for leaks, brake and tire wear and other inspection points. Ask the shop to generate a price estimate for any areas that need attention. See if the seller is willing to deduct a reasonable repair cost from the sale price. If the price to repair the items is astronomical, return the car and tell the owner to have a nice day!
5 – Get the Carfax. If the car was manufactured in 1981 or later, all you need is the car’s VIN number. Look for a history of flood damage, who’s owned the car before you, past accident reports, and how the car was used. If the car was used as a rental, the odometer could have been reset.
Search: What is my car’s maintenance schedule?
Team Openbay response: Visit our Maintenance Schedule Lookup and enter the year, make, model and trim to see the mileage intervals for vital car care events such as an oil change, air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter, brake fluid and transmission fluid replacement. Once you determine your car care needs, you can enter your zip code, find nearby mechanics and book your service to earn Openbay rewards. Car care has never been easier.
Search: find a mechanic near me
Team Openbay response: Let us handle the work for you. We’re your trusted partner in car care. Our free app and website allows you to compare and book car repair on-the-go. Getting your car fixed may never be fun, but at least it can be worry-free. Earn cash rewards, track your vehicle maintenance history and have your service backed by the Openbay Guarantee. Simply enter your zip code, compare quotes, read customer reviews, book your appointment, pay securely online and earn rewards towards future service! Try it out here and get the peace-of-mind you need for happy driving.