Q: Carbon buildup on the intake valves.

It all depends on the problem the knock sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-faulty-knock-sensor) is causing. If your engine is pinging when you accelerate then you may damage the piston and valves by driving it. It is not a matter of giving a time...

Hi there. This may be a sign of a failing idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). The idle air control valve is located on or near your intake manifold that monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel prior...

Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Most likely you have a loose connection or a sensor is failing. Check the crankshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement) and the camshaft position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/camshaft-position-sensor-replacement) for any damage and make sure that they are...

Hi there. There are a few things that instantly come to mind that could be causing your starting issues. If you can activate all of your accessories but nothing happens when you turn the key forward, the cause is most...

Hi there. Try removing the negative battery cable (-) on the car battery and leave it off for 13 minutes. Then while the battery cable is off, take your key and put it into the ignition and turn it on....

It sounds like you are having an intermittent charging system failure. I would recommend having the output of the alternator tested with a digital multimeter. You will want the alternators output to be around 14 volts or maybe just a...

Hi There, A few different things will usually cause the vehicle to start and then die (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/car-starts-and-then-dies-inspection). A bad ignition coil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-coil-replacement) can cause this if it is beginning to fail, resulting in intermittent starting problems. A dirty or faulty...

The steering wheel gets tight because there is no power steering without the engine running. You brake concern is similar. The brake booster, which provides braking assist, requires engine manifold vacuum to operate. Without the engine running, your brake booster...

The white smoke generally indicates you may have a leaking or damaged head gasket as a result of the overheating. A blown head gasket may cause a number of different symptoms. Coolant in the engine oil, an engine misfire or...