You never want to ignore a check engine light. It’s important to take steps to figure out what the malfunction may be.

Check engine lights vary depending on the manufacturer. They are usually red, orange or yellow and typically appear as a car engine symbol. The check engine light is commonly confused with the “service light.” However, the “service light” doesn’t indicate a mechanical problem and usually means the vehicle is due for regular service.

The sensors in the engine monitor the operation of the vehicle’s systems. These sensors connect to the On-Board Diagnostic II System (OBD II.) When a system isn’t functioning correctly, the check engine light will alert you.

The two types of check engine warnings are:

• Check engine light is flashing: This indicates a more severe problem. If the vehicle is running when a flashing check engine light comes on, pull over to a safe location and shut the engine off. To prevent further damage, you may want to have the car towed to a service location.
• Check engine light is solid: If the check engine light appears and remains on, you should get your vehicle assessed as soon as possible. A variety of issues could be responsible–all of which you will want to get sorted out as quickly as possible.

How To Fix the Check Engine Light

Every problem that may cause the check engine light to come on has a corresponding code in your car’s computer system. This information is logged by the engine’s sensors and is read with an OBD II scanner or a reader that is connected through the OBD port located beneath the steering column.

There are three options for reading the code:

1. Have it read at an auto parts store. Most auto parts stores will read the code for free. If the code is for something minor, it could be an easy fix that you can handle yourself.
2. Read the code yourself. You will have to buy a scanner for this option. The costs for these scanners vary considerably depending on the device’s complexity and the age of the vehicles on which they work.
3. Have the mechanic perform diagnostics. There is usually a fee for this service. However, some repair shops may waive the cost if you agree to have the necessary repairs performed at their shop. Consider calling ahead to determine initial costs.

Although there are still some mechanically minded drivers who like diagnosing and repairing their own vehicles, these people are in the minority. If your check engine light goes on, you’ll likely want to head to your preferred mechanic.

Should I Reset the Check Engine Light?

In some cases, it is possible to reset the check engine light. Using a code reader, you may be able to turn the light off yourself. However, this isn’t recommended. If there is a problem, resetting the check engine light won’t help fix it. Ignoring an engine problem can lead to it worsening or more issues arising.

Causes for the check engine light can vary and the cost of fixing the problem may be low or extremely high depending on the severity of the issues. What could start as a simple spark plug issue could lead to a serious problem with a more expensive system, such as the catalytic converter. Your best option will be to determine the cause of the code then seek professional help if the issue is a complicated one.

What if the Check Engine Light Is for a Costly Repair?

Perhaps the time has come to upgrade your vehicle. Easterns Automotive can simplify your car selling and buying process. We make trading in your car to one of our dealerships in the Washington, DC and Baltimore metro areas fast and easy. Give Easterns a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our dealerships today for more information.

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The average price of used cars has risen every month for the last few years. A slow, steady rise in pre-owned prices began around 2016. Then, it seemed to compound in 2020. The increase stems from a combination of pandemic-related market fluctuations and the supply and demand of parts for vehicle manufacturing.

Supply Chain Shortages

When the pandemic hit, supply chain shortages and workplace restrictions forced auto manufacturers to produce fewer new cars. This increased the cost and discouraged buyers from opting for newer vehicles. These factors, combined with higher unemployment and financial hardship, resulted in consumers gravitating toward used vehicles rather than new cars, truck and SUVs.

Many have opted to hang on to their older vehicle until used car prices go down, leading to fewer used cars being available for sale. This constrained supply of both new and used vehicles has led to higher prices on used cars for sale.

When COVID-19 hit, chip suppliers were forced to shut down their factories to protect the health of their employees. Once production resumed, the factories were overwhelmed by insurmountable chip orders from every industry and sector that uses chips in manufacturing. Automobile manufacturers are just one of many who have since been forced to cope with inadequate chip supplies. The chip shortage has pushed up prices for new cars, which further discouraged new car purchases, leading to an increase in the demand for and price of used vehicles.

Luckily, the effects of the pandemic appear to be temporary. As our lives return to normal, chip suppliers have begun to catch up with pent-up pandemic demand and supply chain conditions are improving across the board.

New Cars Are Also More Expensive  

Advancing technology has also led to a rise in new car costs. Cars continue to get larger, increasing the amount of material used to make them. A fully loaded new vehicle is bound to cost more due to its higher-strength steel frame and fancier electrical systems.

Along with higher material costs, many countries have also opted to increase their vehicle emission standards. This has caused manufacturers to invest millions in research and development to follow and comply with changing regulations. The cost of new green technologies is ultimately borne by vehicle purchasers in the form of increased prices. This leads to a rise in the price of used cars as well.  

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Used Car?

There is no “better” time to purchase a pre-owned vehicle. Whether you are trading in a vehicle, seeking financing, or looking to buy outright, purchasing or leasing a used car has never been easier!

When you buy from Easterns Automotive Group, you can expect an uncomplicated and stress-free buying process. We have an impressive used vehicle inventory that offers a wide selection of car options. Those benefits, along with our fair pricing and flexible financing options, means anytime is a good time to purchase a used vehicle from Easterns Automotive Group.

How Can Easterns Help with Rising Costs?

Price fluctuations in the auto industry don’t mean it is impossible to find a decently priced and reliable vehicle. All our inventory undergoes rigorous multi-point certification checks. This means you can buy with confidence knowing that you are purchasing a safe and dependable used car that shouldn’t require expensive repairs that make owning a pre-owned car more expensive.

At Easterns Automotive, we are proud to work with more than 30 lenders to increase the chance we can find a great auto loan for every car buyer, even those without perfect credit. This allows us to give our clients better options on rates and terms. 

Plus, your car buying process is entirely customizable. You can shop online, in person or both. Our professional and experienced staff will guide you through the entire car-buying process.

If you are in the market for a certified pre-owned vehicle, we invite you to visit an Easterns lot in Baltimore or Washington, DC, or call today at 877-867-0641. Experience firsthand what we mean by the Easterns difference!

Yes, it is possible! Guidance is key, and Easterns Automotive is here to help. If you are a Virginia or Maryland resident that has recently filed for bankruptcy, it is important to know that you have auto loan options. You may be able to purchase a newer car with a lower payment before your bankruptcy discharge. Plus, you will have the opportunity to add a factory or extended warranty that may help you avoid unforeseen repair expenses that could derail your budget.

The best way to financially recover from bankruptcy is to rebuild good credit. This can be difficult if you can’t find a lender to approve you for loans. At Easterns Automotive, we’re committed to helping Washington, DC and Baltimore residents get the vehicles they need even during or after bankruptcy.

How Do I Get a Car Loan When Filing for A Bankruptcy?

Many bankruptcy car buyers find it beneficial to get a new auto loan prior to discharge instead of reaffirming their existing car loan. Bankruptcy laws allow you to walk away from your current loan and replace it with a newer one, which is why you should initiate your new car loan sooner rather than later.

You may be thinking that there are no lenders that will approve you for financing after filing for bankruptcy. This isn’t the case! At Easterns Automotive, we work with dozens of lenders to increase the chance we can find a great auto loan for car buyers who have credit problems. Working with this many lenders, allows us to give our car shopping customers options on rates and terms. You may find you qualify for more auto loans than you realize!

When working with our team at Easterns, bankruptcy filers will have the opportunity to participate in our Fresh Start Vehicle Loan Program. Some of the features of this special bankruptcy auto loan program include:

• Financing for up to $40,000
• Requires little to no money down
• Available to people with open or recently discharged bankruptcies
• Eliminate negative equity and allows you to re-establish your credit
• No minimum credit score required
• A true fresh start!

What Does “Your Job Is Your Credit” Mean?

Credit problems happen for all kinds of reasons, and we understand that going through bankruptcy or having less-than-perfect credit doesn’t mean you aren’t a responsible person. That’s why we look at other factors, including your job history, when determining your loan eligibility.

Will Getting a Car Loan Hurt or Help My Credit Score After Bankruptcy?

Qualifying for an auto loan will affect you in two primary ways. Lenders will perform what are known as “hard inquiries” with the three credit bureaus to check your credit risk and determine your loan eligibility. A single hard inquiry won’t have much effect on your credit score, but multiple hard inquiries in fast succession can have a negative impact on your credit score.  

Any damage done by a hard inquiry is more than made up for by the benefits of making payments on time. The best way to build your credit score is qualifying for financing and then making payment on time and in full.

If you want to begin rebuilding your credit score after bankruptcy, paying your debts on time is a great way to do it. Unfortunately, this path to credit repair is difficult when no lenders will give you credit due to your bankruptcy. At Easterns Automotive, we pledge to look past your bankruptcy and find a workable lending solution for your situation.

We Can Help You Get a Car Loan After Filing for or Discharging Bankruptcy

At Easterns Automotive, the Baltimore and Washington, DC dealership where your job is your credit, you can expect to get friendly, low-pressure assistance with your auto loan and car purchase. Call us at 877-867-0641 or visit a location near you to learn more.