Top Car Maintenance Tips & Fixes with Autel OBD II Scanner

In everyday life, cars are essential for convenient, flexible transportation. However, as vehicles age, problems are bound to arise. To help you stay ahead of costly repairs and breakdowns, we’ve compiled a list of common car issues and maintenance tips every driver should know.

And for faster, smarter diagnostics, a professional-grade tool like the Autel OBD II scanner can be a game changer.

Troubleshooting: Common Car Problems & Fixes

1. Engine Won’t Start

Possible Causes: Faulty ignition wiring, weak battery, fuel system failure, carbon buildup

Fix: Check ignition system, test or replace the battery, inspect fuel pump and lines, clean out carbon buildup.

Tip: Use an Autel scanner to check for error codes that can pinpoint fuel or ignition issues.

The engine malfunctioned and could not be started.

2. Engine Misfiring or Backfiring

Fix: Replace spark plugs, inspect ignition coils, clean the fuel system.

🛠 With an Autel diagnostic tool, you can read real-time misfire data and identify which cylinder is affected.

3. Engine Making Unusual Noises

Possible Causes: Water intrusion, improper valve clearance, extreme cold

Fix: Inspect for water damage, adjust valve clearance, warm up engine gradually in cold weather.

4. Brake Failure

Possible Causes: Worn brake pads, low brake fluid, faulty parking brake

Fix: Replace pads, top off brake fluid, inspect and service parking brake system.

5. Tire Wear or Air Leaks

Possible Causes:Excessive wear, punctures, improper pressure

Fix: Replace worn tires, patch or replace punctured tires, maintain proper pressure regularly.

The car tire is damaged and leaking air.

6. Transmission Issues

Possible Causes: Overheating transmission fluid, faulty clutch operation

Fix: Change transmission fluid, service clutch, shift properly at safe speeds.

7. Headlight or Taillight Failure

Possible Causes: Electrical fault, burned-out bulbs

Fix: Check fuses and wiring, replace damaged bulbs.

8. Wipers Not Cleaning Properly

Possible Causes: Dirty windshield, old wiper blades

Fix: Clean windshield, replace worn rubber blades.

9. Electrical System Failures

Possible Causes: Faulty sensors, wiring issues, ECU problems

Fix: Use a diagnostic tool to identify faults, replace defective sensors or modules.

10. Black Smoke or Odor from Exhaust

Possible Causes: Fuel system issues, clogged exhaust, excessive carbon buildup

Fix: Clean engine carbon deposits, inspect exhaust for blockages, replace air filters.

The car emitted black smoke while driving.

11. Check Engine Light On

Possible Causes: Malfunctioning sensors or engine faults

Fix: Plug in an Autel OBD II scanner to read trouble codes (DTCs), identify sensor or system failures, and determine whether it’s safe to keep driving.

Most Autel scanners also support freeze frame data and live stream analysis to assist with deeper diagnostics.

12. Hard-to-Turn Steering Wheel

Possible Causes: Power steering fluid low, power steering system failure

Fix: Refill or change fluid, inspect steering components and repair as needed.

13. Vehicle Pulling to One Side

Possible Causes: Tire pressure issues, uneven tire wear, wheel alignment

Fix: Check and adjust tire pressure, rotate or replace tires, align wheels.

14. Oil or Transmission Fluid Leaks

Possible Causes: Cracked seals, worn hoses or gaskets

Fix: Identify leak source, replace worn parts, top up fluids.

15. Hard Engine Starts

Possible Causes: Weak battery, fuel delivery problems, ignition trouble

Fix: Charge or replace battery, inspect fuel pump/injectors, replace faulty ignition parts.

16. Strange Noises from Transmission

Possible Causes: Worn drive shaft, clutch issues, gear synchronizer problems

Fix: Check and replace worn parts, change transmission fluid, service transmission.

17. Brake System Not Working Properly

Possible Causes: Low brake fluid, worn components

Fix: Inspect fluid level and hydraulic system, replace worn parts like drums or rotors.

The brake fault indicator light appears on the car's dashboard.

18. Start-Stop System Not Working

Possible Causes: Low battery voltage, alternator or starter motor failure

Fix: Use a diagnostic tool like the Autel MaxiSys MS906, which supports bi-directional control and advanced diagnostics on start-stop modules, to verify battery condition or reset system sensors.

19. Aging Car Battery

Possible Causes: Long use, internal damage, poor charging

Fix: Use an Autel scanner with battery testing capabilities to assess voltage, cold-cranking amps, and charging status before replacing the battery unnecessarily.

Whether you're troubleshooting misfires, TPMS warnings, ABS issues, or electronic malfunctions, the Autel OBD II scanner helps you work smarter—not harder.

How Autel OBD II Scanners Help

Autel diagnostic tools offer far more than just basic code reading. Here's what makes them essential:

• Read and clear DTCs for all systems
• View live data stream and freeze frame
• Reset oil change and service intervals
• Perform electronic parking brake (EPB) service
• Battery test and voltage monitoring
• Bi-directional control on select models

Recommended tools: Autel MaxiSys MS906 pro-ts, Autel MaxiCheck MX808S, Autel Ultra S2

Maintenance Checklist: When to Service What

1. Engine Air Filter

• Purpose: Prevents dirt from entering the engine.
• Change Every: 10,000–20,000 miles or 1–2 years. Sooner in dusty environments.

2. Cabin Air Filter

• Purpose: Filters dust, pollen, and odors from cabin airflow.
• Change Every: 10,000–20,000 miles or once a year. Check before summer and winter.

The cabin air filter needs to be replaced regularly.

3. Fuel Filter

• Purpose: Keeps contaminants out of the fuel system.
• Change Every:
• External fuel filters: ~20,000 miles
• In-tank filters: ~60,000–100,000 miles depending on fuel quality

4.Engine Oil & Filter

Change Every:

• Conventional oil: 3,000–5,000 miles or 6 months
• Semi-synthetic: 7,500 miles or 8 months
• Full synthetic: 10,000 miles or 1 year
  Check earlier if the engine feels sluggish or noisy.
  

Want to keep track of oil condition? Many Autel diagnostic tools let you reset oil service intervals after an oil change and view engine health parameters in real time.

5. Spark Plugs

Change Interval:

• Nickel: 20,000–30,000 miles
• Single Platinum: ~40,000 miles
• Double Platinum: ~60,000 miles
• Iridium: ~80,000 miles
• Platinum-Iridium: up to 100,000 miles
  the gap—if over 1.5 mm, replace.
  

An Autel scan tool can help detect early ignition issues via misfire counters or abnormal combustion readings.

Check and replace rusted spark plugs regularly.

6. Coolant (Antifreeze)

• Purpose: Prevents engine overheating or freezing.
• Change Every: 4 years or 40,000–60,000 miles
• Some modern coolants (e.g., Honda/Hyundai): up to 10 years or 200,000 miles

7. Transmission Fluid

Change Every:

• Manual: 60,000 miles or 3–5 years
• AT (Automatic): 60,000 miles or 3–5 years
• CVT: 40,000 miles
• Wet dual-clutch: 60,000 miles

Use an Autel scanner that supports transmission temperature monitoring to check when it’s safe to drain and refill.

8. Tires

• Rotate Every: 6,000–8,000 miles
• Replace Every: 5–8 years or 60,000–80,000 miles
  
  Inspect for uneven wear or cracks regularly.

9. Brake Pads

• Inspect Every: 4,000–6,000 miles after 40,000 miles total
  If your vehicle has wear sensors, follow dashboard alerts.

Brake pad wear affects the car's braking system.

Some Autel diagnostic tools, like the MaxiSys Ultra or MS906 series, offer electronic parking brake (EPB) service functions, making brake pad replacement easier on vehicles with electric rear brakes.

Bonus: Fuel System Cleaner + Diagnostics

Pair your routine maintenance with a fuel additive. Then scan your fuel trims, O2 sensors, and misfire counts using your Autel scanner to ensure top efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Prevent costly breakdowns by staying on top of maintenance and using a quality diagnostic tool. The Autel OBD II scanner makes it easy to check for issues, reset services, and make informed repair decisions.