Your Check Engine Light (CEL) warns you that your vehicle’s computer found a malfunctioning component in your emission control system. You may see “check engine,” “service engine soon,” or “check powertrain.” Or, the light may show an engine picture, perhaps with the word “Check.”

​To determine the actual problem, we use an electronic scan tool or a diagnostic computer to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). Some common issues that turn on the check engine light include:

• Your gas cap isn’t on tight enough (we suggest checking before coming in)
• Water got into your engine somewhere
• The spark plugs don’t function correctly
• Your vehicle is emitting high levels of pollutants

In any case, you should bring your vehicle to Forest Hill Garage, and we can inspect your vehicle, diagnose the problem, and take care of it. Leaving your engine light on can cause serious problems with your car in the long run.

A check engine light appointment goes pretty fast, so stop by.

Maximize gas mileage and power, and increase the overall life of your vehicle, with regular tune ups. Tune ups should happen at LEAST every 30,000 miles (or every two years), depending on the age and mileage of the car. A tune up makes sure that often overlooked “little things” work correctly and get replaced if needed.
At Forest Hill Garage, we aren't typical. We look at each car, individually, but here are some things that we look at and check, for most cars:

• Replace the fuel filter. Filters get clogged with particles and it can decrease the car’s efficiency and power.
• Change the spark plugs and check the plug wires. Bad plugs or wires lead to mileage inefficiency, loss of power, and rough starts. We’ll want to make sure you get new plugs and replace old wires.
• Replace distributor cap and rotor. Some cars do not come with these items, but if you have them, we can replace them.
• Check ignition system and timing. Older vehicles rely on ignition timing.
• Make needed adjustments to valves and check/replace gaskets if oil is leaking.
• We check all your belts and replace them if we see signs of wear and tear.
• Check all fluids and top off any levels.
• Change oil and filter, if needed.
• Check and replace air filter, if needed.
• Check and adjust clutch in cars, with manual transmission.
• Service battery (cleaning cables, adding distilled water, and cleaning terminals).

The tune up process and service may vary from car to car or based off time since your last tune up service. Prices may also vary based on your vehicle and selected services. Bring your car to Forest Hill Garage in Richmond for your next tune up - you'll LOVE your car

The professional staff, at Forest Hill Garage in Richmond, carefully follows Virginia state regulations for vehicle inspections. We diligently check that your vehicle adheres to state safety mandates. If for some reason your vehicle does not meet regulation standards, our qualified staff can repair your vehicle and get you back on the road.
​We perform state safety inspections Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Find Forest Hill Garage at ​6912 Forest Hill Ave
Richmond, Virginia, VA 23225

(804) 272-4557