What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)
February 9, 2025
If you've ever felt your vehicle hesitate, go, then hesitate again, you might think there's something wrong with the transmission. After all, it's not moving smoothly down the road. But there are plenty of malfunctions that can cause those symptoms, one of them being something you may have nev... More
Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta Service for Your Exhaust System
December 3, 2023
Your vehicle's exhaust system is more than just a tailpipe and a muffler. In fact, it is one of the most complex systems on your vehicle. The manifold is attached to the vehicle engine. It collects exhaust from the cylinders and directs it into the exhaust pipe. Gaskets seal the connection of th... More
The Sign of the Shield (Heat Shield Repair and Replacement)
January 29, 2023
Even in the months where temperatures are cooler, heat is still an enemy of your vehicle. When your engine runs, it creates heat, so there are numerous heat shields that protect other parts from those higher temperatures. Heat shields are installed around several areas of the exhaust system. Ot... More
Sounds Like a Hot Rod (Noisy Exhaust System)
January 15, 2023
Driving along, your exhaust system's rumbling so loud that people turn and stare at you pass by. You're wondering when the police are going to pull you over for illegal noise. Your mind immediately thinks, aha! A broken muffler. Well, your exhaust system is composed of many more parts than just... More
Sparta Exhaust and Emissions Service
August 15, 2021
Many Sparta residents don't realize that there is more to exhaust system maintenance than just tailpipes and mufflers, if you can see smoke or if it's too loud. Exhaust service at a full-service automotive center like Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta is really a lot more comprehensive these days.For e... More
Exhaust Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta: Passing the Smell Test
June 28, 2020
The exhaust system on a vehicle is more complex than most Sparta residents realize. It contains everything from old-fashioned pipes and clamps to sophisticated computers and sensors. All Illinois folks know a properly functioning exhaust system is good for the environment, but sometimes we forge... More
Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta Automotive Tips: Diagnostic Service
June 30, 2019
Imagine waking up one morning with a stomach ache. You pick up the phone, call the doctors office and say, Ive got a really bad tummy ache. How much will it cost to make me feel better? Of course you wouldnt do that. You know that there could be a lot of reasons for your symptoms and that the doc... More
Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta
March 24, 2019
Hello Sparta! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Illinois vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government to re... More
Exhaust Service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta in Sparta
September 2, 2018
Whenever they hear the term "exhaust service," most Sparta residents think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. Well, actually, exhaust service at Charlie's Fast Lube Sparta is a lot more comprehensive these days. For example, catalytic converters were mandated in 1976 and on-board emission control ... More