So your check engine light is on and you’re wondering what the bad news is that is hiding behind it. Before the panic sets in, be familiar with the common reasons that you’re seeing it on your dashboard. Most check engine light-related problems don’t require immediate attention, but it is not something that should be ignored, either. Here’s what that light could mean and what you can do about it.
Sometimes the tiniest and most benign reason is the cause for your check engine light to appear. Did you recently fill up your gas tank? You might want to check your fuel cap. You may not have secured it tightly enough, or it’s time for a newer, better fitting one. Stop the ignition, take off your fuel cap, and screw it back on as tightly as possible and see if that does the trick.
Every new car, and most cars produced after 1980, have an oxygen sensor. The sensor is part of the emissions control system and feeds data to the engine management computer. A bad or failing oxygen sensor will have a negative impact on environmental emissions and engine performance, and yes, it will make your check engine light turn on.
It may sound like something from a science fiction movie, but the catalytic converter is an essential part of your vehicle. The catalytic converter turns carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, so we are able to protect the environment. Without it, the car won’t continue to run properly. If it is damaged, your check engine light will shine.
Driving with a check engine light for days or weeks could cause damage to your vehicle. Remember, these warnings exist to remind us to have our cars checked. While it might seem like a huge deal for your light engine to come on, there is usually no reason to panic. Your best course of action is to bring it to a certified mechanic so that you can get to the bottom of the issue and mitigate damage to your car.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Protect you and your vehicle and let the experts at Tire Country Auto Repair help you get back on the road.
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