Cars have become more technologically advanced over the years, and part of thier sophistication involves tons of electronic and mechanical sensors that alert the car’s computer when there is an issue. These sensors monitor everything from air flow to temperatures to pressures. When your check engine light comes on, it could mean something very minor, or it could mean something very serious. Basically, the check engine light is a generic alert letting you know that something’s not right, and you need to figure out what the issue is as soon as possible. Now, that doesn’t mean to stop your vehicle in the middle of traffic just because the check engine light comes on.
What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On
The first thing you should do is wait until you reach your destination to check out your vehicle. Or, you can stop by a place like Auto Zone or O’reilly Auto Parts or Advanced Auto and these auto parts stores will run a complimentary scan on your vehicle and usually be able to identify exactly what the issue is.
Scanning Your Vehicle Codes
A helpful attendant at one of these auto parts stores will use a code scanner, and hook it up to your vehicle (to a plug that’s usually directly beneath the steering wheel near your brake pedal), to run a diagnostic scan on your fault codes. Different fault codes mean different things and it helps you isolate the issue so you know what to do to fix. If it’s a simple fix, then the attendant at the auto parts store will be able to recommend a replacement part right then and there. If it’s a more technical fix, then you’ll know to take your car to an experienced mechanic near you to get it fixed. If you don’t know of an honest, humble mechanic in the area, then the auto shop attendant might be able to recommend a good one to you.
Likely Issues Related to Check Engine Light
When your check engine light comes on, check your gas cap first. Many cars will throw a fault code triggering the check engine light if the gas cap is not screwed on tightly.
Gas quality can be a factor. Sometimes, depending on where you last fueled up your car, there could be contaminants in the gas that could cause your check engine light to come on. Also, sometimes when you over-fill your car, it can make the check engine light come on. Try to fuel up your vehicle at a gas station that sells good quality gas such as Shell, Chevron, Conoco or Costco. Many of your local small town gas stations sell low quality gas and that can be problematic.
If you drive an older car, the check engine light might be telling you that you’re running low on oil. Before you drive too much further, if your check engine light is on, then consider checking your oil dipstick to see what the level of your oil is. While you’re at it, check your other fluids to make sure you aren’t running low on something else like engine coolant.
Hopefully these tips help you stay calm and collected when your check engine light comes on. It can mean a variety of other things not mentioned in this article, but it’s definitely not something to panic over. Just look into it at your earliest convenience.