Check Engine Light: Local Auto Repair

For many drivers the check engine light on their car is one of the most frustrating things about their vehicle. It seems to come on randomly, and then sometimes just disappears. Many drivers choose to ignore the check engine light, but that option can be both dangerous and inefficient. For the safest and most efficient operation of a vehicle, the check engine light should always be diagnosed as soon as possible. 

Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On?

The full list of possible reasons why the check engine light could be on is long. One thing is for certain though: the car's emission system is not functioning correctly. When the car's computer detects that something isn't quite right with the emissions system, it turns the engine light on. The specific cause could be anything from a loose gas cap, to a serious internal engine issue. 

Some common sources of the check engine light coming on are:

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  • Wet engine
  • Blown gasket head
  • Faulty oxygen sensor
  • Worn out spark plug, or spark plug wires
  • Loose or cracked hoses and/or manifolds
  • Sticky exhaust gas re-circulation valves
  • Pinched or deteriorated fuel injector O-rings 

 

My Car Seems to Drive Fine so Why Should I Check the Engine Light?

Sometimes it seems like the car is driving normally, despite the engine light being on. This is no reason to avoid getting the car checked out by a professional. The following are some of the potential implications that the check engine light could have on your driving:

Efficiency: Despite the car feeling and sounding normal when it drives, the car could be burning more fuel then it typically would. Over time the amount of extra fuel burned by the inefficiency could be hundreds or thousands of dollars. 

Environment: Whatever is causing the check engine light to be on could be not only burning more fuel, but also burning fuel in ways that pollute the environment in more harmful ways. For example, if the catalytic converter is having issues, toxins will be released into the atmosphere that would ideally be captured and retained.

Drive Clean Test: If your car is spewing out more toxins, and burning more fuel then it should, there is a good chance that you will not pass the Drive Clean Test, and as such may have to pay to retake it. Some places will refuse to certify a vehicle that has the check engine light on.

 

Conclusion

The check engine light is meant as a warning: something in your engine isn't performing as intended. The problem may be as simple as a loose gas cap, so always make sure to check if it is tight. However, if the light stays on for more then a few hours, you should get your checked out by a licensed mechanic.

Hansma Automotive is your one stop destination for all things vehicle repair, maintenance, and detailing. Contact us today!