That pesky check engine light. It comes on at the worst of times while you’re in your busiest week. While it’s so easy to ignore your check engine light until next month when you have the time and the funds to get it serviced, it’s important to prioritize the service of your vehicle because it will save you both time and money in the long run.
Why The Check Engine Light Turns On
In short, your vehicle is not running as it should be. Even though you might not be noticing any big differences in your vehicle’s performance, the evidence will soon become apparent and will show larger signs of damage if you’ve waited long enough to see for sure what the problem is. When your check engine light comes on, treat this with urgency and high priority. In contrast, your maintenance service light indicates that your vehicle is due for its regular service, but it can wait until you have the time to take it in (within reason, of course!).
The check engine light can indicate a wide variety of issues that your car is having, but generally, these common issues are the cause:
- Lost or missing gas cap
- Bad oxygen sensor
- Emission problems
- Engine problems
The most important part of your vehicle is, of course, your engine. As a result, the check engine light is a prevalent indicator that you should be paying attention to the health of your car. The above categories are a great start to what can be wrong with your car when the check engine light does come on, but we’ve found that the more our customers know about the check engine light issues, the better.
A Deeper Look Into Check Engine Light Causes
More in-depth problems can be the root cause of the check engine light too. Here are the top issues indicated by that glowing orange light:
- Oxygen Sensors. Your oxygen sensors affect your car’s gas mileage and are related to the functions of your catalytic converter. As a result, if left without attention from a mechanic, the oxygen sensors can have a significant effect on the functions of your catalytic converter (more information on that later).
- Catalytic Converter. This fix isn’t expensive but it can cause damage, especially if left ignored for too long. A catalytic converter controls exhaust emission, reducing toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine into less toxic substances. This particular function within your car’s mechanics is typically not isolated and can be related to other issues that your vehicle might be having.
- Mass Air Flow Sensor. This part of your car measures the airflow in your vehicle, which influences the fuel to air ratio that enters and interacts with your engine. Though it doesn’t sound as serious as it is, this part plays a large role in the fuel efficiency and performance of your vehicle. The fuel line pressure won’t be maintained, you will lose performance and money due to reduced fuel economy if you leave your mass airflow sensor unmaintained for too long.
- Wiring Issues. Especially when it comes to your wiring harness and spark plugs, the check engine light on your car can appear if something isn’t quite right. Sometimes this doesn’t mean a huge fix, but it’s best to have a licensed mechanic take a look. This particular diagnosis, if left unattended for too long, can lead to problems with your catalytic converter, oxygen sensors, and ignition coils.
Don’t be alarmed when you see a check engine light, but know that it is your car telling you that you should seek assistance from an experienced car mechanic that you trust. While it can be inconvenient to be sending your car to the shop for maintenance, it’s better to be off the road for a day rather than experience the inconvenience of irreparable damage.
What To Do About It
The answer is simple: have your car diagnosed as soon as possible. Even though you could get a pocket scanner for your vehicle, it’s always recommended to have your vehicle diagnosed with the proper tools combined with the expertise of a ticketed mechanic at a European auto shop.
Check Engine Lights Made Stress-Free
When you visit AutoScope, your vehicle is in the hands of an auto mechanic that has the knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose and service your vehicle so you can get back on the road faster. AutoScope specializes in service and repair for Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes in the Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Irving areas.
Schedule your appointment at AutoScope today! Contact us online here: https://autoscopecarcare.com/contact-us/