REASONS TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
As you’re driving to work, your check engine light comes on. Everything seems to be running smoothly without any issues, so you carry on as usual. The next day, everything seems to be fine except for that pesky light. So, it’s okay to just keep driving this way unless any problems present themselves, right? WRONG!
Those lights are annoying, but they can be serious enough to leave you stranded on the side of the road. The check engine light indicates that there is something wrong with your vehicle. It could be something as simple as just a loose gas cap or something as serious as major engine trouble.
When the check engine light comes on, the vehicle’s system is trying to let you know that something internally has failed — something that can damage your vehicle and cost hundreds in repair bills if left untreated. Sometimes the light is indicative of an immediate problem, and other times, it can mean deterioration over time.
When your vehicle turns on the check engine light, it also stores a code to help identify the problem. So, when you take your vehicle in to be serviced, an auto technician will diagnose the issue with an electronic system. With a special scan tool, the technician can read the code to pinpoint the problem and resolve it.
Don’t ignore the check engine light, even if everything seems fine with your vehicle! Remember that preventive maintenance helps to prolong the life and health of your vehicle. If your check engine light ever comes on, contact us as soon as possible —we are only a phone call away.