When the check engine sign in your car begins to blink – do you search for the problem or just let it keep blinking? While you might prefer to ignore it, we're going to explain exactly what you need to do when your check engine light comes on.
Don't Panic When Your Check Engine Light Goes Off (But Don't Ignore It)
Nobody likes to see a blinking red or yellow light flash up on their dashboard while they're driving from point A to B. But just because your check engine signal goes off, it doesn't mean you need to panic. So, what does the check engine light mean? The check engine light is simply part of your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system created to warn you of any potential problems that may occur.
If the “check engine” or “service engine soon” symbol is a solid glow – you should plan to get your vehicle inspected soon. If it is a blinking "check engine" light your vehicle may need immediate professional attention and should be brought into a servicing station as soon as possible. (*Note: If the gauges on your dashboard indicate that your car might be overheating because of low oil pressure, safely pull the car over and shut the engine off to prevent further damage to the engine.)
Determine the Cause for the Check Engine Light
The check engine signal could have many reasons for turning on including deteriorating spark plugs, an engine misfire, or an issue with your air-to-fuel ratio. You'll most likely want to take your vehicle in for a maintenance check-up, but there are a few minor things you can check yourself before bringing it in: tighten the gas cap, check your fluids, and refrain from towing or pulling until you have had the vehicle properly checked over by a professional.
Bring Your Car To A Trusted Car Dealership or Mechanic
Have a trusted car maintenance team check your car to ensure they find the problem your onboard diagnostic system is detecting. Dealerships and car mechanics have professional code readers that can check for over 200 different car codes to find exactly what is going on with your vehicle. A great maintenance team will fix the problem quickly so you and your family can get back behind the wheel and safely on the road again.
How Can I Prevent My Check Engine Light From Coming On?
You'll want to schedule routine maintenance for your vehicle to prevent any minor car issues from becoming big problems. Bringing your car in for routine maintenance (like getting your oil changed every 3-5k miles and checking your fluids and tire pressure) can keep your check engine light from turning on and your anxieties at bay.
But don’t sweat it. When your check engine light comes on, our team of highly trained vehicle specialists is here to help. Stop into any of our Bob Penkhus showrooms or dealerships today, and we'll make sure your vehicle is checked over from top to tire so you and your family will be safe on the road again. Don't want to come in? We'll come to you! Contact us today to schedule an at-home service pick-up.
- Your friends at Bob Penkhus