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Do you know what to do when your check engine light comes on? While it can be a frustrating experience to figure out what your car is trying to tell you, it’s crucial that you pay attention to this illuminated warning. It may be tempting to ignore the warning But driving with an illuminated check engine light could be potentially dangerous and damaging to you or your car.
What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On – 6 Tips
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1. Check for Flashing or Illumination
In most cars, an illuminated check engine light means that you should get your car checked out by a professional. However, you should still be able to drive it for a short distance or to the mechanic as long as the car is running properly. A flashing check engine light means that you should stop driving and pull over immediately. This is a warning sign that there is potentially something serious happening. Do not continue driving if you see a blinking check engine light!
2. Look for Other Warning Lights
It’s possible that the check engine light will turn on to tell you about another issue going on with your vehicle. That’s why it’s important to check your panel for any other illuminated lights. There may be other lights, such as the low oil pressure or overheating light, that could also be warning you about other issues.
3. Check Your Gas Cap
If you recently made a pit stop at the gas station, your gas cap could have triggered your check engine light. Pull over and check that your gas cap is screwed on properly. It could also be a broken or misplaced rubber seal around the opening that is causing the light to turn on. In that case, you’ll need to replace the seal or bring it to a shop to be fixed.
We recommend shopping with Buy Auto Parts for a replacement seal.
4. Run a Diagnostics Test
What does it mean when your engine light comes on? A diagnostic test can help you answer that question. This specialized software will perform a complete analysis of all the car’s parts and systems. As a result, you’ll get an overview of what is going on with the engine, transmission, throttle, and oil tank. It’s one of the best ways to figure out why your check engine light could be illuminated.
If you have the right equipment and software, you can run the diagnostic test at home. However, most drivers prefer to take their car to a mechanic or expert.
5. Don’t Take an Emissions Test
If you are scheduled to have your car’s emissions test taken, then it’s vital that you get your check engine light fixed beforehand. There might be something seriously wrong with your engine which could cause you to fail the test. And in some states, the technician might not let you pass if they notice the check engine light on in the first place. It’s also recommended to drive between 50 – 100 miles after you fix your engine to allow the system to reset so that you can pass the emissions test.
6. Don’t Ignore the Light!
If your car still seems to be running properly, it’s easy to ignore the check engine in hopes that it’ll turn off by itself. However, this warning could be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your car, which means you should get it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Not only are you potentially causing more damage to your car, but you’re putting yourself and others at risk in case something bad were to happen while you’re driving.
More Car Tips
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By now, you should have a good idea of what to do when your check engine light comes on. It could be something as simple as securing your gas cap, or it could signal that something more serious is happening. Every time you leave the house in your vehicle, you take a risk. That’s why it’s critical to know about car emergency preparedness!
