Let’s be honest – seeing that “check engine” light pop up on your dashboard can feel like a punch to the gut. I’ve had customers come into the shop saying, “Am I about to break down?”, “How much is this going to cost?”, or “Can I just ignore it?”. But don’t worry – it’s not always a big deal, and I’m here to break it down for you in plain English.
Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On?
Think of your check engine light as your car’s way of sending you a text: “Hey, something’s not right here. Check it out.” It could be something super minor, like a loose gas cap, or it could be a bigger issue, like a problem with the emissions system or engine performance.
At the shop, I’ve seen it all. One customer was stressing out because they thought their car was about to die, and it turned out to be just a loose gas cap. But I’ve also had cars come in where the check engine light was caused by a bad oxygen sensor – and when that’s left unchecked, it can hurt your fuel economy and lead to bigger problems down the line.
A check engine light could be related to an emissions system or engine performance issue. Learn about the Top 5 Car Error Codes You Shouldn’t Ignore.
What Should You Do When It Comes On?
If that light comes on, don’t panic. Here’s what I recommend to my customers:
- Check the gas cap.
This is the first thing I tell people to check. A loose or cracked gas cap can throw off the system and trigger the light. Tighten it up, and drive for a few minutes to see if the light goes away. - Pay attention to how the car feels.
Is it driving normally? Any weird noises? Loss of power? If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s a sign that the problem might be more serious, and you should get it checked out ASAP. - Look for other warning signs.
Are there other lights on the dashboard? Strange smells? Smoke? These can give you a clue about what’s going on and help the mechanic pinpoint the issue faster. - Get a professional diagnosis.
If the light doesn’t go away or you’re unsure, bring your car in. Here at the shop, we use modern diagnostic tools to find out exactly what’s going on. No guesswork, just answers.
If your check engine light is on and your car won’t start, check out our guide on Car Won’t Start? Top Reasons and What to Do.”
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It
Here’s the deal: ignoring that check engine light is like ignoring a toothache. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can quickly turn into a bigger (and more expensive) problem.
For example, I had a customer who ignored their check engine light because the car “seemed fine.” Turns out, a bad oxygen sensor ended up damaging the catalytic converter – one of the most expensive parts to replace. Trust me, fixing a small issue early is always cheaper than waiting for it to turn into a disaster.
Why Bring It to Us?
At EPR Auto Clinic, we know how stressful car problems can be. That’s why we make it our mission to provide quick, reliable service that gets you back on the road without the headache.
We use advanced diagnostic tools to figure out what’s causing that check engine light and fix it the right way. Plus, every time you come in for an oil change, we do a free inspection to make sure your car is running smoothly.
Located in Newark, NJ, we treat your car like it’s our own. You’ll get honest advice and quality service, every time.
Don’t Let the Check Engine Light Stress You Out
If your check engine light is on, don’t ignore it and don’t lose sleep over it. Bring your car to EPR Auto Clinic, and we’ll take care of it. Whether it’s a quick fix or something that needs more attention, we’ve got you covered. Let’s keep your car running safely and smoothly – schedule your visit today!
