What If My Check Engine Light Comes On?

The check engine light in your vehicle can cause a lot of panic, but it’s one of the most misunderstood lights on the dash. First, see if your check engine light is blinking or a constant light. Either way you’ll need to figure out the issue. If the light is constantly on, it needs to be checked as soon as possible. If the light is blinking, it’s not as urgent, but you should still get it checked out soon as it may stall while driving.

Here are the top 4 items to inspect if your check engine light appears:

1. A loose or faulty gas cap
This causes fuel vapors to leak out of your gas tank, which throw’s your vehicle off. Tighten your gas cap or replace it for $5-$10.

2. Worn spark plugs
Spark plugs cause a spark to fire which ignites your fuel. It is recommended to replace them every 30,000 miles. These are another easy, low cost fix you can do or take to a repair shop.

3. Faulty catalytic converter
A converter is what keeps you safe from dangerous gases. You’ll likely notice a smell, or your vehicle will have fuel issues. This needs to be fixed by a mechanic.

4. Faulty air flow sensor
An air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. When the air and fuel mixture isn’t balanced correctly your vehicle decreases in performance, but in ways you can’t always see and feel. This is an easy fix for a mechanic if you request it.

Lastly, you can find out the code behind a check engine light by using a code reader(or letting a mechanic use one), and follow a few methods on your own to decode the light. These methods are not the top option because they can be faulty, but if you’re in a pinch and need an answer you can try these options. After checking these small things, be sure to call a local dealership or mechanic to get the best help for your vehicle.

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