What Should You Do When Your Check Engine Light Is On

What Should You Do When Your Check Engine Light Is On

The glow of the check engine light has the “power” to make any driver feel uncomfortable. This feeling is understandable, given the fact that there are plenty of reasons for the illumination of the check engine light.

What happens if you keep on driving while your check engine light is still on? The vehicle’s performance begins to weaken and you may not notice it right away. Also, your fuel mileage may not be operating efficiently and could be emitting high levels of pollutants.

Here’s what you should do in case your check engine light is on:

Look Around

Inspect the gauges on your car’s dashboard. Do they indicate that your car is experiencing overheating or low oil pressure? These indicators mean that you have to pull over and shut off the engine immediately.

Gas Cap Inspection

These days, gas caps have specials seals as part of the vacuum fuel system. In some cases, a misplaced or broken rubber seal can trigger the “appearance” of the check engine light.

Reduce the Pressure

If you notice a decrease in the performance of your car, slow down and avoid transporting heavy cargo or towing.

Skip Emissions Testing

If your check engine light is on, there’s a huge possibility that you may fail the state’s emissions test. In some states, your vehicle will get an immediate failure, even for a loose gas cap. Make sure all issues are fixed before your test.

If the check engine light is illuminating, observe whether the light is flashing or constant. A solid, permanent glow is an indication that your vehicle has to be inspected soon because there are various causes. However, a flashing check engine light is cause for concern, because it is an indicator that your vehicle needs immediate attention. You are strongly advised to bring your car in for a comprehensive check engine light diagnostics by a skilled professional. Waiting too long could lead to further damage to different engine components, for instance, burning a valve within the engine or damage to the catalytic converter, which could result in an overall loss of power.