Car Check Engine Signs: Ignoring Them Can Cost You

The check engine light is one of the most important warning lights on your car’s dashboard. It’s designed to alert you to a problem with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system. When the check engine light comes on, it’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a check engine light can lead to serious problems, including costly repairs and even engine failure.

Common Causes of Check Engine Lights

There are many different things that can cause a check engine light to come on, including:

Loose or faulty gas cap
Faulty oxygen sensor
Catalytic converter problems
Spark plug or ignition coil issues
Vacuum leaks
Fuel injector problems
Mass airflow sensor issues
Transmission problems
Engine control module (ECM) problems

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

If your check engine light comes on, there are a few things you should do:

Check your gas cap. A loose or faulty gas cap is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Make sure your gas cap is tight and secure.
Have your car scanned for codes. An auto parts store or mechanic can use a scan tool to read the codes stored in your car’s computer. These codes can help identify the cause of the check engine light.
Have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. Once you know the cause of the check engine light, it’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic. The mechanic can diagnose the problem and make the necessary repairs.

Ignoring a Check Engine Light

Ignoring a check engine light can lead to serious problems, including:

Increased emissions. A check engine light can indicate a problem with your car’s emissions system. Ignoring the light can lead to increased emissions, which can harm the environment and contribute to smog.
Costly repairs. Ignoring a check engine light can lead to more serious problems, which can result in costly repairs. For example, ignoring a faulty oxygen sensor can lead to catalytic converter failure, which can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair.
Engine failure. In some cases, ignoring a check engine light can lead to engine failure. This is especially true if the problem is related to a critical engine component, such as the timing belt or head gasket.

Conclusion

The check engine light is an important warning light that should never be ignored. If your check engine light comes on, it’s important to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring a check engine light can lead to serious problems, including costly repairs and even engine failure.