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Car Engine Light Comes On: What to Do and What Not to Do
The car engine light is a warning light that indicates a problem with the engine or emissions control system. When the light comes on, it is important to take action to diagnose and fix the problem. Ignoring the light can lead to more serious and expensive problems down the road.
What to Do When the Car Engine Light Comes On
- Stay calm. It is important to stay calm when the car engine light comes on. Panicking will not help the situation and could make it worse.
- Pull over to a safe location. If you can, pull over to a safe location as soon as possible. This will give you a chance to check the car and see if there is anything obvious that is wrong.
- Check the car’s fluids. The first thing you should do is check the car’s fluids. This includes the oil, coolant, and brake fluid. If any of the fluids are low, add more fluid to the appropriate reservoir.
- Check the car’s belts. The next thing you should do is check the car’s belts. The belts can wear out over time and need to be replaced. If any of the belts are cracked or frayed, replace them as soon as possible.
- Have the car scanned for codes. If you cannot find anything wrong with the car after checking the fluids and belts, you should have the car scanned for codes. A code scanner will tell you what the problem is and how to fix it.
What Not to Do When the Car Engine Light Comes On
- Do not ignore the light. Ignoring the car engine light can lead to more serious and expensive problems down the road.
- Do not drive the car if it is overheating. If the car is overheating, do not drive it. Driving a car that is overheating can damage the engine.
- Do not try to fix the problem yourself unless you are qualified to do so. If you are not qualified to fix the problem, take the car to a mechanic.
Conclusion
The car engine light is a warning light that should not be ignored. If the light comes on, it is important to take action to diagnose and fix the problem. Ignoring the light can lead to more serious and expensive problems down the road.
