Engine Light On New Car

What to Do When the Engine Light Comes On in a New Car

The engine light is one of the most dreaded symbols that can appear on your car’s dashboard. It can be especially concerning if it comes on in a new car, which you may have expected to be trouble-free.

There are a few things you can do when the engine light comes on in a new car:

Stay calm. It’s easy to panic when you see the engine light come on, but it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation.
Pull over to a safe location. If you can, pull over to a safe location and turn off the engine. This will help prevent any further damage to your car.
Check the owner’s manual. The owner’s manual will have information on what to do when the engine light comes on. It may also have a list of possible causes for the light.
Call for roadside assistance. If you’re not comfortable driving your car with the engine light on, you can call for roadside assistance. They will be able to tow your car to a mechanic who can diagnose and repair the problem.

Common Causes of the Engine Light Coming On in a New Car

There are a number of different things that can cause the engine light to come on in a new car. Some of the most common causes include:

Loose gas cap. This is one of the most common causes of the engine light coming on. Make sure that the gas cap is tight and secure.
Faulty oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gas. If the sensor is faulty, it can send incorrect information to the engine computer, which can cause the engine light to come on.
Spark plug problems. Spark plugs ignite the fuel in the engine. If the spark plugs are worn or damaged, they can cause the engine to misfire, which can trigger the engine light.
Catalytic converter problems. The catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions from the exhaust gas. If the catalytic converter is damaged or clogged, it can cause the engine light to come on.

What to Do If the Engine Light Comes On and Stays On

If the engine light comes on and stays on, it’s important to have it diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible. Driving with the engine light on can damage your car and can even be dangerous.

You can take your car to a mechanic or you can use an OBD-II scanner to diagnose the problem yourself. If you’re not comfortable diagnosing the problem yourself, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic.

How to Prevent the Engine Light From Coming On

There are a few things you can do to help prevent the engine light from coming on in your new car:

Keep up with regular maintenance. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire rotations, can help keep your car running smoothly and prevent problems from developing.
Use high-quality fuel. Using high-quality fuel can help keep your engine clean and running efficiently.
Avoid driving aggressively. Aggressive driving can put stress on your car’s engine and other components, which can lead to problems.

By following these tips, you can help keep your new car running smoothly and prevent the engine light from coming on.