What to Do When Car Engine Light Comes On
The car engine light is a warning light that indicates a problem with your car’s engine. It can be a scary sight to see, but it’s important to stay calm and take action to address the problem. Here’s what you need to do when the car engine light comes on:
1. Check the dashboard display
The first thing you should do when the car engine light comes on is to check the dashboard display. This will give you more information about the problem, such as the specific code that triggered the light. You can usually find a list of error codes in your car’s owner’s manual.
2. Stop driving if possible
If the dashboard display indicates a serious problem, such as a loss of coolant or oil pressure, you should stop driving immediately. Continuing to drive could cause further damage to your car.
3. Call for assistance
If you’re not sure what to do or if the dashboard display indicates a serious problem, you should call for assistance. You can call your roadside assistance provider or a tow truck company.
4. Get a diagnosis
Once you’ve called for assistance, the next step is to get a diagnosis. This will involve taking your car to a mechanic and having them inspect the engine. The mechanic will be able to determine the cause of the problem and recommend a solution.
5. Get repairs
Once you have a diagnosis, you’ll need to get the repairs done. This may involve replacing a part, fixing a leak, or performing other maintenance. It’s important to get the repairs done as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car.
6. Reset the engine light
After the repairs are complete, you’ll need to reset the engine light. This can usually be done by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes and then reconnecting it. You can also use a code reader to reset the light.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t ignore the car engine light. If you see it come on, it’s important to take action to address the problem.
- If you’re not sure what to do, call for assistance. A mechanic can help you diagnose the problem and recommend a solution.
- Get the repairs done as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your car.
- Reset the engine light after the repairs are complete.
