Why You Should Never Ignore Your Check Engine Light

Don’t do it! Just don’t do it. If your check engine light comes on while you are driving or refuses to turn off when you first start your automobile, it is crucial that you bring your vehicle into Carfix for proper diagnosis. Many drivers make the mistake of ignoring their dashboard warnings lights, and this only leads to trouble in the end.

Reduce Your Repair Costs

In some cases, your check engine or service engine soon light comes on because your vehicle is due for maintenance. If you put off that maintenance, you are certain to cause avoidable and costly damage to your engine. The check engine light also illuminates if you have trouble with your catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, wiring harness, or other emissions system component. Any of these things will damage your engine and require costly repairs if not addressed right away.

Keep Your Fuel Consumption Efficient

With the cost of gasoline going up and then down and then up and then down, it’s nice to know just about how many miles your vehicle gets per gallon for your monthly budget. Sometimes, the check engine light will warn you that your fuel system is not sealed. This might sound complicated but it’s just that you didn’t screw your fuel cap on tight the last time you filled up. Pull over and check your fuel cap first if your check engine light comes on. A loose fuel cap reduces your overall fuel efficiency.

Emissions and the Check Engine Light

Two key components of your vehicle’s emissions system are the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor. Part of your check engine light’s responsibility is to alert you if your vehicle is producing more emissions than it should. This is harmful to the environment but even more concerning, harmful to you and your passengers. A failing catalytic converter can introduce poisonous fumes into the cabin of your vehicle, so again, if your check engine light comes on, bring your automobile to us ASAP.

Sigalert Cause

Finally, let’s be 100-percent honest. If you ignore your check engine light and your vehicle breaks down during your morning or afternoon commute, you’re going to have some very unhappy fellow drivers around you. Don’t become the cause of a sigalert. Your vehicle has an onboard computer that always monitors all systems. It turned on the check engine light because something is wrong. Get the issue diagnosed and fixed.

Carfix in Garner, NC, can diagnose why your vehicle’s check engine has turned on. We have state-of-the-art equipment to quickly isolate and repair the problem. Call us today at 919-900-6505 or stop by our shop on Mast Drive.