When your check engine light comes on and nothing seems to be wrong, it’s easy to simply ‘write it off’ and keep driving. The thing is, that light doesn’t come on for no reason, and if there’s a serious problem developing under the hood you might well wish you hadn’t ignored it!
Today we’ll take a closer look at the most common reasons why your engine light might come on and also talk about your best strategy for keeping that light at bay. If you’re ready, then let’s get started!
Funny enough, the number one reason why your check engine light is a loose gas cap. Vapors get released without a proper pressure-lock from your cap and the engine light almost always makes an appearance.
There are other reasons why your engine light might be on that are a lot less pleasant, however, and here are a few examples:
Your best way to avoid seeing the ‘check engine’ light altogether is to simply get your manufacturer-recommended preventative maintenance done in a timely manner. While it’s easy to put this off when your vehicle is running well, those checks are there for a reason.
By simply getting the recommended checks on the schedule that your manufacturer recommends, you’ll maximize your mileage and your vehicle will always perform at its best. It’s as simple as that!
Check that your gas cap is screwed on tight and that the seal isn’t worn-down or otherwise damaged. A loose or poorly-sealing gas cap can cause vapors to leak and your vehicle’s sensors are going to notice this. It’s actually one of the most common reasons for an engine light to suddenly start popping up, so be sure to take the time and check – You might just be pleasantly surprised!
The check engine light can turn on for a huge list of reasons, from something as serious as a problem with your catalytic converter, to something moderate like being low on fluids, or even as minor a reason as a loose gas cap. It’s very generalized, but it’s not something that you want to ignore.
If your check engine light is making an appearance lately, SOMETHING is up and it’s in your best interest to find out what that before it can potentially become a bigger problem.
If you’ve just had some preventative maintenance done and you’re 99% sure that the mechanical aspects of your vehicle are in good shape, then you might be dealing with a failing sensor. Your vehicle has a number of them throughout its build to help catch issues in their infancy before they can grow into larger problems down the line.
Your best bet is to bring it in. While it might seem like a hassle if you know everything’s in good shape, something is setting off that light to tell you otherwise. Besides, if you’re correct and nothing’s wrong, then you’ll only be charged for a diagnostic check, but if something IS wrong then you’re getting ahead of the issue before it can come back and bite you on the road.
For well over 40 years now, Louden Motorcars has been providing quality service for German vehicles such as Porsche, BMW, Mini, and Mercedes. With all that experience, you can rest assured that we not only know your brand, but we’ve worked with your exact model!
Come and see us and find out what it’s like to have an expert on your side! Not only will you save time and money, but that ‘Check Engine’ light won’t be making any appearances for well into the foreseeable future!
Louden Motorcar Services, Inc.
11454 Reeder Road, Dallas, TX 75229
Mon To Fri: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM
Sat - Sun: Closed
Call today for an appointment: 972-241-6326
Theresa - theresa@loudenmotorcars.com
Jon - jon@loudenmotorcars.com
