Your vehicle’s check engine light is an easy and convenient way for your vehicle to tell you that something is wrong with your car, truck, or SUV. If you are driving along and the check engine light illuminates your dash that is usually an unexpected and unwanted surprise. It likely will leave you with questions and wondering, “Should I be worried if my check engine light comes on?” The short answer is, “Yes”.
What is the check engine light?
While you are likely familiar with the check engine light on your vehicle, we thought it would be good to provide you with a refresher.
The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator lamp, is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong with the vehicle. This light usually appears on the instrument panel of most automobiles and usually says something like “CHECK ENGINE” or displays a symbol of an engine. When there is an issue, the check engine light will pop up on your dash in typically a yellow, orange, or red color.
Do not confuse the check engine light with the service required or maintenance required light on your vehicle. These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light simply means the car is due for an oil change or other routine maintenance. The check engine light is an indicator of trouble, while the service light is just a reminder for regular services needed.
Why should I be worried if my check engine light comes on?
While a check engine light appearing is undeniable, it is usually hard for vehicle owners to easily identify what has caused the light to suddenly appear. Your check engine light can turn on for various reasons; however, they all mean that there is an issue with your vehicle and you should get to your local Phoenix service center as soon as possible.
A check engine light can be caused by various triggers and a blinking light usually means the issue is more urgent than a solid light. All vehicles are different, so you should leave it up to a professional automotive repair shop to determine the cause and help to solve the problem.
According to Consumer Reports, “The customer is really, in the long run, potentially hurting their pocketbook by leaving that light on and ignoring it,” says Jim Collins, a national training team leader for Ford Motor Co. In some extreme cases, the car’s computer may reduce power for you as it tries to limit the risk of damage. If your check engine light comes on and you don’t handle it, it could shorten the value and life of your vehicle and also put you at risk.
How can I resolve my check engine light?
Advanced Transmissions & Emissions specializes in transmission repair, transmission rebuilding, and transmission remanufacturing. We are also your Phoenix, AZ service team for all your other automotive repair needs from brakes, engine repair, tune ups and more. We are a full service auto mechanic repair shop. If your check engine light is on we offer a free diagnostic check while you wait.
Our technicians understand cars, trucks, and SUVs inside and out, enabling them to address all makes and models’ problems. Most importantly, our team works quickly when we bring a car into our shop. We understand your time is valuable, and we want to get you back on the road quickly.
Stop wondering, “Should I be worried if my check engine light comes on?” and contact us today to help you get your vehicle safely back on the road.
