If you’re having problems with your car, you may be wondering what to do when the engine check light comes on. The good news is that the check engine light is a warning from your car’s computer. The computer controls most of the functions in your car, including starting and stopping the engine. If one of its sensors isn’t reading correctly, it will compensate by turning on the check engine light and storing trouble codes in the car’s computer. Usually, the mechanic will attach a scanner to the car’s data port and read the stored codes. These codes will tell the mechanic what parameters are out of range.

Depending on the type of light, it can indicate a number of different problems. A malfunctioning oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of the check engine light. If this sensor is bad, it can cause the car to have bigger problems down the road. A faulty sensor can also lead to other problems, like higher emissions. Whether or not you need a new sensor, you should get it checked as soon as possible.

A misfiring engine can cause the check engine light to turn on. Ignoring this warning may damage expensive components, result in poor fuel economy, and increase emissions. Fortunately, most cars are equipped with onboard diagnostics systems to keep them running as efficiently as possible. These computers manage everything from engine speed to fuel mixture to ignition timing, even telling your automatic transmission to shift gears. If your check engine light is on, you should take your car to a mechanic for a thorough inspection.

If your car’s engine check light is flashing or solid, you should have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the problem, the check engine light is a signal that your car is having problems and needs to be fixed right away. If you wait too long, it could result in further problems and higher repair bills. So, if you see the check engine light, don’t ignore it. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s important to get your vehicle checked.

If you notice the check engine light coming on while driving, it can be unnerving. The light might come on without warning or sounding at all, and most of us would not want to get into a car with a problem. But the best thing to do is get it checked at a professional auto repair shop. The professionals at Stringer Auto Repair, LLC will be able to diagnose the issue and fix the problem so that you can continue driving.