It’s a fact that nobody wants to deal with car problems. Having something go wrong with your vehicle can not only be frustrating and time consuming, but it can also be expensive. However, as much as nobody wants to experience car problems, these problems sometimes do occur. No matter how diligently you take care of your car with regular oil changes and a strict auto maintenance schedule, occasionally things that will go wrong with your vehicle for no apparent reason. These unexpected types of car problems are unavoidable.
Is Your Check Engine Light Illuminated?
When a light is illuminated on your dashboard, it’s instinctive to think there is something wrong with your vehicle. That’s what dashboard lights are for – to alert you that something is wrong. However, certain lights are more drastic than others. For example, most vehicles are equipped with a light that indicates when one (or more of your tires) has low air pressure. This is something that should be attended to as quickly as possible, but this particular light does not indicate that your car is about to break down. However, your car’s Check Engine light is another story. Your engine is pretty important – and you never want anything to be wrong with it!
If you Check Engine light is illuminated, don’t panic. The light can go on for many reasons, and not all of them are catastrophic. However, it’s difficult for a person who is not a car mechanic to diagnose a car engine problem. Therefore, it’s important to get to an auto repair shop as quickly as possible. Driving a car that is experiencing engine problems can sometimes make the problem worse.
The Problem Might Be Minor
Ask any car mechanic and he or she will tell you that there are dozens of reasons a Check Engine light becomes illuminated. Many of the reasons are relatively minor. For example, if you just got gas in your car and you did not screw the gas cap on tightly, your Check Engine light might illuminate. This is an easy fix and doesn’t even require a trip to your auto repair shop.
The Problem Might NOT Be Minor
If you’re lucky, you will bring your vehicle to an auto services shop and find out that the problem causing your Check Engine light to be illuminated was minor. But, there’s always a chance that your Check Engine light is indicating a serious problem with your vehicle. There is almost no situation in which ignoring a problem with a vehicle will cause the problem to go away on its own. When in doubt, get your car to an auto services center as quickly as possible. An experienced car mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with car repair advice.
