DIY Car Maintenance: What You Can Do and When to Seek Professional Help thumbnail

DIY Car Maintenance: What You Can Do and When to Seek Professional Help

Published Mar 16, 25
1 min read




Avoid Panic: What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Turns On

Decoding the Check Engine Light

The check engine light can be worrying, but it helps you diagnose potential problems. This warning means your onboard diagnostics has identified an issue—ranging from a minor issue to serious engine trouble. At Car-X Tire & Auto, we emphasize that knowing check engine light causes is the initial action toward fixing the issue.

Common Causes

  • Gas Cap Issues: Easily resolved by tightening the cap.
  • Bad Oxygen Sensor: Leads to poor fuel economy.
  • Exhaust System Failure: Reduces vehicle performance.
  • Ignition System Issues: Affects smooth driving.

How to Respond When the Light Comes On

The check engine light isn’t always an emergency, but it should be addressed promptly. As a quick fix, check for obvious issues like a loose gas cap. If the light remains on, schedule a diagnostic check to find out what’s wrong.

Avoiding Future Issues

Routine maintenance is critical to avoiding check engine light issues. Keeping up with vehicle check-ups can keep your vehicle running smoothly.

Join the Discussion

Have you ever seen a check engine light? How did you handle it? Let’s discuss solutions below!