Wondering What Causes The Check Engine Light To Come On?

You’re on your way to work, running late when all of a sudden the “Check Engine” light illuminates on your dash panel.  Should you drive straight to your auto repair shop or can you go on to work?  Do you want to pull over and call a tow truck?  First of all, don’t panic!  There are some reasons the check engine light may be triggered. 

What causes the check engine light to come on while you’re driving?  The first thing to inspect is your gas cap.  If it is loose, cracked, or faulty, it allows fuel to evaporate, thus triggering your check engine light.  As soon as it’s safe to do so, pull off the road and make sure your gas cap is tight.  If this was the trigger, your check engine light should go off within 10 or 20 miles after you start driving again.

Secondly, triggers could be from a damaged vacuum hose, ignition coil(s), a failing catalytic converter, or simply worn-out spark plugs.  At the earliest time potential, take your car to a certified mechanic and ask for a diagnostic test.  Most modern cars have an onboard diagnostic system that offers a code identifying the specific problem at hand.  This test will help your mechanic pinpoint the issue and make sure the correct engine repair is performed quickly.  The important concern is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in your engine and that you aren't compromising the safety of your vehicle.

Fortunately, a check engine light rarely signals anything disastrous.  It is usually okay to keep driving for a few more miles or days, but it would be wise to get your car into your auto shop as soon as possible to avoid a potential costly engine repair.

Are you wondering what causes the check engine light to come on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center for information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.

Quality Engine Service For A Healthy Vehicle!

With the economic downturn and slow recovery, everyone is still struggling with tight budgets and finances. However, taking the time to perform routine engine service can prevent engine repair and even engine replacement. Spending the extra time and money up front can prevent major problems later in the life of your vehicle. Problems can begin to develop from simple mileage accumulation, overheating, or lubrication issues. This can lead to an engine requiring an expensive repair or even replacement.

If you are looking for Engine Repair Silverdale WA than find our dedicated Car Service Silverdale WA Services shop. Also find Car Battery Replacement Silverdale WA to have safe driving.

In addition to preventing major damage, having routine vehicle maintenance services done such as oil changes, tire rotations, and keeping tune up appointments will help keep your vehicle reliable. Simply put, take the time and energy to maintain your vehicle, and it will last you longer with few or no break downs. This not only prevents major inconvenience and frustration, but also saves money.

Furthermore, routine engine service will keep the vehicle's fuel efficiency at higher level, saving you money on gas as well as keeping the environment clean by reducing emissions. Most importantly, this will also help the car hold its resale value better should you hope to sell the car one day or pass it down to a family member, the car will be worth more and be more dependable.

What are some of the signs the vehicle might need a major engine repair? Check for excessive oil use, low oil pressure, engine knocking or tapping, or low compression. While it may be easier initially to just get a new car, feel free to shop around and see what a repair would cost. It may be worth it to fix the engine rather than just replace the entire engine, or even the car.

Need to take care of a necessary engine repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at theWrench, Ltd. Car Care Center today for more information about engine service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in Silverdale, WA, and the surrounding area.