There are plenty of things to be worried about during spooky season, but that check engine light on your dash doesn’t have to be one of them. Of course, it could mean something serious is wrong with your engine that could drain your Halloween budget.
At Lorentz Automotive, we work with our clients to find the best solution for repairing their vehicle that fits their budget and eliminates all of those fears.
What Does a Check Engine Light Mean?
By definition, the check engine light indicates a problem with your vehicle’s engine. Typically, the check engine light, formally called the malfunction indicator lamp, indicates that a computerized engine-management system sensor has malfunctioned. These sensors are meant to minimize the risk that your engine is taxed too heavily for too long a period and breaks down.
So, what does it mean when the check engine light comes on? It could mean one of a few things. First, if the light is steady, meaning it comes on and doesn’t turn off, that typically means there is a sensor failure. In these situations, the most common causes include:
- A loose or faulty gas cap
- Worn-out spark plugs
- Failures in the ignition system wiring
- A faulty oxygen sensor
- Battery problems
- Charging system failures
- Catalytic converter concerns
In these situations, get your vehicle in for repairs.
If the check engine light comes on and is flashing, it’s not safe to continue driving. In these situations, pull over or go into your mechanic’s driveway as soon as possible. Turn off the engine. If you continue to drive these vehicles, the risk of serious damage to the engine or transmission is very high. That can lead to complications that really are scary.
Bring Your Vehicle in for Repairs
Instead of taking your chances, bring your vehicle into Lorentz Automotive. Let our team take a closer look at what’s happening, make adjustments, and handle the maintenance to get it back into good working order.