Did you know that there’s a correct way to respond to the check engine light if you see it on your car’s dashboard? Lots of people head to the internet to figure out how to turn the light off, but that’s the wrong choice. Keeton Auto Repair wants you to know that the situation isn’t usually as dire as it seems at first, and if you choose the right steps, you can keep your car’s engine running perfectly without doing anything dangerous to your car.
Don’t Panic
Your initial response to the check engine light is probably to panic a bit and that’s perfectly normal. That’s a warning light that no one really ever wants to see and if you haven’t noticed anything else going on with the car, that one light can be a big shock. Take a deep breath and remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean that the engine is going to expire right now.
Take a Quick Scan of What Else Is Happening
Once you’re a little calmer, scan the rest of the dashboard. Are there any other warning lights? Have you noticed the car doing anything different or has it felt different? These are all questions that can help you to determine if there’s anything that you can do or not.
Try a Few Simple Fixes
There are some things that you might have done recently that can cause the check engine light to turn on and they’re usually extremely mild issues that you can correct. One of the most common examples of this type of trouble happens when you get gas. If you put in the wrong octane level of gas, that can trigger a response from the engine control module. Or if you don’t screw the gas cap on completely, that can cause the check engine light to come on.
Don’t Put Off Getting Help
But if you can’t figure out something simple, don’t keep trying to work out what might be happening. It’s always better to get your car to an experienced auto technician right away. We can help you to figure out what’s going on, whether the problem is in the transmission, the fuel system, or somewhere else in the engine. From there, you’ll have a path forward that protects your car’s engine and ensures that all is well. If you put off getting help, you’re more likely to have much more severe engine damage that could result in a costly repair.
Let Keeton Auto Repair in Overland Park, KS help you with all your car repair needs, whether it’s routine maintenance or figuring out what’s causing your check engine light to come on.
