As the miles and years add up on your vehicle, you may start to experience engine problems even though you have been careful to take care of all the recommended engine services. One of the first warning signs you may notice of engine problems is the “Check Engine” light illuminating on the instrument panel. You may not even feel any difference in the performance of your vehicle. But unknown to you, damage could be occurring in the engine and a small problem could potentially turn into a costly engine repair.
Here are five common issues that causes the check engine light to come on:
- Damaged Gas Cap
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Failing Catalytic Convertor
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
- Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires
Usually, you can keep driving for a while with that little light on, but if it continues to stay on and you notice any of the problems listed below, head to your auto shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible:
- Knocking Sound – Bad engine bearings
- Excessive Increase in Exhaust Smoke – Black smoke means too much gas is getting into the combustion chamber; blue smoke is a sign of burning oil; white smoke indicates that coolant is leaking inside the engine.
- Decreased Power – You may have trouble getting your car up to speed, or you are getting fewer miles per gallon of fuel.
- Rough Idling – If it feels like your car is going to die every time you stop, the culprit could be a clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plugs, bad ignition coils, or a failing fuel pump.
A Word of Advice: If you can drive your car (or call a tow truck), head to your auto shop and ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to pinpoint the cause of the check engine light. A small problem can be taken care of before it turns into a major engine repair.
Have more questions about what causes the check engine light to come on? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
As the miles and years add up on your vehicle, you may start to experience engine problems even though you have been careful to take care of all the recommended engine services. One of the first warning signs you may notice of engine problems is the “Check Engine” light illuminating on the instrument panel. You may not even feel any difference in the performance of your vehicle. But unknown to you, damage could be occurring in the engine and a small problem could potentially turn into a costly engine repair.
Here are five common issues that causes the check engine light to come on:
- Damaged Gas Cap
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor
- Failing Catalytic Convertor
- Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
- Dirty Spark Plugs and Wires
Usually, you can keep driving for a while with that little light on, but if it continues to stay on and you notice any of the problems listed below, head to your auto shop for a diagnostic test as soon as possible:
- Knocking Sound – Bad engine bearings
- Excessive Increase in Exhaust Smoke – Black smoke means too much gas is getting into the combustion chamber; blue smoke is a sign of burning oil; white smoke indicates that coolant is leaking inside the engine.
- Decreased Power – You may have trouble getting your car up to speed, or you are getting fewer miles per gallon of fuel.
- Rough Idling – If it feels like your car is going to die every time you stop, the culprit could be a clogged fuel filter, dirty spark plugs, bad ignition coils, or a failing fuel pump.
A Word of Advice: If you can drive your car (or call a tow truck), head to your auto shop and ask your mechanic to run a diagnostic test to pinpoint the cause of the check engine light. A small problem can be taken care of before it turns into a major engine repair.
Have more questions about what causes the check engine light to come on? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for information about engine repair and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
