What to Do When Your Vehicle’s Check Engine Light Comes On

You just started your car and the Check Engine light comes one. Don’t panic!

A Check Engine light doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pull over to the side of the road immediately, but it is recommended not to wait too long before scheduling a visit with your mechanic.

However, if the light is flashing, you should stop and have your car towed to your local Point S.

What Does the Check Engine Light on your Dashboard Mean?

Your Check Engine light may have a different shape depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Usually, it is an orange pictogram representing the motor. It can also have the word Check beside it. In certain vehicles, we only see a light saying Check Engine.

As you may have understood, the Check Engine light indicates that there is a problem with your motor. What kind of problem, you may ask? Is it dangerous if my vehicle’s Check Engine light comes on?

If the light comes on, it means that your vehicle’s control module has detected an excessive production of pollutant emissions. Basically, there is a high chance that you are consuming more gas than usual and are polluting the environment.

The Check Engine light could indicate several problems, some more serious than others:

• The cap for the gas tank was not replaced properly
• A malfunctioning receptor is affecting the engine’s reading
• A part must be changed on your vehicle
• A cut wire is causing an open circuit
• A leak in the gas evaporation system, etc.

Drivers often disregard their Check Engine light, thinking the problem is minor. However, it is difficult to know what’s wrong with our motor without carrying out a precise diagnostic. It is always a better idea not to take the risk and go visit your local Centre Auto Point S for help.

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What to do if your Check Engine light comes on

If your check engine light comes on every time you start your car, it means that your vehicle has a problem and could need a tune up.

But, how can we identify the problem? New vehicles (manufactured after 1996) have an OBD-II port under the steering wheel which allows us to read error codes. Using this information, your mechanic will be able to start the diagnostic inspection of your vehicle.

Alone, these codes will not indicate a precise problem; it is therefore necessary to inspect your vehicle in order to complete the diagnosis. Don’t hesitate to make an appointment at one of our Centre Auto Point S. Our experts will be able to precisely identify the problem and propose solutions.

Be careful, if the check engine light is flashing the problem could be serious! You must pull over as quickly as possible, let the motor cool down, and have your vehicle towed. Never ignore a flashing check engine light! Call your local Centre Auto Point S today!

Finally, keep in mind that minor mechanical problems become serious ones when left untreated. As mechanical inspections are not mandatory in Quebec, it is important to regularly carry out preventive inspections in order to maintain the good condition of your vehicle by quickly repairing any minor problems.

Are you worried because your check engine light came on? In most cases, it is a good idea to visit a mechanic rather than trying to diagnose the problem yourself. Make an appointment at your local Centre Auto Point S; our experts will be happy to help fix your problem.