What You Need to Know About the Check Engine Light

Has your check engine light come on again? Is it something that can be ignored or do you need to visit the auto repair shop right away?

When your check engine light is illuminated, it means there is something wrong in your vehicle’s engine, transmission, or mechanics. Once you visit a reputable repair shop, they can quickly diagnose the problem, advise you on what your options are, and repair your vehicle.

What Could It Mean?

Your vehicle has a complicated onboard computer diagnostic system that monitors the major operating systems within your vehicle at all times. If it notices that your vehicle is not operating at peak efficiency with the lowest possible emissions, the check engine light will illuminate. There is no way to know exactly what is wrong with your vehicle until you visit a repair shop or expertly diagnose the vehicle yourself.

Some of the top reasons that the check engine light may come on include:

• Gas cap is loose, damaged, faulty, or missing
• Oxygen (O2) sensor needs to be replaced
• Oxygen sensor detected too much oxygen in the exhaust
• Oxygen sensor detected a high fuel to oxygen ratio
• Catalytic converter needs to be replaced
• Cylinder misfire
• Knock sensor circuit malfunction
• Hoses are loose or cracked
• Ignition coils need to be replaced
• Battery needs to be replaced
• Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) needs to be replaced
• Spark plugs or plug wires need to be replaced
• Insufficient Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) flow

Don’t Ignore the Light

It is never a good idea to ignore the check engine light. It won’t go away and the problem will only become worse with time. In essence, the check engine light is doing you a favor; it is just letting you know that there is a problem somewhere within your vehicle. Ignoring it will only hurt you in the end.

Many vehicle owners don’t realize how serious the problem is and may end up paying later in more costly repairs, breakdowns on the side of the road, or a complete mechanical failure. In fact, estimates showed that approximately 7% of drivers are driving around with their check engine light illuminated. This is not only dangerous for you, the driver, but can also endanger other drivers on the road.

Does the Light Keep Illuminating?

If your check engine light frequently lights up, why bother with the faulty, costly vehicle anymore? Don’t risk another car breakdown. Contact Messy Motors at 888-309-1049 today and we can take the vehicle off of your hands in no time. We will pay cash on the spot for the faulty vehicle so you don’t have to deal with that old rust bucket again.