Many motorists face frustration when their check engine light flashes up on their car dashboard. It’s all too common for drivers not to know why it has come on in the first place or what it means for their car.
Sometimes the check engine light comes on due to a detected mechanical problem that has started to affect your car’s engine. But identifying the specific issue can be difficult.
Here is a guide to the check engine light and what you need to do when you see it.
What is the check engine light?
The check engine light, or the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) as it’s also known, comes on in your dashboard when your car has a mechanical problem relating to emissions caused by the engine control system or the emissions control system in your car.
There are different types of mechanical problems which can cause the check engine light to turn on and the appearance of this warning light might change depending on the mechanical problem itself. You can avoid having to deal with these situations by booking your car in for regular MOT and servicing.
What causes the check engine light to turn on?
Some of the most common causes of car mechanical problems are highlighted by the check engine light on the dashboard, but not every single mechanical problem can be detected this way. There are a sheer number of problems that can have an effect on the mechanism of a car, which increases the difficulty of diagnosing exactly what is causing them in the first place.
Sometimes the check engine light will flash continuously; remain on all the time or it will only turn on when the mechanical fault is occurring at a specific time, like when a car’s engine misfires. However, in most cases, the light will remain on constantly as a reminder for you to get your car’s mechanism looked at.
What do I need to do when the check engine light is on?
When you first see the check engine light on your dashboard, your car might not be in serious trouble just yet. However, it is a warning for you to get your car looked at by a professional as soon as possible.
However, if you do see other warning signs from your car that something is wrong, such as a funny noise, vibration, smell or similar, then it is recommended that you cease driving as soon as it’s safe to do so and take a further look at the problem.
Our diagnostics car repair service
If you think you have a mechanical problem with your car because your check engine light is showing and you are within a 15 mile radius of our car repair garage, we will be happy to help you diagnose the mechanical problem with your car today.
You can easily and quickly book in for our diagnostic service online or over the phone on 01204 847 451.We will look forward to hearing from you.