What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On

Picture this: "You're driving down the road, feeling the breeze through your hair and singing along to your favorite tune on the radio." Suddenly, you notice a bright light on your dashboard that catches your eye - the dreaded check engine light. Your heart sinks as you start to wonder what could be wrong with your beloved German car.

Don't panic just yet! In this blog, we'll guide you on what to do when your check engine light comes on.

It's imperative for you to understand that the check engine light can illuminate on your dashboard for many reasons, ranging from minor issues, such as a loose gas cap, to major problems with the engine. However, ignoring the light and hoping it will go away on its own is not a solution. Ignoring the light can cause further damage to your vehicle, which can end up being more expensive in the long run.

The first step is to check if the light is flashing or solid. If the light is flashing, it means that there is a severe problem, and you should pull over to a safe spot as soon as possible and have your vehicle towed to an auto repair shop. It is better to be safe than sorry in this situation. On the other hand, if the light is solid, it could still be an issue, but it's not as pressing as the previous one mentioned.

The next step is to inspect your gas cap. A loose or damaged gas cap can trigger the engine light to come on. Try tightening the gas cap, and if it doesn't resolve the issue, it's time to head to an auto repair shop.

When you visit the auto repair shop, the technician will plug in a diagnostic tool to your vehicle's computer to determine what caused the check engine light to come on. The tool will generate a code to help the technician identify the issue. The code will indicate whether the problem is with the engine, transmission, or other components.

Once the problem has been identified, the technician will explain the issue to you and provide a repair estimate. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may need to leave your vehicle at the shop for further inspection and repairs.

When your check engine light comes on, please don't just ignore it! Addressing the issue promptly can prevent further damage to your German vehicle and save you money in the long run. If you notice the light is on, take a deep breath, and head to California Star to get it checked out by a professional technician today.