The check engine light: when to be worried

Even if you take good care of your car, eventually its components will wear out. Thankfully, the check engine light will let you know if there’s a problem. If this light illuminates on your dashboard, it may indicate a minor issue or be a sign of a more serious problem. Here’s what you should do if the check engine light comes on.

If the light is on
If you’re cruising along and the check engine light suddenly comes on, you can keep going till you arrive at your destination. Once you park your vehicle, inspect the cap on your gas tank. A common cause of the check engine light illuminating is a loose cap.

If this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to make an appointment with a mechanic and get your car inspected. The check engine light illuminating sometimes indicates that one or more of your engine’s components needs to be replaced.

If the light is blinking
A blinking light indicates a problem that needs to be fixed immediately and that could damage your car if you keep driving. Stop as soon as you can find a safe spot to pull over and call a towing service to get your car to a garage. A mechanic can identify the problem and make the necessary repairs to ensure your safety and the proper functioning of the vehicle. Note that in some cars a red light versus a yellow or orange one will indicate a problem that requires immediate attention.

If the check engine light is on, be sure to bring your car to a mechanic for an inspection. Small problems can snowball into big ones when you don’t take the appropriate measures.