We are used to getting alerts throughout our day from our phones and other technology in our lives. However, when your car starts to alert you that something could be wrong, it is enough to make your heart beat a little faster. The check engine light in your vehicle, is a helpful tool in knowing when it’s time to take your vehicle in to get looked at. Car problems aren’t high on anybody’s list of things they enjoy, but your check engine light isn’t something you should simply ignore because it is inconvenient. Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic is here to talk about how long you should be driving after your check engine light has come on.

Most Common Reason for Check Engine Light to Come On

There are several reasons why you may have a check engine light that comes on all of a sudden. Here are some of the most common issues that will make that light pop on.
– Faulty Gas Cap: If your gas cap has a crack or isn’t fitting snug any longer, it will cause the check engine light to come on. This is due to the fact that now there is a vapor leak in the fuel system.
– Faulty Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor if your car’s fuel system is there so that the car can adjust the engine’s air and fuel mixture. If this sensor isn’t working properly, your vehicle will be using more fuel than is needed and will be creating more emissions.
– Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor: If you have a dirty air filter or your air filter isn’t installed properly, it can trigger the check engine light to come on and trip the mass airflow sensor. Your vehicle won’t be as efficient and will have a rough idle until you fix it.
– Faulty Spark Plugs: If your spark plugs start to fail, it can lead to the check engine light coming on.
– Faulty Charging System: The charging system that keeps your battery charged can go bad after a while and needs to be checked regularly. This will help you avoid a vehicle that won’t start.

Can You Still Drive When Your Check Engine Light is On?

There is a rule of thumb that everyone should live by when it comes to the check engine light in your vehicle. If the light is flashing, it means you have an emergency on your hands and you shouldn’t continue to drive the vehicle. If the light is simply on, it means you can still drive, but you need to get the problem diagnosed as soon as you can.

Auto Repair & Body Shop Services in Dallas, Texas (Just Minutes Away from Addison, Balch Springs, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Coppell, DeSoto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Ferris, Garland, Grand Prairie, Grapevine, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mesquite, Ovilla, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale & Wylie, TX)

If you have a check engine light on in your vehicle, it is time to call on the pros at Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanic to take a look at it. We will not only give you a diagnosis, but we will also fix the problem. Call us today!