There’s no doubt we live in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Asheville is surrounded by the tallest mountains on the East Coast, and with that comes an abundance of outdoor activities. It’s just an unfair added bonus that we have so much culture, so many great restaurants and breweries, art, music, etc.
Of course, all the things that make our area special have put it on notice. Thousands upon thousands of new residents have moved to western North Carolina in the past few years. Due to the nature of living in the mountains, we were already in a region where commuting was necessary. With added people comes added traffic, and even more time spent in our cars.
When you spend a lot of time in your vehicle, you get to know its characteristics and quirks. You depend on your car to get you to work, school, family, friends, and the outdoors. When the Check Engine light comes on, it is of great concern.
In this article, we want to help you avoid panicking when that dreaded light flips on, but we also give you steps for how to take it seriously. Here’s what you need to do when the check engine light comes on.
What Is the Check Engine Light?
The check engine light (also known as the "service engine soon" or "malfunction indicator light") is a warning light that appears on the dashboard of a vehicle when the vehicle's computer detects a problem within the powertrain.
The powertrain is the system in a vehicle that generates and delivers power to the wheels. It includes the engine, transmission, and drivetrain.
When the check engine light comes on, it is an indication that there is a problem somewhere within the powertrain that needs to be addressed. The problem could be something as simple as a loose gas cap or something more serious like a faulty catalytic converter. It's important to diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible, as ignoring the check engine light could lead to further damage to the vehicle.
The check engine light is usually accompanied by a code that can be accessed through a diagnostic tool, such as an OBD-II scanner. This code can give you a better idea of what the problem might be and help guide you in the troubleshooting process.
How to Begin Diagnosis of Your Check Engine Light
Diagnosing a check engine light can be a daunting task, but there are a few steps you can follow to help narrow down the problem.
First, you'll want to check the vehicle's manual to see if there are any specific instructions or information about the check engine light. Some vehicles have specific codes that can be accessed through the dashboard, which can give you a better idea of what the problem might be.
Next, you can try using a diagnostic tool, such as an OBD-II scanner, to read the fault codes stored in the vehicle's computer. These codes can give you a good starting point for troubleshooting the issue.
Once you have the fault codes, you can do some research to see what they mean and what might be causing them. Keep in mind that fault codes are just a starting point and may not always lead you directly to the root cause of the problem.
If you're not comfortable using a diagnostic tool or don't have one available, you can try checking some basic things like the gas cap to make sure it's tightened properly or checking the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced.
If you're still having trouble identifying the problem, it might be a good idea to take the vehicle to a mechanic or a dealership for further diagnosis. They will have more advanced diagnostic tools and the expertise to help pinpoint the issue.
Overall, diagnosing a check engine light can be a bit of a process, but by following these steps and being thorough, you should be able to get to the bottom of the problem and get your vehicle back to running smoothly.
Routine and Proper Maintenance Will Help You Avoid Seeing the Check Engine Light
You might have the plushest seats, but when the check engine light is on, you’re going to be uncomfortable. Here are a few steps to help you avoid the discomfort of seeing your check engine light.
Maintenance That Helps Keep You from Seeing the Check Engine Light
- Change Your Oil: Your oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
- Take Care of Your Tires: Your tires should be rotated as often as the manufacturer recommends. They should be properly inflated as well; otherwise, you could experience handling issues or a catastrophic tire failure.
- Replace Your Tires: When your tires are worn, they should be replaced, or you risk hydroplaning in the rain.
- Have Your Transmission Serviced: Your transmission should be serviced every two years or 30,000 miles.
- Replace Sensors: If you have malfunctioning sensors, they should be replaced.
- Have Your Suspension Serviced: When you feel vibrations in the steering wheel, hear squeaking when you pass over bumps, or it’s been 12,000 miles since the last inspection, you should have your suspension serviced.
- Repair Vehicle Body Damage: Auto body damage is not just unsightly; it can impact the performance of your vehicle.
While damage to your vehicle’s body may not have a direct relationship to your car’s check engine light, it can create a domino effect that leads to internal issues. For example, a damaged front bumper may prevent air from flowing to the radiator, which could cause overheating, heater core damage, and other issues that lead to a check engine light.
Your vehicle’s exterior should be maintained for the overall health of your car. At the same time, your car’s internal systems can make it less safe and more susceptible to accidents and failures that leave you stranded. All the systems work together for the performance of your vehicle.
If you have auto body damage from a collision, hail, or parking lot ding, reach out to First Aid Collision for expert vehicle repair.