If you know nothing about car repairs, need not to worry. Before car companies or repair shops can BS you, know these tips and save more dollars in your pocket.
So what to do if the check engine light goes on?Here are some things you should do:
- Check your dashboard gauges and lights, you may be experiencing low oil pressure or overheating. So you need to pull over and shut off the engine after finding a safe place to park your car. Some cars, yellow check engine means there is a problem you need to investigate, while the red signal, it means you have to stop right away.
- Try tightening your gas cap. Most often this is the problem why the check engine light goes on. Other vehicles may have separate indicator that warns of a loose gas cap before the condition sets off the check engine light.
- Sometimes you may not notice, but you are already running fast and tries to overload your car. If the check engine light starts to blink, reduce your speed and try to reduce the load on the engine. In this case, have the car checked as soon as possible to prevent expensive damage.
- If you want to diagnose the problem yourself, you can buy a scan tool at most auto parts stores. Prices range from about $40 to several hundred, depending on the model and the features. The tools come with instructions on how to hook them up and decipher the codes. But unless you have a good knowledge of automotive diagnostics, you're probably better off taking the vehicle to a professional. Some automotive parts stores will read and interpret the code for you without charge. Unless there is an easy fix, they may simply refer you to a mechanic.
Check engine lights is part of the 35-point free check up at the Nampa Auto Care to all their customers with a state-of-the-art repair and maintenance center and the most up-to-date, customer oriented service in the region.
