When the check engine light comes alive on your dashboard, it’s best not to ignore it. This warning light means the sensors inside your car have picked up on a problem related to your engine. Most of the time, the detected problem will be minor, but sometimes, it can be urgent enough to stop diving immediately. Let’s look at what the car engine light means and what you should do when you see it.
What Does It Mean When Your Car’s Check Engine Light Turns On?
Your check engine light may have been triggered by a problem in the engine or a problem elsewhere that’s causing problems for the engine. The light may indicate that one of your cylinders is misfiring as a result of a faulty spark plug, fuel injector, or ignition coil. Alternatively, the engine’s airflow may be restricted by a clogged air filter or an exhaust system fault, such as a malfunctioning muffler or catalytic converter.
One of the various sensors throughout your engine may be damaged, or your transmission might be having trouble, which can rapidly lead to engine trouble too. The check engine light would also warn you of overheating due to a fault in the engine’s cooling system, which would cause the temperature gauge to shoot up as well. The light might also be warning you of something as minor as a loose fuel cap or valve, or low motor oil or coolant.
Is the Car Engine Light Amber or Red?
You’ll usually have an idea of how urgent the problem is from the color of the check engine light. If you’re seeing a solid amber or yellow light, the problem probably isn’t extremely urgent. On the other hand, if the light is flashing or red, then you may have a serious issue that requires the immediate attention of a technician.
Head Calmly to Your Local Mini Dealer
When you see the check engine light, it’s important to keep a level head and don’t panic. If the light is a solid amber or yellow, drive slowly and carefully to your nearest dealership. As you drive, pay attention to how your car feels, sounds, and smells: does anything seem out of the ordinary?
If the check engine light is blinking or red, the problem may be too urgent to keep driving. It’s best to find somewhere safe to pull over and turn off your engine. Check the temperature gauge to see if the engine is overheating. Even if you can’t detect any discernible signs of trouble, it’s best to call your local dealership for guidance on what to do next.
Have your car inspected and your engine problems diagnosed today at Tom Bush MINI. We’ve been helping out the region’s MINI drivers with top-notch vehicles, repairs, and car servicing for over twenty years.
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