Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself: Deciphering the Dreaded Check Engine Light
It’s tempting to stick a piece of tape over that Check Engine light constantly rearing its ugly head on your dashboard. But doing so would be doing a major disservice to your car. Instead of driving down the “ignorance is bliss” route, you’ll need to dig deeper into this annoying issue. You may be saving yourself a ton of money and heartache in the long run. Fixing the problem before it causes major damage to your vehicle is definitely wise. Here are a few things your car may be trying to tell you once that Check Engine symbol pops up.
Loose/Damaged/Missing Gas Cap
Hardly a cause for major concern, a loose, missing, or damaged gas cap may very well cause your Check Engine light to creep up. Your car’s gas cap not only seals your fuel system, but it also helps maintain pressure in your tank. Not to mention, it prevents gas fumes from seeping out while you’re driving. Screw it on tightly, or call your local dealer for a replacement to keep your Check Engine light at bay.
Damaged Spark Plugs or Plug Wires
Spark plugs ignite your car’s air/fuel mixture, courtesy of a spark from the ignition coil via spark plug wires. Your car may be in for a world of hurt if either is damaged. From poor performance, to reduced fuel economy, spark plugs and spark plug wires help keep your car running smoothly. You’ll definitely want to replace them if they’re not up to par.
Damaged Oxygen Sensor
Your car’s O2 sensor measures the unburned oxygen in your exhaust system. If it’s damaged, you’ll need to replace it. Your engine may burn more fuel than necessary, causing you to lose fuel economy if you don’t! A faulty sensor can also damage your catalytic converter or spark plugs. Be sure to call your dealer if you believe something is amiss.
Damaged Catalytic Converter
Intended to protect the environment, your car’s catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. The catalytic converter can become damaged due to neglected maintenance (hey, it happens!) so need to replace it, as it can affect fuel economy, performance and temperature.
Faulty Mass Airflow Sensor
The mass airflow sensor is in charge of measuring the air entering your engine, which determines how much fuel your engine needs to run efficiently. A faulty sensor can damage your O2 sensors, catalytic converter and spark plugs, which will reduce both your performance and fuel economy. Have it replaced to get your car running as smoothly as intended.
Now that you’ve gotten to the bottom of that pesky Check Engine light, you can start on the path to recovery. Check out our blog for more maintenance tips and car advice from our skilled team of experts at Payne Weslaco Motors.
