What Do You Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Does your Check Engine Light turn on when you start your car? Will you know what to do if one of the Check Engine Lights illuminates when you're driving? Will you ignore it, or get to the bottom of the problem with the help of your San Pedro diagnostics experts?

A Check Engine Light is quite simple: It's a visual indication of a malfunction in one of your car's systems that was sensed and then communicated by your car's computer. Waiting to diagnose the system and have the San Pedro diagnostics professionals make the necessary repairs can cause preventable damage and costly repairs. According to Jim Collins, Ford's national training team leader, "The customer is really, in the long run, potentially hurting their pocketbook by leaving that light on and ignoring it."

San Pedro Diagnostics: Types of Check Engine Lights:

There are several Check Engine Lights that you simply can't miss when they light-up on your dashboard. If you see the following Check Engine Lights, don't hesitate to bring your vehicle to the San Pedro diagnostics service center to protect your car's systems.

Engine: This Check Engine Light displays the outline of an engine, and usually indicates a problem within the engine itself. It can be an especially damaging and expensive repair if you ignore the problem. Unlike some Check Engine Lights, this one is essentially saying, "Check me soon!"
Battery: This Check Engine Light looks like a battery, and typically means that either battery output is decreasing or the battery level is low. If your battery's connections are tight and there are no signs of corrosion, bring your car in for a San Pedro diagnostics check-up.
Gas Pump: You will see this Check Engine Light illuminate when you are about to run out of gas. There's an easy way to turn this one off: Just fill up the tank!
Thermometer: Another recognizable Check Engine Light symbol is one that looks like a thermometer. This one is telling you that your car is overheating, but it doesn't have to be very hot for you to see this Check Engine Light. Pull over as soon as possible to let your car cool down and inspect the coolant levels. If you fill the coolant to the proper levels and the light stays on, make an appointment with the San Pedro diagnostics center to see if there is a larger problem.
Oil Can: When the Check Engine Light looks like an oil can, the most common reason is low oil. Like the gas pump light, this one is easy: Just add oil to the proper level.

If you have difficulty understanding a Check Engine Light or what to do when they turn on, your best bet is to turn to a professional like the San Pedro diagnostics service center. They have the equipment and expertise to diagnose and repair any problem in any of your car's vital systems.

You can avoid a breakdown on the side of the freeway and potentially costly repairs (not to mention the towing costs) by simply performing regular vehicle maintenance. If you want to learn more about what to do when a Check Engine Light turns on, or the types of maintenance you can do to prolong the life of your car, visit the San Pedro diagnostics and engine repair center at www.ParkPlazaAutomotive.com or call 310.831.2888.

Article Summary:

Author Box:

Mitch Harmatz has owned and operated Plaza Automotive Center since 2001. Plaza Automotive Center's San Pedro auto repair and service includes tune-up and engine services, tire service, air conditioning service, brake service, diagnostic service, cooling system, charging system, and wheel alignment. Visit www.ParkPlazaAutomotive.com or call 310.831.2888 today to schedule your appointment.

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What Do You Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

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