Most drivers experience a sense of fear when they see the service engine light illuminate on the dash. Now they are in a quandary. Should they go straight to an engine repair shop, or is it okay to go on to work or school? Understanding what causes the service engine light to come on can help alleviate some of their fear. The important concern is to make sure that long-term engine damage isn’t taking place that will result in a costly engine repair, and that your vehicle remains safe to drive.
The most common issue that causes the service engine light to come on is a loose, cracked or faulty gas cap that is allowing fuel to evaporate. Pull over if you can (or keep going until you arrive at your destination) and make sure your gas cap is on tight. If this was the trigger, your check engine light should go off within 10 or 20 miles later.
Most drivers experience a sense of fear when they see the service engine light illuminate on the dash. Now they are in a quandary. Should they go straight to an engine repair shop, or is it okay to go on to work or school? Understanding what causes the service engine light to come on can help alleviate some of their fear. The important concern is to make sure that long-term engine damage isn’t taking place that will result in a costly engine repair, and that your vehicle remains safe to drive.
The most common issue that causes the service engine light to come on is a loose, cracked or faulty gas cap that is allowing fuel to evaporate. Pull over if you can (or keep going until you arrive at your destination) and make sure your gas cap is on tight. If this was the trigger, your check engine light should go off within 10 or 20 miles later.
If your vehicle is having starting problems, ask your mechanic to check it out so you know if the problem is with the starter, the battery, or the alternator. In many cases, starting problems are related to a failing alternator. When the alternator goes bad, the electronic accessories try to draw all of their power off the battery, which can cause the battery to die as well. If you see the battery warning light on, get it checked out too If the headlights are dimming, it’s important to schedule a charging system test.
Just what is the alternator, you ask? The alternator (located on the engine), provides power to the battery and continuously charges the battery and the car’s electrical systems and computers. Along with the starter, the battery’s job is to start the car, but the alternator keeps it running.
Oftentimes, the alternator will go out with little or no warning. But there are a few symptoms of a bad alternator that you will notice:
Wondering what are the symptoms of a bad alternator? Ask your mechanic to check out your car just in case starting problems are caused by the starter.
If your vehicle is having starting problems, ask your mechanic to check it out so you know if the problem is with the starter, the battery, or the alternator. In many cases, starting problems are related to a failing alternator. When the alternator goes bad, the electronic accessories try to draw all of their power off the battery, which can cause the battery to die as well. If you see the battery warning light on, get it checked out too If the headlights are dimming, it’s important to schedule a charging system test.
Just what is the alternator, you ask? The alternator (located on the engine), provides power to the battery and continuously charges the battery and the car’s electrical systems and computers. Along with the starter, the battery’s job is to start the car, but the alternator keeps it running.
Oftentimes, the alternator will go out with little or no warning. But there are a few symptoms of a bad alternator that you will notice:
READ MORENo matter whether your vehicle is old or new, at some point in time you will be seeking the help of auto repair experts. It seems there is an auto shop on every corner competing for your attention with tempting advertising and special deals on a variety of auto repair services. How do you know which auto shop provides quality auto repair?
No matter whether your vehicle is old or new, at some point in time you will be seeking the help of auto repair experts. It seems there is an auto shop on every corner competing for your attention with tempting advertising and special deals on a variety of auto repair services. How do you know which auto shop provides quality auto repair?
