When the check engine light in your car comes on, it can cause you to feel a lot of stress and anxiety. Most people assume the worst when their check engine light lights up. They think that they are going to have to pay a fortune to get their car fixed at some point in the near future. In some cases, a check engine light can indicate a big problem with your vehicle, but it can actually indicate a variety of different problems, including some that aren’t really a big deal at all. Here are some common causes of the check engine light coming on.
Loose Gas Cap
Did your check engine light come on a few minutes after you pulled out of the gas station? If so, it might be on because your gas cap wasn’t tightened all the way. Vapors from the fuel in your vehicle can leak out of your cap and cause the check engine light to come on, and simply tightening the cap will often cause it to go off. You might also have a faulty gas cap, in which case you will want to have it replaced right away. It won’t cost much at all, and it will usually improve your gas mileage.
Bad Oxygen Sensor
Most vehicles have a few oxygen sensors in them, and they are used to monitor the fuel that your car is burning when you are driving it. When one of these sensors stops working properly, it will stop sending data to the computer in your car, which will usually result in a dramatic decrease in the gas mileage that your car gets. It will also trigger the check engine light to go on. You should have bad oxygen sensors replaced right away, because if you use them for too long, it could cause trouble with your catalytic convertor, which can be a very expensive repair.
Failing Spark Plug
The spark plug in your car helps initiate the combustion in your vehicle’s engine. When it’s not doing its job, you will often experience a jolting feeling when you try to accelerate, and you will also usually see the check engine light come on. Spark plugs in newer cars can last for more than 100,000 miles, so there’s a chance you might not ever encounter a problem with a spark plug in your car. But if you do, you should replace it right away. A spark plug is inexpensive, and it will keep your car running properly.
Is the check engine light on in your car? Don’t ignore it! Instead, let AV Bumper to Bumper find out what is causing the problem and fix it. We offer excellent repair services and can get your car back out on the road in no time. Call us at 661-949-1999 to schedule a repair.
