Most drivers experience a sense of fear when they see the service engine light illuminate on the dash while driving down the road. Now, what should they do? Should they go straight to an auto shop or is it okay to keep driving until they reach their destination. Understanding what causes the service engine light to come on can help take away some of that fear. The important concern is to make sure that long-term damage isn’t taking place in the engine and that your vehicle remains safe to drive.
So is the service engine light bad? Not really! This little warning light rarely signals anything disastrous. 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 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 down the road.
If the gas cap is not the issue, the smart thing to do is to schedule an engine service. Your mechanic can run a diagnostic test with a specialized computer that will “read” the code your vehicle has stored in its diagnostic system. This will help your mechanic identify and diagnose an issue so that any compulsory repairs can be taken care of quickly and easily.
Besides the gas cap, there are a few other problems that can trigger the service engine light, including:
- A damaged vacuum hose
- Damaged ignition coil(s)
- Failing catalytic converter
- Worn out spark plugs.
If you see that little yellow warning light flashing, don’t panic. A service engine light is not a bad thing. Just pay attention to it and schedule an engine service as soon as possible.
Are you looking for quality engine service? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE and Doniphan, NE.
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