Do Not Delay Getting Your Car to a Certified Repair Technician When a Warning Light Goes On
Posted 11/03/09
Does your stomach drop when your check engine light goes on. An on board computer continuously monitors the various systems that operate our cars; warning lights, such as the check engine light, illuminate when the computer receives a signal that something is amiss with one of those systems. It can be a challenge to determine the problem since the check engine light can indicate any one of a number of issues.Experts strongly recommend that you have your car checked by a certified repair technician as soon as possible whenever your check engine light goes on. Ignoring the problem could lead to engine failure or some other form of system failure, even if your car appears to be operating normally. The problem could be as simple as failing to replace your gas cap properly after a fill up or as complex as engine or transmission malfunction, so it is in your best interest to let the experts determine the source of the problem whenever your check engine light comes on.
Certified repair technicians have the knowledge and the resources essential to a proper diagnosis. Examples of issues that demand a quick and proper diagnosis include sudden illumination of dashboard warning lights (such as the check engine light), emission failure, engine or transmission performance or steering and ride control malfunction. The diagnostic process will include a scan test to retrieve stored trouble codes and a check of systems and components to eliminate possible causes. In many cases, diagnosis and correction of the problem can take place within the same day.
Whatever you do, do not take your car to an auto parts store when your check engine light goes on. They are able only to read your trouble codes, not to diagnose or perform repair work. Stick with the experts.