The person who holds the steering wheel is the one who is most vulnerable to a car breakdown or road accident. It is for this reason that you must have a better understanding about that part in your vehicle that serves as malfunction indicators. They are called engine lights.
Engine lights illuminate by either blinking or remaining constant, depending on the car problem they are associated with. This article gives you a brief explanation why they light up, and the proper course of action to be done when it does happen.
Top Reasons Why Engine Lights Light Up
- Oxygen sensor needs replacement
It means that your engine will burn more fuel in your vehicle’s exhaust system. In addition, the faulty sensor can cause further damage to the spark plugs.
- Loose or damaged gas cap
Your gas cap helps maintain pressure in the fuel tank. It means fuel will easily evaporate, which in turn will result to frequent visit to the gas pump and spending more for fuel.
- Catalytic converter is damaged
Its main purpose is to convert harmful carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. When damaged, your car may run at a high temperature. Also, your car may not pass an emission test because of this.
- Faulty mass airflow sensor
This sensor measures the amount of air that enters into the engine, thereby determining the fuel needed to run your engine. Once faulty, it can cause damage to spark plugs, oxygen sensor, or catalytic converter.
- Worn out spark plugs or plug wires
These plugs when worn out can cause clogging in the catalytic converter. It also means that worn out plugs can damage ignition coils resulting to poor engine performance.
What Measures Should Be Done When Engine Lights Light Up?
When any of above is present after heeding to your car engine light’s blinking, the immediate course of action should be to consult with a professional mechanic. Have him look over the problem straight away.
Regular servicing and maintenance give you the assurance that parts of your car are in good condition. It could only be a minor faulty sensor or a broken wire. However, if these minor things are left unchecked and engine lights are ignored, it will cause either an irreparable damage or costly repair job to your car.
Keep a close eye on your engine lights. Knowing what to do about it may just save not only your car, but your life as well.
Written by the staff at KB Tire & Auto. KB Tire & Auto is the leading expert in auto repair Moberly MO has to offer.
