Don’t Ignore the Check Engine Light!

It’s likely that you’ve noticed your car dashboard symbols at one point or another. The warning symbols in a car are the first notification that something might not be right with your vehicle.

The check engine light is a warning that your engine isn’t running as it should, and that you need to get it checked asap. If your car engine light has turned on it is essential for the safety of you and your passengers that you don’t ignore the problem.

As a car owner, it’s your responsibility to assess your vehicle as soon as any car dashboard symbols appear, and take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for review.

Your mechanic will perform an engine diagnostics service to uncover any issues with your car’s engine and repair any issues that may have occurred. That way, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in the best condition to keep you and your family safe on the road.

Why your check engine light might be on

There are a number of reasons why you may see warning lights appear on your dashboard. Thankfully, some of these are possible to fix by yourself at home or on the side of the road if you need to.

However, a check engine light may be a sign of a much bigger problem. If the light starts to blink, you should stop driving immediately and organise an inspection from a qualified mechanic. As a general rule, if you have any doubt about how your vehicle is performing and you’re struggling to decipher your dashboard lights’ meaning, going to a mechanic is your best course of action.

There are a number of possible dashboard light explanations, including:

Low oil

Having low oil is another issue you can fix yourself if you feel comfortable. You’ll be able to tell if your vehicle is low on oil as there is a specific indicator that will illuminate. If your oil light is on, ensure you top up using the oil specified by your car’s manufacturer and follow all the refill instructions available to you.

Loose or damaged wire

A loose or unplugged wire in your engine is a much more complicated issue and will require the assistance of a qualified auto electrician to be repaired. Significant vehicle wear and tear may cause wires to loosen or become damaged, resulting in dangerous driving situations for you and your loved ones.

Engine overheating

Of all the reasons your car engine light may have turned on, your engine overheating is the biggest cause for concern. If you see your temperature gauge rising on your dashboard, take this very seriously as it is a sign that the engine of your vehicle is heating up to a dangerous degree. Immediately put your hazard lights on and pull over. Do not drive your car again until it has been checked over by a qualified mechanic.

When you should go to a mechanic

What to do when your warning lights come on depends on the issue that you’re facing. Any larger issues such as loose or damaged wires and an overheating engine require immediate attention, or you put yourself and your vehicle at significant risk. However, if your problem is smaller like topping up oil, you may be able to fix it yourself. You can also try tightening your engine cap and refilling your oil to see if this makes a difference to the engine light.

At Great Lakes Auto, we have the best engine diagnostic tools available and are able to fix any issues your vehicle may be facing. If you’re concerned about your vehicle, give our professional and expert team a call today on (02) 6590 1375 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.