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What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

According to Brandon Gaille, loose gas caps are a common cause of your check engine coming on. This problem can cause as much as 147 million gallons of gas to be lost to evaporation each year. You may be surprised to learn that a loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons why your check engine light comes on. Here are a few tips to try the next time your light comes on.

Check Your Gas Cap

Many of our customers are surprised to learn that simply tightening their gas cap corrects the problem. Some vehicles have gas cap notifications alerting drivers that their cap is loose. If you see the engine light come on, or the check gas cap notification, give your cap a few strong twists. Remember, that even if this was the problem, it could take a few times for your vehicle’s system to reset itself.

Turn Your Ignition Off and On Three Times

When you get home after your check engine light comes on, try resetting the alert system yourself. Sometimes the light comes on when there isn’t anything amiss and it just needs to be reset. This can be done by turning your car off and on three times in succession. A vehicle’s trouble codes can be engaged due to temporary problems that essentially fix themselves. If this is the case with your vehicle, trying this solution first can save you a trip to the mechanic.

Call Your Local Repair Shop

If you’ve tried the above solutions and the light’s still on, it’s time to schedule a check-up. Regular service calls can help keep your car running properly, but that doesn’t mean there may sometimes be issues that require prompt professional attention. The first thing a shop will do is run a diagnostic test on your vehicle’s system. This will provide the information needed to get to the bottom of the problem. If you’re lucky, the system may just need to be reset. Whatever the cause of the light coming on, it’s a good idea to have everything checked out if it stays on longer than a day or two.

Is it time for a service call for your vehicle? Regular car maintenance can keep your car on the road longer and help you avoid costly repairs. Give us a call at Auto Diagnostic & Repair Center today to schedule your next regular service appointment or to find out what’s going on with your vehicle.