Is your check engine light on? According to statics, about 80% of cars on the road are in need of service – a large portion of those vehicles are in “desperate need.” Plus, millions of people completely ignore their check engine light and simply keep driving. This can be a huge mistake. Think of it this way: if your child or someone that you loved kept screaming that they need help, would you simply go about your day like it was no big deal at all? While your car is not a living breathing organism, the analogy still holds water, because if you ignore that check engine light, you could lose your vehicle. Here are five common reasons your check engine light is on in your car.
- Your ignition coils or spark plug is failing. Your ignition coil and spark plug is essential in starting your vehicle. When you turn the key in the ignition, it sparks the chain of command for the engine to turn on. If your spark plug burns out, you may not be able to start your car, which could be quite frustrating if you are trying to get to work, or anywhere for that matter. New spark plugs usually cost a few hundred dollars and they are easy to install.
- Your gas cap is open or loose. This is quite a simple fix, because tightening your gas cap is as simple of twisting it on until it is firmly in place. In some cases, your gas cap may be coming off completely or is damaged, which means that you have to fix it. If you don’t fix the problem, you could be burning excess fuel. Not only that, but the harder your car has to work to convert fuel into energy, the harder your engine has to work, which could lead to a serious and costly breakdown.
- A dying battery. This is another simple fix that is as simple as replacing the battery. Overtime, batteries can lose juice, which means that you need to swap the old one out with a new one. New batteries are inexpensive and installing a new one is quite easy. You can usually do it yourself. If you don’t replace your battery, you could risk getting stranded somewhere after your car doesn’t start.
- Sensor failures. There are many sensors in your vehicle, especially newer vehicles, which allow your car to operate more efficiently. For instance, the oxygen sensor makes sure that there isn’t too much oxygen running in your fuel system. If this sensor is failing, your check engine light will come on.
- Tire tread issues. If your tires are showing signs of wear and tear, your check engine light will let you know, because low tires can affect the mechanical health of your vehicle. Not only can faulty tires affect your vehicle, it can actually be dangerous to drive on them. In fact, if you are looking tocompare Florida auto insurance quotes, you may notice that you can get a lower rate for having a safer car. In the end, listening to your check engine light is important for more ways than one.