What is the Difference Between a "Check Engine" Light and a "Maintenance Reminder" Light?

The "Check Engine Light" and the "Maintenance Reminder Light" are two distinct warning indicators on your car's dashboard, each serving different purposes and signaling different types of issues. Here is the difference between the two: Check Engine Light: The "Check Engine Light," also known as the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" (MIL), typically illuminates when there is a problem with the vehicle's emissions control system or engine performance. The "Check Engine Light" may indicate a wide range of issues, including a faulty oxygen sensor, loose gas cap, engine misfire, or more serious engine malfunctions. When the "Check Engine Light" comes on, it is essential to have the vehicle diagnosed by a professional technician to identify the specific issue and address it promptly to prevent potential damage to the engine or emissions system. Maintenance Reminder Light: The "Maintenance Reminder Light" is a signal that is programmed to remind you of scheduled maintenance tasks for your vehicle, such as an oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, or other routine services. The "Maintenance Reminder Light" is typically triggered based on the vehicle's mileage or elapsed time since the last maintenance service was performed. When the "Maintenance Reminder Light" illuminates, it serves as a reminder to schedule a service appointment with your mechanic or dealership to perform the necessary maintenance tasks to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. In summary, the "Check Engine Light" indicates a potential issue with the vehicle's engine or emissions system that requires immediate attention and diagnostic evaluation. On the other hand, the "Maintenance Reminder Light" is a reminder to schedule routine maintenance services to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent future problems. If either light comes on in your vehicle, it's essential to address the issue promptly. For a "Check Engine Light," schedule a diagnostic check with a professional technician, such as those at Sant Automotive, to identify and resolve the underlying problem. For a "Maintenance Reminder Light," schedule a service appointment to perform the recommended maintenance tasks and ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition. Trust the experts at Sant Automotive for all your vehicle maintenance and repair needs, and drive with confidence knowing that your car is in good hands.
Location: 8720 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Do Tires Expire?

Image
  Do tires expire is a question that our customers often ask. For years many motorists have relied only on tread depth to know when it is time to replace them. Unfortunately, the age of your tires is also a factor. Over time, tires can dry out and crack. Excessive heat and sunlight contribute to this and can cause tire to unexpectedly fail, even when there is plenty of tread remaining on the tire . Tire manufacturers offer different opinions regarding how long tires will last, but the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NTHSA) recommends that you replace tires after six years . How do you know how old your tires are ? The best way to know the age of your tires is to check the Department of Transportation (DOT) code. The manufacturer stamped it in the sidewall of your tire. DOT numbers identify the manufacturer and the make of tires, but they also tell you when the tires were made . The last four digits of your tires’ DOT code tell the month and year of manufa...
Read more

What is a Belt Tune Up?

Image
A Serpentine Belt is the rubber Drive Belt that causes the pullies on your car's Alternator, Air Conditioning Compressor, Water Pump, and Power Steering Pump to rotate and to create electrical and mechanical power. Rotation of the alternator creates your car's electrical power. Gas powered vehicles have one or more Drive Belts, at least one Belt Tensioner, and they may have one or more Idler Pulleys. Belt Tensioners insure that the Alternator, A/C Compressor, Water Pump, and Power Steering Pump continue to spin with the rotation of the engine. Idler Pulleys are simply pulleys that do not drive other components. Idler Pulleys are used to route the Serpentine Belt.  With use, a Serpentine Belt will stretch and wear.  Belt Tensioners and Idler Pulleys also wear, and this will cause additional belt wear. When a Serpentine Belt breaks, the components that it drives will not longer function. Because of this, Sant Automotive recommends that you replace your Serpentine Belt(s), Idler ...
Read more

What Do Spark Plugs Do?

Image
  Spark Plugs are the small electrical parts that provide the power to ignite the fuel in gasoline powered devices. As electricity passes between the Spark Plug's electrodes, gasoline ignites causing an explosion that powers your vehicle. Spark Plugs fire once every two engine rotations. This means that if your engine is running at 800 RPMs, your Spark Plugs will fire 400 times per minute. The heat produced by these explosions causes the Electrodes to wear which increases the gap between the Electrodes. The increased gap causes your vehicle to use more fuel to produce the same amount of power.  Worn Spark Plugs reduce Gas Mileage, and unburnt fuel will damage your car's Oxygen Sensors and its Catalytic Converter. Also, the longer that plugs stay in a vehicle, the more likely they are to become stuck in the engine's cylinder head. If a spark plug breaks, it can be very expensive and time consuming to extract it. For these reasons, Sant Automotive recommends that you change y...
Read more