What Should I do if my "Check Engine Light" comes on?

If your "Check Engine Light" comes on while you're driving, it's essential to take immediate action to address the issue and prevent potential damage to your vehicle. Here are some steps to follow if your "Check Engine Light" illuminates: Don't Panic: While seeing the "Check Engine Light" can be concerning, try to remain calm and continue driving safely to a location where you can safely pull over. Check for Immediate Issues: If you notice any other warning signs such as unusual noises, loss of power, or changes in engine performance, it's important to proceed with caution and pull over if necessary. Check Your Gas Cap: A loose or damaged gas cap can sometimes trigger the "Check Engine Light." Before taking further action, check to ensure that your gas cap is securely tightened. Schedule Diagnostic Check: Once it's safe to do so, schedule a diagnostic check with a professional mechanic, such as the experts at Sant Automotive. Ignoring the "Check Engine Light" could lead to more severe issues down the line. Avoid Ignoring the Light: Even if your vehicle appears to be running normally, it's crucial not to ignore the "Check Engine Light." The light could indicate a range of potential issues, from minor problems to more serious engine malfunctions. Don't Attempt DIY Repairs: While it's natural to want to troubleshoot the issue yourself, attempting DIY repairs based solely on the "Check Engine Light" can be risky. Professional technicians have the expertise and diagnostic tools to accurately identify and address the problem. Follow Recommendations: After a diagnostic check, the technician will provide you with information on the issue and recommended repairs. Follow their recommendations to ensure that your vehicle is safe and operating efficiently. By taking swift action and seeking professional assistance from Sant Automotive, you can address the underlying cause of the "Check Engine Light" and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a diagnostic check and repair service, and trust our experienced technicians to provide expert care for your vehicle's engine and systems. Don't delay when your "Check Engine Light" comes on – prioritize your safety and the health of your vehicle by addressing the issue promptly.
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