If you’re like most people, you dread seeing certain “lights” come on when you’re sitting in your vehicle. For instance, there’s that darn “check engine light,” which really doesn’t tell you much, except that you should probably take the vehicle to a mechanic and have them check the engine.
Vehicles today have an “onboard diagnostics system,” which is a fancy way for saying computer technology is installed in cars and trucks that can find problems and tell you about them via lights like the check engine one on your dashboard. Computers play a major role in the vehicles of today, compared to the much more vehicles a generation or two ago.
So, what about that check engine light? What does it mean? In general, it will come on when your vehicle’s computer finds something wrong with the vehicle’s emissions systems. When the light holds steady, you have some time to have it checked– not a lot of time, but some time. If it’s blinking, though, it’s serious and you need to have it professionally checked as soon as possible.
Interestingly, one of the main reasons the check engine light might come on is because the gas cap isn’t tightened! You may have to tighten the gas cap and then check to see if the light goes off. It may take a couple tries at this before the light resets.
Obviously, if the check engine light stays on for a long period of time, you’re going to want to take the vehicle to someone who has a “code reader” to have the vehicle tested for what might be wrong. This is akin to taking a sick baby to the doctor for a diagnosis. Then, when the code reveals the problem, something can be done to fix it. Again, computer technology plays a role in figuring out what is wrong and, thus, what needs to be corrected, changed, repaired or replaced.
If your check engine light is on, bring the vehicle to AV Bumper to Bumper Auto Repair at 44559 N. Division Street in Lancaster, California, for a check-up. You’re also welcome to call 661-949-1999 to make an appointment.
