Check Engine Light
Check Engine Light
Dashboard lights communicate issues with the car and inform you if there's a problem. At MINI Edmonton, we strive to keep you safe on the road. The check engine light is one of the most important dashboard lights for proper car care and can indicate several issues.
What The Light Means?
The check engine light warns you if there's a problem with the engine. It serves as both an indicator to investigate a problem with your engine and cautions you of immediate danger so you can take urgent action. A yellow check engine light means you should check or service the engine, and a red one means stop right now. Some cars have either a constantly illuminated light or a blinking light. The constant is the equivalent of the yellow light, and the blinking replaces the red light and means something needs immediate attention.
The check engine light can refer to many different things. A yellow or steady light will usually refer to issues such as a loose gas cap or a malfunctioning sensor. These are not emergencies, but you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible. A red or blinking light might mean you're getting poor gas mileage or a misfiring engine. Both are urgent, and ignoring them can damage expensive components leading to expensive car maintenance and repair.
What To Do About the Check Engine Light?
Now that you know what the light indicates, here's what to do about it. You should start by checking your other dashboard gauges and lights for signs of low oil pressure or engine overheating. Both of those are serious and mean you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as it's safe to do so.
If the engine is misfiring or if you notice performance problems such as a loss of power, reduce your speed and power. You should also try to reduce loads that put heavy demands on the engine, such as to stop towing a trailer. In these situations, your best bet is to seek professional help. Schedule service at our dealership in Edmonton and have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible. Our expert service staff will use special diagnostics to be able to fully diagnose and repair the issue.
Car Maintenance
Prevent small problems from becoming serious issues by regularly inspecting and maintaining your car. Routine car maintenance will decrease the likelihood that you see the engine check light or find yourself stopped on the side of the road. Contact us to schedule maintenance and service for your car.