Your Check Engine Light and What it’s Trying to Tell You
Everyone with a car has and will continue to encounter the dreaded check engine light for some reason or another. No matter what that reason is, your car is trying to tell you that something is wrong, and it would be best to have it looked at and fixed now rather than later when it becomes a bigger problem for you and your bank account. That’s where we at Miramar Automotive & Transmission come in.
We understand the level of anxiety you feel when you see that check engine light turn itself on. We’re here to provide you and your car with services that are professional, yet personal, while using some of the latest auto repair tools that ensure your safety while on the road.
Brands that We Service
As we’re based out of San Diego, California, we have a wide range of vehicles that we offer our check engine light services to. Specifically, cars under American, Asian, and European brands.
- American
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ford
- GM
- GMC
- Hummer
- Jeep
- Lincoln
- Pontiac
- Saturn
- Corvette
- RAM
- Asian
- Acura
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Isuzu
- Kia
- Lexus
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Scion
- Subaru
- Toyota
- European
- Audi
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mini
- Volkswagen
- Fiat
Using the latest auto repair tools and diagnostics software coupled with our real-world experience, we will be providing you and your car; be it American, Asian, or European; with quality repairs that are done with transparency and integrity.
What is Your Check Engine Light?
It helps to think of the check engine light as a reminder that it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up and make sure everything is functioning as it should be. Whether the issue is small or large, it would be better for you and your car in the long run to consult with a professional.
What Your Check Engine Light Could be Telling You
There are several reasons why your check engine light turned itself on:
- The gas cap could be loose or damaged.
- The gas cap is what keeps the fuel system in your car sealed so it has the right pressure to operate properly. This is often the typical reason why the check engine light would turn on.
- There is a failure with the oxygen sensor.
- The oxygen sensor is what ensures the proper fuel-to-air ratio within your car’s engine, which is essential for it to run correctly.
- There are problems with the mass airflow sensor.
- This works side by side with the oxygen sensor to make sure there's a proper fuel-to-air ratio by measuring how much air comes into your car’s engine.
- There is a problem with the catalytic converter.
- This essential part of your car’s exhaust system is responsible for reducing harmful emissions.
- There is an issue with the ignition coil or the spark plug.
- The ignition coil creates electricity needed for the spark plug, and the spark plug is what starts up the mixture of air-fuel within your car’s engine.
FAQs
Will I be able to still drive my car if the check engine light turns on?
That depends on what caused the light to turn on in the first place. If the light is flashing, please pull off somewhere safe to call a tow service to take your car to the nearest garage. But if the light is steady, usually it’s safe to drive but we still recommend that you schedule an appointment sooner rather than later.
Does the check engine light reset itself?
There are instances where your check engine light might turn off on its own, this could mean that the issue has resolved itself. Even if this does happen, it’s still a good idea for you to bring your car in to make sure that whatever the cause was, there’s no underlying issues for you to find out about later.
What do I do if my check engine light keeps turning off and on?
There may be times when the check engine light is on when you schedule your appointment, only for it to turn off before you get there. Sometimes this will happen because of a temporary problem that ended up resolving itself on its own, as mentioned above, other times it could be a problem that will keep recurring until it’s dealt with. It would be better for you and your car to have it checked either way.
Miramar Automotive & Transmission happily offers our services to drivers coming from:
- Clairemont, CA
- La Jolla, CA
- Mira Mesa, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Scripps Ranch, CA
Our top priority is you being able to drive in your car safely. If your check engine light comes on, give us a call to set up an appointment so we can take care of you and your car as quickly as possible.