Is there a difference between a solid and flashing check engine light?
Whether the check engine light on your dashboard is solid or flashing, you still need to take your vehicle to your preferred service station as soon as possible to determine the cause of the warning light. However, there is a difference in the urgency behind that trip based on the state of your check engine light.
Flashing Check Engine Light
If your check engine light is flashing, it is a sign that there’s an emergency and you need to get to your preferred service center as soon as possible. You should stop driving your vehicle immediately and call a tow truck to take you to the service center. That flashing light can mean problems with your catalytic converter(s), misfiring cylinders, faulty coils, or spark plugs. Delaying a trip to the service center could result in catastrophic engine failure and expensive and time-consuming repairs.
Solid Check Engine Light
A solid check engine light can have many causes from a misaligned or malfunctioning gas cap to problems with faulty or dirty spark plugs. You still want to take your vehicle in for service, but it’s not as much of an emergency as it would be if the check engine light were flashing. You can still drive your vehicle if the check engine light is steady, but you should drive directly to your service station.
The check engine light can mean many things, but it always means there’s a problem you need to see your mechanic about. Ignoring a check engine light, even a steadily lit one, can result in catastrophic engine failure. In San Diego, CA, taking your vehicle to West Automotive Group as soon as the check engine light comes on can save you time and money since their qualified technicians will diagnose the root problem behind the warning light and advise you on how best to repair the issue before it gets worse. If your check engine light is on, why not call them today and make an appointment to get the problem behind the warning light diagnosed and repaired?
