Check Engine Light in San Diego, CA

What Does My Check Engine Light Mean? -- West Miramar Automotive & Transmission

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

There are few things more alarming to car owners than the dreaded glow of the check engine light. After all, the ominous symbol could mean so many different things. At West Miramar Automotive & Transmission, our mission is to provide each of our customers with professional check engine light inspection services. If you suspect there’s a problem with the engine in your car, truck, or SUV, stop by and see us in San Diego, California today. Below, we’ll dive into some reasons why your check engine light might have gone off – so that you can drive with confidence.

Determining the Severity of the Issue

Unfortunately, the check engine light could signal a wide range of issues with different severity levels. While there’s no way to truly tell without checking the car’s error code, a flashing or blinking engine light can indicate a more volatile issue. If you see a blinking or flashing check engine light, it’s best to take in your car to an experienced technician as soon as possible to stay safe.

Possible Reasons Why The Check Engine Light Is On

Here are a couple of the most common reasons why the check engine light is on. Note that there are many possible causes outside of this list— Therefore, it’s best to read your car’s error code to get a true sense of the problem.

• Spark plugs need to be replaced
• The gas cap is too loose or needs to be replaced
• Oxygen sensor replacement
• Ignition coils need replacement
• Fuel injector replacement
• Switching a catalytic converter to an updated OEM converter
• Mass airflow sensor issues

Evaluating The Car Error Code

The only way to truly get to the bottom of your car’s illuminated check engine light is to get a thorough assessment of the error code. Any trusted auto mechanic should be able to provide a solid reading of the code. Or, if you have an OBD system reader, you can get a preemptive idea of the problem yourself. These readers are fairly inexpensive and a good idea to have on hand at home. While they won’t solve the problem triggering the check engine light, they can help you understand the severity of the situation.

Don’t Ignore The Check Engine Light

While it may be tempting to blissfully ignore the check engine indicator if your car is running fine, otherwise, this can do a great deal of damage to your vehicle. This light is a good indicator of the overall health of your vehicle, so try to get the problem addressed as soon as possible.

Professional Check Engine Light Inspection

If your check engine light has suddenly come on, don’t hesitate to have it inspected by a team of professionals. At West Miramar Automotive & Transmission, located at 5726 Miramar Road, our team of certified mechanics will inspect your vehicle’s check engine light to determine any underlying issues with your car’s engine. Come see us in San Diego, California or give us a call at (858) 457-5716 to schedule your appointment today.