You are driving along and suddenly your check engine light turns on. Within a couple of seconds, the check engine light is no longer illuminated. You continue on your journey until it returns. This time it stays. Every time you start your car from this point forward, that check engine light comes on. Yet, you are still able to drive so, it is no big deal, right? Actually, it is.
Ignoring this critical car diagnostic warning can do severe damage to your engine. Fortunately, there are 13 Van’s Tire Pros engine service locations throughout Ohio that perform car diagnostic checks to make sure your engine problem does not get worse.
This is an all-too-common outcome for many Ohioans. They see the check engine light come but do not notice any issues when driving. Everything seems perfectly fine until it is not. Ignoring the check engine light is never a good idea.
The check engine light is a warning that something is wrong with your engine. Don’t ignore it, diagnose the problem at Van’s Tire Pros. The great thing about coming here is that we can then fix the issue, unlike auto parts stores that can diagnose the issue and then leave you to find someone trustworthy to fix it.
Today’s vehicles have onboard computers and car diagnostic systems that constantly monitor and assess any given problems with your vehicle. The check engine light service from Van’s Tire Pros can isolate the problem while our technicians and mechanics present you with an affordable solution.
So, how does a car diagnostic work and what are some of the more common reasons your check engine light comes on? More importantly, how can Van’s Tire Pros engine diagnostic services isolate the problem and provide a workable solution?
The test starts with the Van’s Tire Pros service technician using a diagnostic scanner that is connected to your vehicle’s onboard computer. The onboard computer then produces several codes that are interpreted by the diagnostic scanner.
Once the service technicians and mechanics have identified the problem, they then perform a more thorough examination. In the case of engine problems, the technicians and mechanics will open the hood of your car and perform various checks on the engine.
After they have identified the problem, they then determine what repairs need to be made and present you with multiple affordable options. Once the repair is finished, our technicians and mechanics will connect the diagnostic scanner again to ensure there are no more error codes.
Your vehicle’s onboard computer does more than just monitor your vehicle’s engine. It ultimately monitors multiple vehicle systems. From your engine to your suspension, transmission, air conditioning, fuel injector, and battery, to the fuel your car consumes, your vehicle’s onboard computer tracks multiple vehicle diagnostics and systems.
Depending upon the make, model, and year of your car, your onboard computer may track critical driver assist and safety assist features like lane keep assist, lane departure warning, parking assist, front view and rearview camera systems, and multiple other onboard systems with numerous sensors.
There are several reasons why your check engine light comes on. One of those reasons could be nothing more than a faulty sensor. Given some of the harsh environments and weather conditions drivers experience, it is common for sensors within their vehicles to become damaged. Aside from a faulty sensor, here are some of the more common reasons customers use our check engine light service.
Your engine is responsible for providing the energy needed to move your vehicle. Within your engine is a complex system of moving parts such as pistons, cylinders, crankshaft, and cylinder heads, as well as stationary components like your vehicle’s engine block, valves, spark plug, and piston rings. Your vehicle’s onboard computer tracks these systems in real-time, instantly notifying you of any potential problems. Something as simple as a worn-out or faulty spark plug can initiate the check engine light.
All vehicles today have catalytic converters, which are responsible for removing hazardous chemicals such as carbon monoxide as your vehicle uses fuel. Aside from removing harmful chemicals and carbon monoxide emissions, your vehicle’s catalytic converter also helps your vehicle run better. Issues with your catalytic converter can show up in a check engine light as your vehicle’s onboard computer may identify issues with your catalytic converter’s efficiency.
Yes, your vehicle’s onboard computer has sensors that immediately detect if you have not properly secured your gas cap. After filling up, if your check engine light comes on, simply stop your vehicle on the side of the road and check the gas cap. Once it is secure, your check engine light may no longer come back on.
Do not make the mistake of waiting to get your check engine light looked at. Waiting for servicing can do substantial damage to your vehicle’s engine. At Van’s Tire Pros, our top-notch mechanics and engine specialists can immediately identify the problem and repair it so your vehicle can get back on the road.
If you have recently had your check engine light come on, then contact us now.