Why is my check engine light on?

That Dreaded Warning Light

What Does It Mean?

If you've ever driven a car, chances are you've seen the dreaded check engine light come on at least once. But what does it mean? Is your car about to explode? Is it going to cost you a fortune to fix? Here's a quick overview of what the check engine light means and what you should do if you see it come on.

What to Know

Simply put, the check engine light means that there's a problem with your car's engine. However, it's not always a sign that something is seriously wrong. In many cases, it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap. If the light is blinking, that means the problem is more serious and you should take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. If it's just solid, then you can probably wait a little bit before taking it in. However, if the problem persists, it's always best to get it checked out so that it doesn't turn into something bigger and more expensive down the road. Some common problems include trouble with your catalytic converter, a faulty ignition coil, or transmission issues.

If you're driving and you see the check engine light come on, don't panic! The first thing you should do is pull over and turn off your car. Then, start your car again and see if the light is still on. If it is, then you'll need to bring your car to our shop to have it checked out. However, if the light goes off after you restart your car, there could be a chance that it was just a false alarm.

Visit Us Today

The check engine light can be both terrifying and confusing when it comes on. However, it's important to remember that it doesn't always mean that something serious is wrong with your car. In many cases, it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap. So if you see the check engine light come on, don't panic! Just pull over, turn off your car, and restart it. If the light is still on after you've done that, bring your car to our mechanics to have it checked out. Visit Hollin Hall Automotive in Alexandria, VA, for all your check engine light diagnostics.