Regardless of whether you’re running a quick errand or taking a cross-country road trip, your car’s check engine light could illuminate at any moment. If you ignore the warning, it might create a more costly auto repair. To avoid any extensive damage, take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible when that dashboard indicator appears.

3 Reasons to Get an Auto Repair After Your Check Engine Light Comes On

1. Prevent Decreasing Gas Mileage

Cars come with a sensor to detect how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust, which allows it to calculate the amount of fuel burned. When the sensors stop functioning, your check engine light will illuminate because the fuel data does not get transferred to the vehicle’s computer, ultimately hurting gas mileage and increasing emissions. A professional should check the sensors promptly because they can become shrouded by oil ash.

2. Avoid Acceleration Issues

If your car lacks acceleration, the catalytic converter is likely the culprit. The component turns harmful compounds created by your car, such as carbon monoxide, into safe ones. When it fails, so will your acceleration. If you don’t take your vehicle in for maintenance after the check engine light comes on, a catalytic converter can cause a major headache because it’s an expensive replacement. 

If you feel your vehicle jolt during acceleration, the spark plugs might be to blame. They connect the combustion chamber and the engine. If you don’t have them replaced every 25,000 miles, your acceleration will continue to worsen, which could cause expensive engine repairs.

3. Keep the Car From Stalling

The mass airflow sensors communicate with the vehicle’s computer system to add the correct level of fuel based on the amount of air in the engine. If the filters on the sensors aren’t changed every year, the engine may stall because the air is not flowing freely and the vehicle doesn’t have the information it needs to work.

Drivers of High Point, NC, go to Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center when their check engine lights turn on because the shop provides fast and reliable service. The ASE-certified mechanics will diagnose the issue quickly and complete the necessary auto repairs so you can get back on the road safely. Call them at (336) 841-6553 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about the myriad of services they offer.