Nearly every driver has seen their check engine light turn on at some point, but it’s hard to tell why it happens until you visit a vehicle maintenance expert. This alert is designed to call your attention to a variety of potential issues. Here, the team at Professional Automotive in Anchorage, AK, shares why you have this light and what it is trying to tell you about your vehicle.

Why Do I Have a Check Engine Light?

The check engine light is part of your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) system, which regulates variables such as engine speed, ignition timing, and when your automatic transmission should shift gears. When the system detects a problem, the light turns on. The OBD system will also store a trouble code in its memory that identifies the source of the issue. Auto repair shops have a special computer that can read the code and determine what vehicle maintenance and repairs are necessary.

What Issues Cause It to Turn On?

Loose Gas Cap

In some cases, the check engine light turns on because gas cap is loose, damaged or missing. The cap seals the fuel system and helps it maintain pressure. Without a tight seal, your vehicle can lose fuel through evaporation. If tightening the cap by hand isn’t enough to make the light turn off, head to the nearest repair shop for professional service.

Malfunctioning Spark Plugs

Spark plugs keep your car moving by providing the electrical signal that ignites the air and fuel mixture within the cylinders. If they cannot transmit energy properly, your vehicle will not perform correctly; as a result, you may experience reduced power and poor fuel economy. 

Old Oxygen Sensors

The oxygen sensor is mounted in the exhaust manifold and measures the amount of available oxygen in the system. This information helps your car gauge the quality of the fuel mixture. When this part is damaged, your engine will burn fuel inefficiently and possibly damage the spark plugs. 

If your check engine light is on, bring your car to Professional Automotive for an assessment. This repair shop has been providing high-quality vehicle maintenance, engine repair, and other automotive services for more than 25 years. Whether you need a tuneup before a road trip or annual scheduled maintenance, their mechanics will provide reliable services that fit into your budget. View a full list of their services online, and call (907) 562-2471 to schedule an appointment.