What Your Check Engine Light Could Mean
When you turn your car on just to be met with the unpleasant sight of your check engine light illuminated on the dash, you may feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, Houska Automotive is here to eliminate the guesswork and provide you with trusted check engine light testing in Fort Collins, CO to diagnose the cause of your check engine light.
Why Is My Check Engine Light On?
A check engine light does not provide clear insight into the issue unless a professional thoroughly tests it. These lights notice several common vehicle malfunctions and concerns, from faulty oxygen sensors to loose or worn gas caps and beyond.
Dirty Mass Air Flow Sensor
The mass air flow sensor measures and assesses the air flowing out of your vehicle’s engine. When the airflow sensor becomes compromised by contamination due to a dirty air filter or poor driving conditions, it can no longer adequately measure the fuel, making the engine less efficient and using more fuel with less power.
Worn Spark Plugs
Spark plugs have advanced and offer a longer lifespan than older models. However, they still require replacement with time as the parts become worn out. When they deteriorate, the engine can no longer combust fuel as it needs to, so the check engine light may illuminate, indicating it’s time to change the spark plugs.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor is responsible for monitoring the exhaust gas contents emitted by the engine as it then uses that information to control the mixture of air fuel. Inevitably, these sensors will wear out with time and require replacement at approximately 100k miles or when your vehicle’s check engine light indicates a problem.
Loose or Warn Gas Cap
While it may seem minor, a loose or worn gas cap may be the culprit for your check engine light. The fuel system is monitored for emission regulations, and a short gas cap is enough to trigger the check engine light. Before bringing your vehicle in for testing, assess your gas cap to ensure it is on properly.
What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On
If your check engine light comes on, follow these steps before reaching out to Houska Automotive for check engine light testing:
- Assess your vehicle for other warning signs of problems, such as a loose gas cap
- Pull over and turn off your vehicle
- Verify your vehicle’s oil levels
- Contact Houska Automotive to schedule a testing appointment
Insufficient Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter converts carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide to protect the environment. When the catalytic converter is compromised, fuel economy and function decrease, and emissions increase. As a result, your check engine light may come on, signaling it’s time for a vehicle inspection.
Why Go to Auto Repair Shops to Diagnose Check Engine Lights
When your check engine light comes on, it must be tested by a professional to combat further complications to your vehicle’s engine. It may be challenging to identify the source of the check engine signal, and proper testing is required to diagnose and remedy the issue to protect the integrity of your vehicle effectively.
Rely on Houska Automotive for Your Check Engine Light Testing
If your check engine light is illuminated on your dash, don’t worry. Houska Automotive is here to provide comprehensive check engine light testing and diagnosis services that efficiently identify and restore the issues plaguing your vehicle. Contact us today to schedule your check engine light service.
Additional Services
Tire & Oil
Need new tires? Or maybe an oil change? Houska is your one stop shop for tires, oil changes, and the rest of your vehicles’ maintenance needs.
VISIT US
901 Riverside Avenue, Fort Collins CO 80524
CALL US
Hours
Mon - Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM,
Sat: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM