For automobile owners in Medford, Oregon, there are few things more ominous than the sudden appearance of the check engine light. This is especially true if you’re traveling and may have to drive through dangerous wintery weather. The important thing is to not panic. While the illumination of a check engine light is serious and should be treated as such, it is not necessarily indicative of something dangerous. Here are a few of the more common reasons why your check engine light could be on:
- A Loose Gas Cap
If your car detects any issues with the pressure in your gas tank, it may trigger the check engine light. Fortunately, in this case, simply readjusting the gas cap can take care of the issue, something that most residents of Oregon can take care of themselves.
- Issues With Your Sensors
Your car relies on various sensors to regulate the amounts of different elements throughout the vehicle, including oxygen and fuel. If there are problems with the sensors, these elements won’t be regulated properly. The severity of the issue depends on which sensor has been impacted, as some of these require immediate repairs, while others allow you a little more time.
- Problems With Your Catalytic Converter
The main purpose of the catalytic converter is to filter out harmful pollutants from your vehicle’s exhaust, and without it, even small issues could trigger engine failure. Generally, when the catalytic converter stops functioning, it is due to other issues with the vehicle, so it’s important to get this looked at as soon as possible.
Because of the sheer variety of things that could trip your check engine light, it’s important to get a diagnostic as soon as possible. If, after some basic troubleshooting, you continue to see the check engine light, the team at Ken Scales Automotive is ready to take over. Not only can we provide you with an accurate diagnosis, we can address the issue as swiftly as possible, ensuring that the whole process has the least impact on your daily routine. To schedule an appointment, simply give us a call at 541-772-6736, or fill out our online form.
