Does a Check Engine Light Mean Your Car Needs Mechanical Work?
Seeing a check engine light come on is never a good feeling. But it’s not the end of the world, either. In fact, it’s not necessarily a sign your car even needs maintenance work. It may be just a technical glitch. The check engine light is an indicator onboard diagnostic system – the computer within the vehicle that monitors performance such as engine speed (RPMs), air to fuel ratio, and ignition timing. If it comes on, first check all the gauges on your dashboard. Is there any other type of warning indicated? (Be careful of the temperature gauge. If it is hot, you need to stop driving the car immediately.) Also keep in mind you should never try to do any emissions testing when the Check Engine light is on. Your car will likely fail.