Can I Drive With My Check Engine Light On? Ask Auto Town.

It's not too unusual to see your check engine light come on when you're driving. If this hasn't happened to you, you've surely heard a friend or family member talk about it. Your engine light may or may not be a sign of something serious.

What does it mean when your check engine light comes on? Is it dangerous, and what should you do about it? Keep reading, and we'll answer all your questions.

Why Did My Engine Light Come On?

Your check engine light can indicate many different issues or problems, some easy to fix and others more serious. Here are some of the common things that can make your check engine light go on:

A loose gas cap
A failing oxygen sensor
An engine leak
An issue with your emissions system
Fuel system issues
Issues with your electronic control system
Problems with your catalytic converter
Spark plug problems

If you have questions about your check engine light, especially for a GMC, call us at (503) 342-8826 so we can help.

What Does It Mean When My Check Engine Light Flashes?

In today's modern cars, computers often try to compensate for a problem when they find one. But if they can't, they may turn on your check engine light to warn you that you need some routine maintenance.

Even apparently small issues may mean you're getting bad gas mileage or giving off unacceptable levels of pollution (even if you don't notice it). Why pay more for gas and pollute the environment? Get your car fixed sooner rather than later so it drives more efficiently.

If your check engine light comes on, your problem is probably not an emergency, but you should still get your car checked out by a reputable mechanic in GLADSTONE.

On the other hand, if it flashes, get to your mechanic as soon as you can. A blinking light can indicate that unburned fuel is getting into the exhaust system, where it can quickly damage the catalytic converter. That is one expensive repair, and one which you'll want to avoid.

Whether you want us to repair a major or a minor problem, let our GMC Service Center diagnose and fix it before it gets worse.

What Should I Do If My Engine Light Comes On?

First, check your dashboard lights and gauges to look for any obvious problems. Are there signs of low oil pressure or an overheating engine?

If you notice anything, pull over and turn off your engine as soon as you find a safe place to stop. This is especially true if your light flashes or turns red.

Then get your car towed to the Auto Town GMC Service Center so we can fix the underlying issues causing the problem.

If you don't see any serious problems, try removing and replacing your gas cap. This will sometimes resolve the issue, although your light may not turn off until you've driven a few more times.

If your car gives you an engine light code, check that code online for your particular model to see if you can find a description of the issue. Then follow directions to correct the problem, including taking your car to a good service center south of Portland so they can fix it for you.

Whatever you do, don't go for an emissions test with your check engine light on. In most cases, your check engine light is a sure sign that your car won't pass your state's emissions test. We can help with that too.

What Does It Cost to Diagnose and Fix?

It's hard to say exactly how much a diagnosis will cost. Often the diagnosis itself will be less than $100. The repairs you need may cost more…but they can also potentially save you a LOT of money in the long run.

On the other hand, there may be a nominal charge for us to fix a minor problem. And we'll charge you competitive rates to fix any problem we find.

So if your check engine light is on or flashing, and you need us to diagnose the source of the problem and fix it, whether it's serious or just costing you more money at the pump, schedule a service appointment today.

We're happy to get your car driving great again, and make that pesky check engine light turn off so you can drive worry-free. And remember: we're one of the leading Buick GMC dealers in the Portland metro area, so you know you can trust Auto Town to do work right the first time, and at the right price.

Sources: www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/what-does-check-engine-light-mean, www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/repair/engine-repair/check-engine-light

Prices do not include additional fees including licensing government fees and taxes, any dealer documentation fees. $200.00 dealer doc fee. All prices, specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. All vehicles subject to prior sale. Dealer not responsible for pricing or equipment errors. While great effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this site, errors do occur so please verify all information prior.