Is Your Check Engine Light On? Failure To Act May Cost You Big Bucks!

A check engine light is an indication that a malfunction has been detected by a vehicle's onboard diagnostic computer. Failure to address this warning light can result in costly repairs.

Santa Maria, CA (prHWY.com) January 23, 2013 - According to some estimates, as many as 10 percent of motor vehicles out on the road may be driving around with a check engine light malfunction. A check engine light or service engine soon light is a warning indicator that lets you know something is not right with your car or truck. This warning light should not be ignored and failure to address it in a timely manner could spell big and expensive trouble for you and your vehicle.

The onboard diagnostic computer, which most modern vehicles are equipped with, monitors the engine control and emission control systems of a vehicle. When a malfunction is detected, this computer will send out a signal to illuminate the check engine warning light located in the dash. The computer will also provide specific fault codes which are helpful for trained mechanics with proper test equipment. Interpreting these fault codes is the first step towards a successful diagnosis of the problem.

Often times, when addressed quickly and taken to a professional mechanic for diagnosis, the malfunction can usually be fixed for a reasonable price. However, if left unattended, the original malfunction may spread and affect other components on your vehicle. According to Main Street Shell Service in Santa Maria, California, a customer recently reported that she had neglected to address the check engine light malfunction on her BMW for more than a few months. After diagnosing the original cause for the warning light as being a bad oxygen sensor, the mechanic found that the vehicle's catalytic converter had also been severely damaged as a result of the customer's failure to take action early.

The moral of the story is that a check engine light is there to alert you when a significant problem has been detected by your vehicle's computer system. If you ever see a flashing check engine light, it is imperative that you get your vehicle to a repair shop as soon as possible. Failure to address a blinking check engine light can result in major engine damage and very costly repairs. Nobody likes to bring their vehicle to the repair shop, but by being proactive and having the problem addressed early, you can save yourself a lot of money and a lot of headaches.

About The Company:
Main Street Shell Service is a full service auto repair shop located in Santa Maria, California. We are also a STAR Certified smog check station and a licensed brake and lamp adjusting station.

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Tag Words: service engine soon light, check engine light, auto diagnostic

Categories: Automotive

Press Release Contact
Contact Person: Clark Crandall
Telephone: (805) 347-0076
Email: vpower@mainstreetshell.com
Website: www.mainstreetshell.com

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