What to Do When the Check Engine Light Turns On
If you’ve been driving for a few years now, you may have encountered the pesky check engine light before.
If you’ve been driving for some time, chances are that you and the check engine light have likely met before. If you’re a lucky driver and have never seen it, it may be quite stressful. What does it mean? Should you stop driving right away? Can you drive to a repair shop? Do you have to call a tow truck? Can you fix it yourself, or should you take it to the mechanic? Here are the answers to those answers and what you should do when the check engine light turns on.
There are the three phases in which the check engine light could be in:
1.) Off: This is when everyone is happy and your car is running within standards. Ideally, this is what we always want our light to be.
2.) On: When the light goes on, this means that there is something wrong with your car and you should take it to a mechanic as soon as you possibly can.
3.) Blinking: When the light is blinking it means that there is something seriously wrong with your car as it’s usually an engine misfire which could lead to catastrophic events.
What should you do?
1.) Take it to the mechanic: They can run a full diagnostic and normally repair your car. They’ll likely charge a diagnostic fee plus the cost of repairs.
2.) Purchase your own OBII Scanner: It can pair with your phone or computer to give you your very own diagnostic report. With this, you can gauge if you can DIY or take it to the mechanic.
Our staff at Remland Insurance is very experienced in all matters regarding auto insurance in Orange County and surrounding areas. Please contact us for any further questions regarding your auto insurance!
