Not sure what your car is trying to tell you? Here's what that pesky warning light could be indication about your vehicle's health.
There’s nothing more stressful than when you’re driving down the 101 and that troublesome orange check engine light pops on. What could it possibly mean this time? Is it urgent? Can it wait until you get home or do you need to pull over now?
Before you jump to the worst-case scenario, take a deep breath. We got you covered! At Precision Tire and Auto Center, we see this all the time, and thankfully it doesn’t always mean disaster. That’s why we put together this guide to help you decipher what your vehicle is trying to tell you, and what you can do about it.
Common Causes in Phoenix
Driving in Arizona’s hot climate and extreme temperatures causes a whole new set of challenges when it comes to your vehicle’s performance. Here are a couple of reasons why your check engine light is trying to get your attention:
- Loose or cracked gas cap – One of the most common (and easily fixed) causes.
- Worn spark plugs or ignition coils – High heat can speed up wear.
- Faulty oxygen sensor – Arizona heat and dust can cause these to fail early.
- Evaporative emissions issues – These systems don’t love extreme heat.
- Catalytic converter trouble – Often tied to long-term issues or ignoring other warning signs.
Flashing vs. Solid: What's the Difference?
A flashing verses solid check engine light can help you gauge how urgent the issue really is. A solid light typically signals a problem that needs attention soon, but it’s generally safe to keep driving. However, that isn’t a green light to ignore the issue completely, as waiting too long can turn a small fix into a major repair.
If the check engine light is flashing, that’s a sign of a more serious problem, such as an engine misfire. If you continuing driving with a flashing check engine light, it could be causing significant damage to your engine. So, in this case, it is best to find a safe spot to pull over and call for help.
Why You Shouldn't Ignore It
Ignoring a check engine light could lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the road. Even if it seems like your car is running fine, even the smallest emission issues can snowball into poor fuel economy, sluggish performance, or even server engine damage.
It’s best to have an ASE-certified technician look at your vehicle to read the trouble codes and properly diagnose the problem. At Precision Tire and Auto Center, these codes help guide us in the right direction to ensure your vehicle is fixed the right way. From there, we thoroughly inspect your vehicle and provide you with honest recommendations, taking away the guesswork.
When in Doubt, Swing by Our North Phoenix Auto Repair Shop
If your check engine light’s on, don’t stress, we’re here to help. Our team will take a look, explain what’s going on, and let you know your best next steps.
We're locally owned, family operated, and always focused on helping our neighbors drive safely and confidently. Come see why North Phoenix has trusted us for over 20 years.
