Have you ever turned your car on to see the dreaded check engine light glaring at you and decided to ignore it? According to one study, 25% of people won’t take their car in to get inspected after their engine light turns on.
This is a problematic statistic, as neglecting your engine’s vehicle can lead to bigger car issues down the road. Curious why it’s so important to get your car checked out? Continue reading for a quick overview of what that mysterious clunking noise might be and why it’s in your best interest to get it checked out.
Warning Lights
In general, it is a bad idea to ignore any of your vehicle’s warning signs, but especially so when you notice the check engine light on. There are a variety of reasons the light may turn on such as your engine misfiring. Some of the reasons are less alarming such as your gas cap being loose.
The system in your car is meant to pick up on outlying problems with the vehicle. When something is found to be wrong within the electronic control system, the light turns on, and the computer stores a code identifying the source of the problem.
Because the light can turn on for such a wide variety of reasons, it is a smart idea to take it to your nearest auto repair shop or dealership to get it checked out. There, the technicians will be able to run vehicle diagnostics to confirm and repair the issue.
Driving Risk
What do you do when the engine light turns on and it’s not merely a loose gas cap? Does the light blink on, accompanied by a clunking or knocking noise when you drive? You may have an issue with your car’s engine bearings.
Repairing worn or broken engine bearings is a more extensive car repair issue. When engine bearings repairs are left unrepaired, additional extensive damage can be done to the engine itself. In certain cases, the entire engine of your car may need to be replaced.
The knocking or clunking sounds is an early, common sign of worn-out bearings. If you hear that, it is best to take it to a trusted mechanic. If you’re in the Brighton area, aplustransmission.com will be able to run vehicle diagnostics to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Prevention
A prematurely failed bearing is a generally preventable occurrence. A few tips on how to avoid this and in turn keep your engine in tip-top shape:
- Adequate lubrication prevents the buildup of rust and corrosion
- Utilize proper cleaning techniques to remove dust and dirt
- Choose a high load capacity for your for bearing material
General wear and tear on a vehicle is inevitable. However, by practicing proper upkeep and taking your car in when you notice strange sounds or warning lights you can significantly extend the life of your vehicle.
Lights, Camera…Check Engine Light?
We’ve all seen the blinking yellow check engine light on our dash a time or two. Hopefully, the above information serves as a good reminder for you to take your car in when the light pops up paired with any strange noises. A technician will be able to diagnose and get you back on the road in no time.
If you’re someone looking for more information on cars and car safety, be sure to check out the other articles we offer in our Automobiles section. Happy driving!
