5 common engine light problems and solutions to avoid high costs
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Special To The Auto Channel
From International Drivers Association
Authored By Motoring Expert Dominic Wyatt
Auto Central September 11, 2024; With vehicle maintenance costs increasing by 7% in the first half of 2024 (Automotive Fleet), drivers are feeling the financial pressure more than ever. Ignoring common engine light warnings can lead to breakdowns, turning small issues into costly repairs.
According to AAA, the average cost of new vehicle ownership has surged to over $12,000 annually, making early detection and maintenance crucial to avoid further financial strain.
The International Drivers Association provides actionable tips for catching these issues early and saving on hefty repair costs, information that is timely and essential for keeping your vehicles and budgets in check.
IGNORING THESE 5 COMMON ENGINE LIGHT ERRORS COULD COST YOU BIG AND HOW TO FIX THEM
HOW OFTEN ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS HAPPEN THIS 2024
Engine light issues have been gathering speed and have reached new heights in 2024. The same research quoted in Forbes says that almost 50% of cars are driven while the warning light remains on. The stunning number of malfunctioning vehicles indicates that car owners should become aware and act as soon as possible.
Dominic Wyatt of the International Drivers Association says, _"Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning lights are key to avoiding breakdowns and ensuring your car's longevity."_ Since more drivers still pay less attention to this warning, the chances of being stranded due to serious engine issues are greater, hence the extreme importance of being aware of how to address the most common problems that induce check engine lights on.
THE 5 MOST COMMON ENGINE LIGHT PROBLEMS DRIVERS EXPERIENCE ON THE ROAD
AND HOW TO FIX THEM
1. LOOSE OR DAMAGED GAS CAP
1. LOOSE OR DAMAGED GAS CAP
A missing or loose gas cap can trigger the check engine light. One of the most simple and often overlooked issues can cause this complication. Just be sure the cap is tightly sealed after each fill-up. If the cap has a crack or shows other signs of damage, get a new one.
2. FAULTY OXYGEN SENSOR
A defective oxygen sensor could cause lousy fuel economy in your engine. The wrong feed given by a faulty sensor to the car's computer causes poor fuel economy. To remedy this, you must replace the oxygen sensor with an OEM part for the best result.
3. FAULTY MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR
The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. A faulty MAF sensor could cause performance issues in addition to increased emissions. Sometimes, a malfunctioning MAF sensor requires cleaning or replacement. However, this sensor can be kept in reasonable condition by changing the air filter occasionally.
4. CATALYTIC CONVERTER ISSUES
Catalytic converter problems can be a worry and are thus very expensive to repair. The catalytic converter helps reduce hazardous emissions. The best way to make this part last longer is to perform simple engine tune-ups. If the check engine light blinks about the catalytic converter, it could be the perfect time for expert evaluation.
5. SPARK PLUGS OR SPARK PLUG WIRES
Worn-out spark plugs and damaged wires are the usual culprits for engine misfires. Spark plug replacement is standard maintenance that must be taken care of within the period mentioned in the car's service manual. This being said you may not suffer severe damage to the engine.
KEY INSIGHTS
Like other car operations, regular maintenance routines should be given immediate attention regarding warning lights. In the words of Dominic Wyatt, _"It's in paying attention to your car's warning lights, avoiding unforeseen breakdowns that could increase your vehicle's longevity."