Posted on 4/28/2025
Seeing the check engine light pop on can be stressful—especially when everything seems to be working fine. Is it just a loose gas cap, or something more serious? The truth is, your check engine light can mean many different things. Some are minor, while others could lead to long-term engine damage or unsafe driving conditions if ignored. So, should you be worried? That depends. Here’s how to better understand your check engine light and what to do next. What the Check Engine Light Really Means The check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system. When it detects something unusual in the engine, emissions, or drivetrain systems, it turns on to alert you. This doesn’t always mean something is critically wrong, but it does mean the system has identified a problem worth checking out. Some issues trigger a steady light, while others—especially those that require immediate attention—may cause it to flash. St ... read more