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When the check engine light begins flashing in a vehicle, it might seem as though there isn't a reason for it to be on. Many drivers believe that the light is directly related to the engine, but it can actually be related to an area of the vehicle that is indirectly related to the engine. Basically, if the light flashes and your engine seems to be ok, you should still be concerned in case it is trying to alert you that something else is wrong. The longer that you drive your vehicle with the check engine light flashing, the higher you are increasing the chance of major problems developing that might be too costly to easily afford to get repaired. Taking your vehicle is the first step to finding out why the check engine light is flashing, and it is wise to continually get it serviced to prevent a serious problem in the future.

Reasons for the Check Engine Light to Flash

A flashing check engine light can mean multiple things, including that there is a fuel injection problem. If such a problem is present, it means that your vehicle isn't functioning because fuel is not being distributed or utilized as it should. Another problem that the light can point to is a malfunctioning ignition, but you would know if it was the problem by experiencing difficulty starting up the vehicle. Little to no oil in a vehicle can cause the check engine light to come on as well, which could be to the extent to which the engine is directly affected. When the engine is actually in bad shape, it might smoke or struggle to work altogether.

How a Mechanic Can Pinpoint Problems

It will be wise to take your vehicle to a mechanic rather than trying to diagnose why the check engine light is flashing on your own. The reason why is because a mechanic can quickly pinpoint problems based on their expertise in the industry and special equipment that they have access to. For example, being that the check engine light can mean that multiple problems are present, a mechanic will check the computer errors. Basically, the errors can be found by using a diagnostics tool to gather them up.

Preventative Maintenance Suggestions

You can take steps to decrease the chance of the check engine light from flashing again in the future. If you give your vehicle preventative maintenance, problems will not develop as frequently. For instance, air filter replacement, oil changes, tire rotating, and coolant level checks are examples of what should be done as preventative maintenance.

Contact Downtown Garage & Auto Body to learn more.