If your check engine light is on currently on, you're not alone. Many Americans ride around with their check engine light on, but it's important to get your engine checked as soon as possible if your check engine light comes on. It usually means something isn't working properly. Sometimes it's an easy fix and sometimes the problem is more complicated. Here are a few of the most common reasons your check engine light is on:
- The oxygen sensor needs to be replaced - When your oxygen sensor is defective, it will not provide the correct information to your car's computer causing a decrease in gas mileage. This is usually not an expensive problem to fix.
- You Have a Damaged or loose gas cap - Your gas cap is an integral part of your fuel system. A loose or cracked gas cap leaks out fuel vapors which causes a reduction in gas mileage and increases emissions.
- You need to replace the catalytic convertor - The catalytic convertor helps reduce exhaust gases. When the catalytic convertor is damaged gas mileage will decrease and cause your car to run at higher temperatures.
- The Mass Airflow Sensor needs to be replace - If this part is broken it will damage the other parts of your engine like the O2 sensor or the catalytic converter.