When you’re out on the road, few things can be more worrying than your check engine light suddenly turning on. What does it mean? Do you need to get help right away? As the vehicle maintenance experts at Alignment Center in Anchorage, AK, explain, understanding why your check engine light may have come on is essential for reacting appropriately.

These common causes are often behind an illuminated check engine light:

• A Loose or Missing Gas Cap: Believe it or not, this simple problem is a common reason for your check engine light to turn on. This is because the gas cap plays an important role in maintaining pressure in the gas tank and preventing fuel loss via evaporation. If your check engine light comes on right after you’ve left the gas station, this should be the first thing you look for.
• O2 Sensor Struggles: Quite often, the reason your check engine light turns on is because your vehicle’s oxygen sensor needs to be replaced. A faulty O2 sensor can result in a huge drop in fuel economy and could even damage your catalytic converter and spark plugs. A vehicle maintenance specialist will be able to tell you if this part needs to be replaced.
• Catalytic Converter Problems: Regardless of whether the problems are caused by a malfunctioning oxygen sensor or something else, a damaged catalytic converter could also cause your check engine light to come on. In addition to releasing more harmful gasses into the air, a failed catalytic converter will hurt your gas mileage and put your car at a higher risk for overheating. The sooner you get this problem checked out, the better.

Whether you need a standard auto tuneup or some intensive brake repair, the team at Alignment Center will help your car function properly. To learn more about their vehicle maintenance services, visit them online or call (907) 563-3773.