The dreaded check engine light immediately conjures up images of huge repair bills. Thankfully, proper auto diagnostic services from a reputable repair shop can minimize the damage and the cost of repairs. Dirk’s Auto Repair in Lincoln, NE will help you find out what that light could mean and what their excellent car repair shop will do to solve the problem.

There are five big reasons your engine light could be activated:

• Oxygen sensor. Measuring the amount of oxygen in your car exhaust, the sensor makes sure your car doesn’t burn more fuel than it needs. A bad sensor can compromise your catalytic converter and spark plugs and drastically limit your fuel economy.
• Gas cap. Another factor in fuel economy, a bad gas cap will trigger your engine light, letting you know that gas fumes are escaping your tank and your fuel could be evaporating.
• Catalytic converter. When operating properly, your catalytic converter reduces harmful car emissions by changing carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide. A faulty converter can cause your car to burn more fuel.
• Mass airflow sensor. Designed to measure how much air enters the engine, it can damage spark plugs and your catalytic converter when it fails.
• Spark plugs. Used to ignite the mixture of fuel and air in the combustion chamber, your spark plugs affect how well your engine starts, how efficient it is, and the power it produces. Worn plugs can damage your catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.

Rather than jumping to conclusions and making guesses at the source of the problem, drivers should have an auto repair shop use auto diagnostic tools to identify the real issue. They can read your vehicle’s computer data to learn which sensors were triggered to narrow down the source of the issue. The mechanic can then use their knowledge and training to recommend a course of action to get your vehicle back on the road as quickly and painlessly as possible.

Dirk’s Auto Repair in Lincoln offers complete engine diagnostic services, as well as brake repairs, auto electrical services, and all other major auto repair and maintenance services. Visit their website to learn more or call (402) 466-6010 to schedule your service today.