You’re driving around, minding your business when out of your periphery you see the gentle flicker of dashboard light lighting up. Take a deep breath, which light is it. HOW BAD IS THIS SITUATION?? One glance and immediate dread, the check engine light is on. You don’t even know what the problem is, and already your wallet hurts. But WAIT, there isn’t need to panic just yet! There are a whole host of issues that could be causing your check engine light to come on that won’t make you weep over your bank statement.

One of the most common issues that will cause your check engine light to turn on is your gas cap being loose. So before you go panicking, go ahead and give that a quick check. Many people don’t know this, but a loose, cracked, or faulty gas cap can cause fuel to evaporate, thus cueing your check engine light. If it is indeed loose, just tighten that bad boy up and carry on with your business. See not so bad, friend!

Aside from a loose gas cap, all other reasons for your check engine light coming on are much more complicated, and therefore aren’t things you’ll be able to diagnose on your own or fix on the side of the road. Other causes can range from a damaged vacuum hose or ignition coil(s) to a failing catalytic converter to worn out spark plugs, and that’s just a few. If those words look like some sort of foreign language to you, don’t worry. There’s a reason we’re all not mechanics. The GOOD NEWS is that the qualified professionals at Galles Chevrolet will be able to diagnose and fix the problem for you in no time.

BUT HOW DO THEY FIGURE IT OUT?!  Most modern cars have an on-board diagnostic system that provides a code identifying the specific issue at hand. So when you bring your vehicle to Galles Chevrolet they can read the code and sort out what the code means so that they can fix the issue.

So while that light in the corner of your dash means you will have to seek the help of the professionals in our Galles Chevrolet service center in the near future, there’s absolutely no need to panic. If it’s not a simple fix, like your gas cap, we’ll be able to sort out the problem and get you back on the road in no time.