It’s not uncommon to get the check engine light turned on while driving. This is a warning from your car that something needs attention, and it’s essential to find out what the issue is as soon as possible. There are many reasons why you might be having problems with your car.
Many people ask, “Can needing an oil change cause check engine light?”. This blog post will look at some of the most prevalent causes for a “check engine” light coming on and whether it may be related to changing your oil.
What Is The Check Engine Light?
The check engine light refers to a warning signal on the dashboard of most cars. It comes on when there is a problem with the car’s emissions control system. The light can be because of something as simple as a loose gas cap, or it could signify something more serious is wrong with the car.
If the check engine light comes on, it’s vital to get the car checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the light could lead to more severe problems down the road.
There are three things you can do to help prevent your check engine light from coming on:
- Make sure your gas cap is tight
- Keep your engine well-maintained
- Avoid overloading your car with cargo
These are just a few tips, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for more information.
Can Needing An Oil Change Cause Check Engine Light?
Yes, the check engine light might mean you need an oil change.
The check engine light on a car is usually because of one of three problems: a loose gas cap, a problem with the emission control system, or a lack of oil. If your car’s check engine light comes on and you know that you haven’t recently had an oil change, you likely need to add more oil to your vehicle.
Adding oil is a relatively easy task that you can do yourself, and it’s a good idea to check your car’s oil level regularly to make sure you don’t run into any problems. If you’re not comfortable adding oil to your vehicle, take it to a mechanic and have them do it for you. It’s essential to keep your car’s oil level in check, as a lack of oil can cause damage to your engine.
If you’re unsure on whether or not you need an oil change, it’s always best to play it safe and get one. An oil change is a relatively cheap and easy way to help prevent problems with your car that can be expensive to fix later.
If your car’s check engine light comes on, it’s essential to take it in for repairs as soon as possible. Ignoring the light can lead to more significant and more expensive problems down the road. Taking your car in for a repair is always cheaper than having to buy a new one, so don’t wait until it’s too late.
Reasons Why The Check Engine Light Is On
There are many reasons why your check engine light might be on. We will look at each of these reasons in detail:
Engine problems
In most cases, when the check engine light is on, it means that there’s a problem with one or more of your car’s internal systems. This could be an emission system issue, which would have to do with emissions but can also mean other problems like low power.
Logbook issues
If you have a computerized car that keeps track of how many miles your vehicle has driven, the check engine light will be on if it cannot keep up with this. This doesn’t usually happen because it should manage all your driving automatically but could also mean problems in any other system (like the emission one mentioned above) so pay attention.
Electrical system issues
A check engine light on can also point towards problems in your electrical system – which would result from a faulty device or wiring.
Electrical issues with the sensors and actuators are usually related to voltage, ground circuits, current supply, and insufficient power for specific systems that require it (for example, fuel pump).
Fuel problems
A less common reason for the check engine light to come on is a problem with your car’s fuel. This can be because of anything from a clogged fuel filter to a faulty pump and will usually result in your vehicle not starting.
Transmission problems
A check engine light could also mean problems related to your transmission. A faulty sensor usually causes this. You should fix it as soon as possible because it’s not suitable for the life of your car.
Vehicle speed sensor issues
Another reason you might see a check engine light on is an issue with one of your vehicle’s speed sensors, which usually happens when there is a problem with the transmission.
Ignition system problems
One more potential reason for the check engine light is an ignition system problem. This could be anything from a poorly installed ignition coil to a faulty spark plug, so make sure you’re using good parts if you want your car’s engine to last.
In cases like this, it might be necessary for your mechanic to run diagnostic tests on the vehicle and its systems to determine what is causing the problem. A scan tool may also come in handy because it will allow your mechanic to read the trouble codes and tell you exactly what’s causing all these issues.
Is It Safe To Continue Driving With The Check Engine Light On?
There’s much debate over whether it’s safe to drive with the check engine light on. Some people say that you should pull over and turn off your car as soon as you see the light come on, while others claim that driving with the light on won’t cause any damage. So, what’s the truth?
The truth is that it depends on what’s causing the check engine light to come on. If there’s a problem with your car’s emissions system, then you definitely shouldn’t drive with the light on. However, if the light indicates a minor issue like a loose gas cap, then driving with the light on won’t cause any damage.
Based on the severity of the problem, you can resolve it by either taking your car in for repairs or resetting the check engine light yourself. If you decide to take your car into a shop for repair, then you should ask them to show you proof of what’s wrong with the car before agreeing to pay any money. You might even want to get a second opinion if the cost of repairs seems too high.
If you are unsure what the problem is, then you can always reset the check engine light as a temporary measure. This is done by disconnecting your car’s battery for about 30 seconds. If it comes back on after that period, then your problem was probably caused by one of two things:
- A bad sensor or wire in the emissions system
- A disconnected fuel cap
In either case, you’ll need to take your car in for repairs. If you decide to drive with the light on, just be aware of the potential consequences and be prepared to take your vehicle in for repairs if the light comes back on.
FAQs
Can a bad air filter cause a check engine light?
A nasty air filter can cause the check engine light to come on, but it’s not very common. Usually, this will only happen if the air filter is clogged and can’t let enough air into the system.
Why did my check engine light come on after the oil change?
This is tricky because it depends on what went down during the oil change. If you broke anything or some kind of leak in the system, you might see the check engine light come on after an oil change.
However, this usually only happens when you’re using subpar parts for your oil changes and repairs. Make sure you’re getting the correct parts for your car and that they’ve gone through the proper installation if you want to prevent this from happening.
How can I reset my check engine light?
The most common way to reset your check engine light is by disconnecting the battery for about 30 seconds. However, you can also try unplugging a sensor from the car’s computer system if that doesn’t work.
How do I know my mechanic isn’t lying?
This depends on how knowledgeable a mechanic they are and what diagnostic tools they have access to. If your mechanic is reputable and has a good track record, then you can probably trust them. However, if they’re new to the business or don’t have any kind of credentials, then you might want to be a little more careful.
If my check engine light comes back on, do I have to take my car in for repairs?
If the check engine light comes back on after you’ve reset it, then that usually means there’s a more severe problem with your car. In most cases, you’ll need to take your vehicle in for repairs if this happens. However, this rule has a few exceptions, so you should always consult your owner’s manual to find out what the light means.
Conclusion
Engine problems are one of the most common reasons for a check engine light on, but there could also be other issues that would have nothing to do with this – like electrical or computer-related ones, so make sure you get them fixed as soon as possible.
If you’re not sure what’s wrong with your car, bring it to a mechanic and have them look at it. They’ll be able to run diagnostic tests and determine the root of the problem so that you can fix it as quickly and efficiently as possible.
