Self Diagnose Your Car And The Check Engine Light

Even for the most mechanically inclined, determining exactly what is going on with your car behind the check engine light can be very complicated. Some people are willing to hunt out the problem through trial and error while others will be quick to drive their car to the mechanic to get the diagnostic test run and then take the car home to resolve the issue themselves. Either way, this can be a costly process. There has to be an easier way.

Why the Check Engine Light is On

No one likes to think of having to take a trip to the mechanic each and every time the check engine light comes on. In the last ten or so years, cars have been designed so that this light will come on for just about every problem imaginable, not just because the engine needs some type of repair. A problem as simple as the gas cap not being tightened enough last time you went to fill up your car can cause the light to go on. This makes the light almost impossible to decipher without the use of a computer device.

Car Error Codes

In your car's computer, all problems will register as a code. If you were able to extract these codes from your car's computer and decipher them for yourself, you will know what needs to be done to have your car running smoothly again. So why would you spend hundreds of dollars to find out what is wrong and then spend the money to fix it yourself when you can diagnose the problem yourself?

Codes Explain the Check Engine Light

These problem codes that register through the check engine light are the answer to all of the problems that could possibly occur with the car. Extracting these codes will tell you exactly what is going on with your car and you will be able to figure out what exactly needs to be fixed rather than swapping out part after part until the issue has been resolved. Not only can you cause more damage to your vehicle by swapping out parts but you will also spend unnecessary money on parts that it turns out you do not need.

Working as your own mechanic can definitely have its advantages. You will be able to save yourself the high cost of labor as well as the time that a mechanic might take. Many other people also use mechanics so if you need to use one, you will likely need to wait your turn, but it could be worth waiting to find out why the check engine light is on. When you do it yourself, you can work when you have the time.

by Andre Zayas