BOISE – Whether it’s an extended road trip or a quick getaway, many Americans are looking forward to hitting the road this summer. But if the vehicle “Check Engine” light comes on, your adventure could come to a screeching halt.
In some cases, a solid Check Engine light urges the driver to address the issue as soon as possible. If a flashing light comes on, it usually requires immediate action.
“If the vehicle is shaking, losing power, emitting a strange odor, or otherwise just acting abnormally, pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “While we always hope that a pre-trip inspection can catch any major issues before we hit the road, we also have to be prepared for the unexpected.”
Some of the most common Check Engine culprits include:
- A loose or faulty fuel cap
- Faulty oxygen sensors that may misread the exhaust system
- Faulty spark plugs
- A weak car battery
- Issues with engine airflow or fuel injection
AAA reminds drivers to check engine hoses, belts, and fluid levels before traveling an extended distance.
“For less serious issues, a trusted mechanic or auto parts store may be able to scan the vehicle to diagnose the problem,” Conde said. “As much as we’d like to avoid bad news, being proactive could result in a much better outcome and even a cheaper repair bill.”
For a list of AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, visit https://www.aaa.com/autorepair/ . For AAA emergency road service, call 1-800-AAA-HELP.