When driving, you naturally don't want your check engine light to turn on because this could potentially be a sign of trouble. Knowing the probable complications arising from a turned on checked engine light will help you stay in better control of the situation. This knowledge will also help you establish whether you need professional car servicing or whether you can rectify the problem on your own.

Unfastened Or Damaged Fuel Cap

Your check engine light may also turn on if the fuel cap is cracked, damaged or loose. This may cause your car to jerk while you drive. When the fuel cap is cracked or damaged, your entire fuel system will be affected because of escaping vapours of fuel. This will not only reduce your fuel system's efficiency, but it may also release pollutants into the air. The pressure inside your fuel tank will also go haywire. You can easily replace a fuel cap on your own, but make sure you do so immediately to prevent emissions and reduction in mileage. If you want professional intervention, you can always take your car to a professional car servicing company to check for other possible problems in your car.

Defective Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve

If the check engine light turns on, it could be because of a defective exhaust gas recirculation valve. Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) helps to reduce the levels of nitrogen oxide emitted from your car, enabling it to run more efficiently. The EGR valve guides exhaust gases to the combustion chamber. This action heats up fuel for easier combustion, which results in better fuel mileage. A defective EGR valve will cause your car to misfire because the engine fails to circulate hot air efficiently. You will need to get professional car servicing to replace the valve and clean all parts within the system.

Faulty Oxygen Sensor

Your check engine light may turn on when your oxygen sensor is damaged. An oxygen sensor monitors the exhaust system's unburned oxygen. It checks to make sure that the ratio of fuel to air is correct. For example, if too much fuel or oxygen goes into the engine, this sensor enables the car's computer to equalise the problem. Over a period of time, the oxygen sensor may get covered in oil ash, which will reduce its ability to provide correct data to the car's computer system. A faulty oxygen sensor will not provide the right input to the computer, which may result in a mileage decrease. You will need to get car repairs for replacing a faulty oxygen sensor.

Knowing these possible reasons will help you take proper action. Depending on your specific problem, you can either fix it yourself or you will need professional car servicing.

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