What to Expect with a Check Engine Light Diagnostic Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: On average, cars spend 95% of their lifetime parked.
Why Does the Check Engine Light Come On?
The check engine light often triggers both anxiety and curiosity, but have you ever wondered why it illuminates?
Common Reasons for the Check Engine Light:
Your vehicle's check engine light serves as a warning and can illuminate for various reasons. Understanding these causes is essential to maintaining your vehicle's performance and safety.
Here are some common culprits:
- Loose Gas Cap: Astonishingly, a loose or damaged gas cap is a frequent trigger for the check engine light. A loose cap can lead to fuel vapors escaping, potentially resulting in increased emissions.
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor monitors oxygen levels in your vehicle's exhaust gases. A malfunctioning sensor can negatively affect fuel efficiency and emissions, leading to check engine light activation.
- Bad Spark Plug: Spark plugs play a crucial role in igniting the air-fuel mixture in the engine. When they wear out, or misfire, engine misfires and poor performance can occur.
- Failing Catalytic Converter: The catalytic converter reduces harmful emissions from exhaust gases. A failing converter can increase emissions and potentially damage your engine.
Why It Matters:
Neglecting the check engine light can lead to more severe consequences than you might imagine. These include:
- Damage to Other Components: The check engine light often serves as an early warning system. Ignoring it can result in damage to other engine components, potentially leading to costly repairs.
- Poor Fuel Economy: Many issues that trigger the check engine light can negatively impact your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Neglecting these problems could mean spending more on fuel over time.
- Environmental Impact: A malfunctioning vehicle can emit higher levels of pollutants, contributing to environmental issues. Regular maintenance can help reduce your carbon footprint.
The check engine light may seem like a mysterious symbol on your dashboard, but it's your car's way of communicating potential issues. It's crucial not to ignore it, as addressing the underlying problems can prevent more severe consequences like damage to vital components and decreased fuel efficiency. By understanding the common reasons behind its activation, you can take proactive steps to keep your vehicle running smoothly and environmentally friendly.
Check Engine Light Service Near You
We employ state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately identify the source of the problem causing your check engine light to illuminate. Once we've pinpointed the issue, our trained technicians will discuss all necessary repairs with you before proceeding.
We offer:
- Detailed Diagnostics
- Precise Repairs
- Honest, Upfront Pricing
Need your Check Engine Light serviced in Houston? Turn to the professionals at Christian Brothers Automotive. Call us today at (832) 463-2603 or schedule an appointment online.
FAQs
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Q. "What is the difference between a steadily lit and a flashing check engine light?"A steadily lit light means that a sensor is sending a signal to your vehicle's computer that something is wrong or it could simply mean that the sensor is out. If your check engine light is flashing, however, that means there is a serious issue and you should stop driving immediately.
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Q. "Why is my check engine light on but nothing seems to be wrong with my vehicle?"If nothing within your vehicle stands out, then it is possible that it is just a minor issue such as a loose gas cap or a bad O2 sensor. It is still recommended to see a mechanic if the light doesn't disappear to check for any larger issues.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
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Q. "What to do if your check engine light turns on?"We recommend heading to your local auto shop as soon as you are able. This is typically a sign that there is an abnormality within your engine.
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Q. "Is it safe to drive your car when the check engine light is on?"It depends. If you are experiencing other noticeable issues with your vehicle, it may be best to pull over. Otherwise, it is typically okay to drive to your local auto shop. You will want to get this checked sooner rather than later to avoid being stranded with a broken-down car.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I liked the customer service and going above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable while waiting in the store for my vehicle work to be done, specifically being offered a nice hot coffee with creamer."
- J.L.