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.
Flashing vs. Solid Check Engine Light
The way your check engine light behaves tells you something important about urgency. A flashing light signals a serious problem, often a cylinder misfire, and means you should stop driving as soon as it's safely possible. Continuing to drive with a flashing light can turn a manageable repair into a much more expensive one.
A solid, steady light means the vehicle's onboard system has detected a problem affecting emissions or performance. It could be something as minor as a loose gas cap or as significant as a failing oxygen sensor. The vehicle can typically be driven to the shop promptly, but it shouldn't be ignored. Either way, the right move is a professional diagnosis rather than waiting to see if the light goes away on its own.
Common Causes of a Check Engine Light
Your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system continuously monitors engine performance, emissions, and other essential components. When something falls outside normal parameters, the check engine light activates. The range of possible causes is wide: a loose gas cap, a faulty oxygen sensor, a failing catalytic converter, misfiring spark plugs or ignition coils, and mass airflow sensor problems are among the most common triggers.
Some of those causes are inexpensive to address. Others, left unattended, can lead to serious engine damage. That's why the difference between reading a code and performing a true diagnosis matters. Our Full Service Diagnostic Testing goes beyond basic ODB scanner codes, pairing a comprehensive scan of the vehicle's onboard computer with a physical inspection to confirm what's actually causing the issue.
Drivers in Prescott and Prescott Valley who notice a check engine light, whether flashing or solid, can benefit from prompt professional diagnosis. Delaying gives a manageable problem room to develop into a larger, more costly repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe to Drive with the Check Engine Light On?
It depends on the light. If it's flashing, stop driving as soon as safely possible and have the vehicle towed or call for assistance. A flashing light typically indicates a serious condition like an active misfire that can damage your engine or catalytic converter quickly. If the light is steady, you can generally drive the vehicle to our shop promptly, but don't put it off. Even minor causes can escalate.
What Does the Nice Difference. Warranty Cover?
All repairs performed at Christian Brothers Automotive Prescott are backed by the Nice difference. 3-year/36,000-mile warranty. That coverage travels with you and is honored at any Christian Brothers Automotive location nationwide, so you're protected whether you're at home in Prescott or on the road.
Do You Accept Extended Warranties?
Yes. We work with all major extended warranty providers. When you schedule your appointment, bring your coverage information and we can confirm what your plan covers before any work begins.
Will You Repair My Car without Asking Me First?
No repair proceeds without your explicit approval. Once our technicians complete the diagnosis and your service advisor reviews the findings with you, the decision about how to move forward is entirely yours.
Your Local Christian Brothers Amenities
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.