What to Do When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

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Vehicles are getting smarter and more self-reliant. They’re driving themselves, stopping themselves, and parking more neatly than some human drivers. You may have even seen one of these state-of-the-art vehicles cruising around Huntington Station, New York, but your vehicle still needs you and ongoing preventative maintenance. The most obvious way your vehicle will tell you it needs attention is the Check engine light: it’s a little light that could have dozens of different meanings. At Oakwood Car Care & Tire Center, we can help you pinpoint what your vehicle needs and get you back on the road safely and soon. Here are some tips on how to proceed when your check engine light comes on:

1. Check your dashboard. If any other warning lights have come on at the same time, that will tell you more specifically what is going wrong. If you have an indication of low oil pressure or overheating, you should pull over immediately and turn off your engine.
2. If your vehicle doesn’t have any other warning lights, you will still want to reduce your speed, lighten the load in the vehicle, and drive conservatively until you can make it to the shop.
3. On your way to Oakwood Car Care & Tire Center, pay close attention to any disturbance in your vehicle’s performance. Tell our technicians if you are experiencing slow acceleration, weak braking capabilities, or hear any new noises as this information will help us pinpoint the area of the vehicle that is under stress.
4. Finally, you can leave your vehicle in our ASE certified technicians’ very capable hands. We use the nationwide TECHNET system to run diagnostic tests and pinpoint the likely cause(s) of your vehicle’s stress.

At Oakwood Car Care & Tire Center, we understand that your vehicle is more than a tool, it’s where you spend a great deal of time on your way to work, home, or to play. We want you to drive out of our bay doors confident that we have fixed the problem right the first time, and we give our customers that peace of mind with a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty on all services. Call us today to discuss your vehicle maintenance concerns or to make an appointment: 631-423-1999.