When your check engine light clicks on, it’s an ominous feeling. Many people think that this dashboard light always indicates a malfunctioning or failing engine, but that’s not the case.

Your onboard computer diagnostic system monitors vehicle operations, with your check engine monitoring your emissions. As you may already know, emissions in the automotive industry refer to the harmful gasses that your vehicle releases into the environment. Most manufacturers and states have laws in place regulating the amount of emissions emitted from your car. These regulations include monitoring your vehicle’s systems in order to tell you if your car or truck is emitting too much pollution. This is why we consider the check engine light the most misunderstood indicator on your dashboard. A check engine light could indicate something as simple as you leaving your gas cap off or something as serious as an engine misfire.

Flashing Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is flashing at you, this indicates a very serious problem–such as a cylinder misfire. This could lead to a very costly and dangerous situation. Bring your vehicle in for you service immediately if your check engine light begins flashing.

Solid Check Engine Light

Even if your check engine light is solid, rather than flashing, your vehicle is still releasing an irregular amount of emissions due to a problem, and should be serviced as soon as possible. Problems causing a solid check engine light can range from a gas cap that has been left off, to a serious engine malfunction–any of which can hinder your vehicle’s mileage and performance.