If the Check Engine light comes on while you鈥檙e driving but the car seems to be running smoothly, chances are you can drive home and then have the car examined by a mechanic. The Check Engine light can signal any number of component failures, from a loose gas cap that causes a fuel-vapor leak to a faulty oxygen sensor that affects gas mileage. A blinking check engine light usually indicates a severe engine misfire that could damage your car鈥檚 expensive catalytic converter if ignored. So get it fixed as soon as possible.
Read your owner鈥檚 manual and familiarize yourself with all the dashboard warning lights. The more you know about your car, the less likely you鈥檒l be asking the mechanic 鈥淗ow much?鈥�
鈥� Ray Cox is a senior ASE certified technician with AutoMD.com, an online automotive-repair service owned by US Auto Parts Network.
