Engine Diagnostics Near Me
One of the biggest headaches for any driver is the gut-sinking feeling that appears when the Check Engine light appears on your dashboard warning you that you may need engine repair.
The cause that triggered it can range from a severe engine failure like a damaged catalytic converter to something as simple as a loose gas cap that you could tighten on your own.
The bottom line is that a Check Engine light can mean a multitude of engine repair issues and doesn’t point to a single problem like a low oil dashboard warning.
Fortunately, you can get a free Check Engine light test at Kwik Kar Auto Services throughout Texas including Austin, DFW, and Houston.
Kwik Kar Crowley, Lewisville, Dallas, Fort Worth, Ridgmar, Irving, Cedar Park, Old Settlers, Red Bud, and Belton offer free Check Engine light scans to give you a reasonable, honest repair in if your car needs it.
Don’t risk driving your car into early retirement; get a free Check Engine light scan from our certified mechanics and keep your travels on Texas’s roads safer.
Check Engine Light Diagnostic Testing
Yes, anyone can get ahead of a Check Engine light and purchase an OBD2 Scanner. While these codes can help you gain an idea of what could be wrong with your engine, they don’t come with the experience and professional diagnostic equipment that an ASE-certified technician at Kwik Kar has in the toolkit.
There are instances where your car might trigger multiple sensors and your Check Engine light is just one of them. Our licensed mechanics help you understand your vehicle’s issues beyond a few codes and can give you the repairs and maintenance you need to get your car or truck back on the road again.
Check Engine Light FAQs
What is the first thing you should do when your Check Engine light comes on?
When that Check Engine light illuminates, it can be scary, but it isn’t always the end of the road for your vehicle. When your Check Engine light comes on, you should first check for any other dashboard warning lights like low oil pressure or overheating indicators. These will signal an immediate problem where you should pull over and call for roadside assistance.
If nothing urgent is apparent, reduce your speed, make your way to the nearest exit, stop, and tighten your gas cap. From there, drive around, and in several minutes if the light persists, bring your vehicle into a Kwik Kar near you for an engine diagnostic check.
Is it okay to drive with your Check Engine light on?
If your Check Engine light is on but steady, it’s generally safe to travel 50 – 100 miles if there are no other pressing issues illuminating. If the light is on because of a sensor issue, this could be a good distance to let the system reset and turn off on its own. However, if the light persists or begins flashing (indicating a serious problem like a misfire or overheating issue), drive into the nearest Kwik Kar for an accurate, honest car engine check.
How to check engine light codes without a scanner?
If you don’t have a diagnostic scanner that can point you in the direction of your engine problems, guesstimating isn’t an option. It’s always best to take your car to Kwik Kar professionals whenever your Check Engine light comes on, and you don’t know why. The problem can range from something minor to severe. You’ll just never know until you get an actual diagnostic check.
When is it safe to reset the Check Engine light?
Depending on the reason behind a refrigerant leak, the repair can cost between $100 and $800.
What are the top five reasons why my Check Engine Light came on?
The Check Engine light can illuminate for several reasons. The five most common reasons behind the light include the following:
- Faulty Oxygen Sensor – A malfunctioning sensor can diminish fuel efficiency and increase environmentally damaging emissions.
- Loose or Faulty Gas Cap – A loose, damaged, or missing gas cap can cause fuel vapor leaks, triggering the check engine light.
- Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor – The mass airflow sensor calculates the amount of air entering the engine, enabling the fuel injection system to adjust accordingly. Too much or too little air can disrupt this process, impacting performance and setting off your Check Engine light.
- Failing or Missing Catalytic Converter – The catalytic converter helps reduce harmful emissions from your vehicle. If it malfunctions or is stolen, excess emissions can trigger your Check Engine light.
- Faulty Ignition System – Issues with the ignition system, such as faulty spark plugs or ignition coils, can cause misfires and be the root cause of your illuminated engine light.
Can low oil cause check engine light to come on?
While low oil can lead to engine failure that causes your Check Engine light to come on, low oil itself will not trigger the light. This issue has its own warning light on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Can a bad car battery cause check engine light?
If your car has a bad battery, it can cause electrical problems within your vehicle. This can impact your computer and lead to your Check Engine light flashing across the dashboard.
Can you pass a state inspection with Check Engine light on?
Even if your Check Engine light is on for emissions reasons, you cannot pass a state inspection with the light on. State inspections require a full diagnostic and an illuminated Check Engine light makes this impossible.
Kwik Kar Will Rev Up Your Engine
Kwik Kar is Texas’s most trusted choice for all auto needs. From simple maintenance to complex repairs, the team at a Kwik Kar near you has your car covered.
We are known for our fast and efficient oil changes but are also prepared to give you a free engine diagnostic test if your Check Engine light has you worried. We are always honest with our results and will never make you pay for any services beyond what you need.
Our goal is to save you time and money and get you living life on the open road. We provide a variety of Kwik Kar coupons to save on any visit. Whether you’re stopping in for a tire rotation at our Fort Worth location or need a new catalytic converter from our Red Bud garage, Kwik Kar is here to help!
Additional Auto Repair Services Available at Kwik Kar
If you need more than car AC repair, we offer more maintenance and repairs at our neighborhood Kwik Kars, including (alphabetical):
