Your car’s "check engine" or “service engine soon” warning light comes on when a problem is detected that causes excessive emissions. While many problems can illuminate the light, there are only three basic courses of action depending on the behavior of the light.

• If the light turns on and off occasionally, there is an intermittent problem. No immediate action is necessary, although you may want to have your repair provider take a closer look the next time you take the car in for routine maintenance.
• If the light comes on and stays on, there is a continuous problem that may also cause drivability issues and/or reduced fuel economy. Make sure the gas cap is tightly sealed; if the light goes out after a few days that was the problem. If the light remains on, schedule an appointment to take the car to your repair provider for diagnosis.
• If the light flashes rapidly, there is a potentially serious problem that requires immediate attention to prevent costly catalytic converter damage. To the extent possible, reduce vehicle speed and load, and head for a repair facility. If the light continues to flash for more than a minute or so, shut off the engine and have the car towed to a shop for troubleshooting.

Other maintenance reminders

If you own a newer vehicle, car maintenance reminders may display in the dash to let you know when service is due. The car dashboard symbols or messages alert you when it’s time for an oil change and other needed services. Auto service requirements vary depending on the vehicle and its mileage and time on the road, so be sure to consult the factory-recommended maintenance schedule included in your owner’s manual or maintenance booklet to determine what work needs to be done at specific intervals.

There are two types of car maintenance reminder systems currently in use. The simpler design tracks the number of miles the vehicle travels. To receive timely alerts, you must first program the system with a service interval based on how you drive the car. Consult your owner's manual for the criteria used to establish the proper mileage interval, and information about how to enter it into the reminder system.

More advanced car maintenance reminder systems monitor vehicle operating conditions to determine service intervals and do not require entering a pre-determined mileage. Depending on the car you drive and the type of engine oil it requires, the maintenance reminder system can indicate a service alert anywhere between 3,500 and 15,000 miles. Most vehicle manufacturers, however, say to change the oil every 12 months even if a service alert has not yet displayed.

Is your car's dashboard alerting you to an issue? Find a AAA Approved Auto Repair shop near you to have your car checked out by a professional you can trust. 

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