Not all check engine lights are the same!
Some, such as the “service engine soon light,” could mean it’s time for routine maintenance…
…and it could also mean your car’s gas mileage is being affected.
Even one or two additional miles per gallon adds up over time.
That could total 12 – 24 more miles you can drive per tank of gas (or a saving of $3 or more per fill-up).
Most cars require multiple scheduled maintenance services which are hardcoded in the car’s computer system to turn on the service engine soon light when they are due…
…and are documented in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Let’s see what you can learn before searching the net for car tune-up shops near me…
My service engine soon light turned on but my car feels fine, is something broke?
To answer this question let’s break it up:
- Your code may only mean scheduled maintenance is required.
- And, no it doesn’t necessarily mean anything is broken.
- I know a check engine light is scary but they are not all the same.
- Some lights only mean it’s time for scheduled maintenance such as an engine tune-up.
Preventive Maintenance
Here’s a list of preventive maintenance most cars need (and in Phoenix heat) sometimes more often than recommended:
Minor Maintenance
- Tire & Pressure Check
- Engine Oil & Filter Change
- Engine Tune-Up
- Fuel Filter Change
- Air Filter Replacement
- Cabin Air Filter Replacement
- Fan Belt Inspection & Replacement
- Suspension Check
- Wiper Blades
- Brake Inspection
- Transmission Fluid & Filter Change
- Battery Check & Terminal Cleaning
Mid to Major Maintenance
- Transmission Filter Change & Fluid Flush
- Brake Repair (Drum and Rotor)
- Shock and Strut Replacement
- Radiator Flush
- Wheel Alignment
- Timing Belt Change
Note: Not all maintenance actions are listed.
Every car manufacturer has their schedule for when certain maintenance is due and will alert you via a service engine soon light when your car’s odometer passes a certain mileage (or is listed in the owner’s manual).
When cars age or get high mileage, service engine soon lights for an engine tune-up, timing belt replacement, and transmission maintenance are very important (these services should never be ignored).
Preventive maintenance could save the DIY mechanic money on costly engine or transmission repairs and keep you from getting stranded in the Phoenix heat…
…not to mention wasting gas because your engine needs a tune-up.
Not every check engine light means there is an emergency!
As covered in this post, some dash lights are just alerting that a regularly scheduled maintenance is due. If you had a scan tool you could pull the codes to determine what was causing the light to come on.
To find out more about your car’s scheduled maintenance schedule check your vehicle’s glove compartment for a manual.
Video About Service Engine Soon Lights…
Want to learn more about check engine lights, I recommend reading: Why is My Check Engine Light Flashing?
DIY Tip:
Add reminders on your cell phone calendar so you never miss a maintenance.
Don’t be stranded in the Phoenix HEAT because you ignored a check engine light!
