Why Your Audi’s Check Engine Light Requires Immediate Attention
Many cars, like your Audi, have certain features to alert you when there is a problem with your car. The check engine light is one of those features and if this light comes on in your Audi, then you need to pay immediate attention to your car and particularly the engine.
The check engine light in our car is an indication that there is a fault or malfunction in your car’s system. While it is easy to ignore this light when it does not impair your car’s movement, it is important that you do not. Taking immediate care in this situation can help to preserve your car.
Common Reasons Why Check Engine Light Comes on
Loose Gas Cap
This is the most common reason why a car’s check engine light comes up. It is most possible when your car uses the wrong gas cap, causing fuel vapor to escape and causing the light to come on.
It is also the easiest problem to fix as you can replace the gas cap with a fitter option or tighten it if it’s only loose.
Faulty Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors in cars are responsible for regulating combustion and controlling the air-to-fuel combustion ratio. A faulty oxygen sensor can affect fuel economy by causing incomplete combustion. This can result in overheating and may even result in damage to the car’s engine. So, it requires immediate attention.
Failed Catalytic Converter
A working catalytic converter helps to convert carbon monoxide from fuel combustion into carbon dioxide, which is then emitted from the exhaust. However, if this car component is faulty or clogged, it can cause reduced fuel economy and also trigger the check engine light to come on.
Faulty Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
Bad spark plugs can cause ignition coils to get faulty and it can affect your car’s engine badly if not looked into immediately. Bad ignition coils or spark plugs make it difficult for the engine to start due to errors in voltage delivery. In this case, your car stalls, misfires, or just performs poorly.
Why You Should Immediately Look into Your Audi’s Check Engine Light Issue
The two main reasons why you should pay attention when your Audi’s check engine light comes on are;
1. To avoid overall car damage
One major reason why you should look into your car’s engine once the “check engine light” starts to show is to prevent further damage to your engine and eventually the car. An inconsequential issue, such as a loose gas cap, if not immediately addressed, can lead to more problems with your Audi’s engine.
The damage that can ensue can be more difficult to manage and also more costly. Hence, do not ignore the warning light that says “check engine” when it comes on to protect your car from further ruin.
2. To ensure safety
The safety of both the driver and the car is another reason why you must pay attention when your Audi’s “check engine light” comes on. As is common knowledge, the engine is an important part of the car and an engine fault can compromise the safety of the vehicle while on the road.
Engine misfires, for example, are a typical result of a faulty engine and this can make safety an issue when it happens on the road. Hence, you should place priority on signs of engine problems with your car to ensure safe driving.
Solve Your Audi’s Engine Issue in Birmingham
You can fix check light engine issues by yourself if it is a simple issue, such as a loose gas cap and you can go ahead with driving. However, if you notice that your car begins to misfire or shake suddenly while the check engine light is on, you should stop driving immediately and have your car towed to a qualified mechanic for proper inspection.
If you are in Birmingham or close by in Alabama, Franklin Automotive is the best bet to save your car. We specialize in Import cars like your Audi and others. We are experienced in handling car issues such as the check engine light issue. In this case, we will read the codes on the engine and help figure out the problem so you can return to the road safely with your Audi.