You’re driving along in your Mini, and you see the dreaded check engine light come on. What does it mean? Is it safe to keep driving? Should you pull over and call a tow truck? Relax, we’re here to help. Keep reading to find out what you should do when your Mini’s check engine light comes on.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is part of your Mini Cooper’s on-board diagnostic system. It’s designed to let you know when there’s a problem with your car’s emissions control system. When the light comes on, it means that your car’s computer has detected a problem and it needs to be diagnosed and repaired.
The common causes of the check engine light include:
- A loose or damaged gas cap
- A faulty oxygen sensor
- A faulty mass airflow sensor
- A faulty catalytic converter
Those are just a few of the most common causes of the check engine light. There are other potential causes as well, so it’s important not to ignore the light if it comes on. The best thing to do is to bring your car to a qualified Mini service center so they can inspect and fix the problem.
Should I Keep Driving if the Check Engine Light is On?
If the check engine light is solid (not flashing), then it should be safe to keep driving for a short period of time. However, we don’t recommend driving for more than a day or two with the check engine light on because it could cause further damage to your car. For example, if your catalytic converter is failing, continuing to drive could damage other parts of your exhaust system.
The best thing to do is to bring your car into a certified auto repair shop as soon as possible so a professional technician can take a look at it and get you back on the road with a minimum of inconvenience.
What Happens During a Check Engine Light Service?
Many drivers freak out when they see that dreaded check engine light turn on. But there’s no need to panic! In most cases, it’s a simple fix. Here’s what you can expect during a check engine light service at our Snohomish, WA Mini dealership.
First, an expert technician will hook up a computer to your car to gather information about the problem. The technician will hook up a special device called a diagnostic scanner to your vehicle’s computer and download any stored codes. These codes can tell the technician what kinds of problems have been detected. The technician will then use this information to make real-time adjustments to the fuel mixture, ignition timing, and other factors that affect how your engine runs. The computer may also illuminate the check engine light to alert you that a problem has been detected.
In most cases, simply replacing a faulty sensor will be enough to fix the problem and turn off the check engine light. However, more serious issues may require major repairs. Either way, it’s important to have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible after the check engine light comes on. Ignoring the problem could lead to more expensive repairs down the road.
Premiere Mini Check Engine Light Service in Snohomish, WA
If you see the check engine light come on in your Mini, don’t panic. In most cases, it’s nothing serious and can be easily fixed. However, ignoring the light could lead to further damage, so we recommend bringing your car into a certified auto repair shop for diagnosis and repair as soon as possible.
If you’re in Snohomish or the neighboring areas, there’s only one auto repair shop that you should trust: Broad Stroke. We’re experts at fixing Minis quickly and efficiently so you can get back on the road with minimal inconvenience.
Broad Stroke is the best MINI service, maintenance, and service center in Snohomish, Washington.We’ve got the most courteous staff around, and they really know their stuff when it comes to MINIs. Plus, we’re the most experienced and cost effective center in the state. So what are you waiting for? Give us a call today and schedule an appointment! We’ll take good care of your car and have you back on the road in no time.