A loose gas cap is one of the most common reasons for the check engine light to go on. Check that your gas cap is screwed on securely and that it's in good condition. If you have a tank of bad gas in the car, your check engine light may come on.

gas cap Check your gas cap first. Many vehicles have a loose gas cap indicator that will be triggered before your check engine light comes on. If your gas cap is loose or the seal is not tight, the vapor leakage can cause your fuel system to trigger the check engine light.

Whether or not you can drive with the check engine light on depends on the severity. If the light comes on and remains on, yet everything seems to be working like normal, you should be able to continue driving. But it is important to schedule an appointment to have the issue diagnosed and fixed.

That line, delivered in self-consciously Teutonic tones by actor Kurt Quinn, drives the chain's comedic new campaign. The work seeks to re-establish Meineke as "an American household name," says Eric Kallman, chief creative officer of Erich & Kallman, which added the account last year.

A check engine light notifies the driver that something isn't functioning the way it should. Known technically as the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), this warning light in your instrument cluster is in the shape of a car engine. The light can be orange, red, or yellow, depending on your vehicle.

How to Check your own Check Engine Light with Fix Finder Self-Service

1. Safety first.
2. Ask to borrow the Scan Tool.
3. Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC)
4. Turn on the ignition, but don't start the engine.
5. Wait 5 seconds, then plug in the reader.
6. Let the reader, read.
7. Write down vehicle information and mileage.

How to Check your own Check Engine Light with Fix Finder Self-Service

1. Safety first.
2. Ask to borrow the Scan Tool.
3. Locate the Data Link Connector (DLC)
4. Turn on the ignition, but don't start the engine.
5. Wait 5 seconds, then plug in the reader.
6. Let the reader, read.
7. Write down vehicle information and mileage.

If the check engine light is flashing, you have a major problem, and you need to stop driving the vehicle as soon as possible. A flashing light often indicates, for example, a problem that can damage the catalytic converter.

However, low oil pressure, which can be caused by low oil levels, can be a reason for the check engine light to turn on. Low oil pressure can seriously interfere with your car's performance and disable your vehicle if not addressed immediately.

Jonathan Fitzpatrick (Jul 2012–)Meineke Car Care Center / CEO

Meineke was founded in 1971 in Houston, Texas, by Sam Meineke. He started to franchise the name in 1972, with Harold Nedell. In 1983, GKN, a multinational British company, bought out Meineke Discount Mufflers. In 1986, the company headquarters moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

The first step is to read the check engine light code provided by the car's computer system. This is the information that's been logged by the sensors in your engine. It can be read with OBD II scanners or readers through a connection (OBD port) usually located under the steering column.