Everyone has a packed schedule, and this makes it very likely for drivers not to pay attention to the check engine light on their MINI when it comes on. If this warning is not heeded, there can be a lot of complications in your engine. This warning is often a heads up to something big, so it is important to learn the reason for CEL illumination to avoid being forced to go for expensive repairs.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The CEL is part of your car’s onboard diagnostic system. When it comes on, it tells the driver that there is a problem with the car’s engine or other components that are important for the car’s operation. These problems may include a loose gas cap or may be as dangerous as a faulty catalytic converter or an engine misfire.
Why You Should Not Ignore the CEL
The major disadvantage of not paying attention to the check light is that minor problems that could have been solved easily can become huge and costly issues. For instance, if the light is on due to a loose gas cap, then fixing the cap would likely help turn off the light. If the light is on because of a misfiring engine, such a situation should not be overlooked since it will cause a lot of damage to the engine. A small problem may require only a small fix but may end up being a big problem that needs a big fix if not dealt with. Now let us examine the case when the light remains on.
- Decreased Fuel Efficiency: One of the reasons why you should not ignore CEL is the fuel system of your car. The light usually comes on when there is a problem with parts like the oxygen sensor or you have a bad fuel injector that makes your engine consume more fuel than it is supposed to use. This often leads to wastage of fuel and a decrease in the performance of the car. If one decides to ignore the check engine light, he or she is likely to record poor fuel economy which will mean having to spend more cash on fuel.
- Increased Emissions: If the CEL is illuminated in your Mini it can cause it to emit more hazardous pollutants than it should. This is not good for the environment and your car might even fail an emissions test, which is necessary in most states when renewing your car’s registration. If ignored, this could be contributing to air pollution, and in extreme cases, one may be arrested, or their registration suspended for ignoring the CEL.
- Potential Engine Damage: The CEL is a general warning that can be brought on by as many as a hundred problems, some of which can be very detrimental to the engine. For instance, an issue with the engine cooling system can result in overheating of the engine block or even the blowing of the head gasket. Failure to heed these signs means that one may need to do a total overhaul of the engine or even replace it and these processes take a lot of time and money.
- Safety Issues: At times, the check light could be a warning of a problem that will affect your safety on the road. For instance, a faulty sensor can cause the engine not to respond as required; this may result in stalling or poor engine power. This is dangerous while driving at high speeds or in areas with a lot of traffic. Dealing with the check light means that you would be safe whenever you are on the road.
What Should You Do
Even though the CEL can be quite disturbing, it is not always a sign of a major issue. Nevertheless, it should not be completely disregarded. The best course of action is to remain cool-headed and go through the process of determining the problem and its solution. If you cannot find the problem with your Mini on your own, take it to an expert mechanic.
The Mini Experts You Can Count On For Resolving CEL Problems If you have been looking for an auto workshop that can handle your Mini professionally, Ultimate Bimmer Services is where you should be. We are located in Merrimack, NH, and we also serve areas such as Manchester, Bedford, Hollis, and Amherst. Whenever you see the check engine light pop up on your Mini, do not look away. Bring it to our workshop so that our skilled technicians can give it the best care. Reach us now at (603) 598-2886 to schedule an appointment with our Mini professionals.
