What does it mean when the car shows an engine fault?
3 Answers
The reasons why a car displays an engine fault are: 1. Engine self-diagnosis; 2. The engine coolant temperature is too high; 3. The engine lacks oil; 4. The engine is running unevenly. The function of the engine is: to convert the heat energy of gasoline or diesel into mechanical energy by burning the expanding gas in a sealed cylinder to push the piston to do work. The maintenance methods for the engine are: 1. Regularly change the oil and filter; 2. Use lubricating oil of the appropriate quality grade; 3. Regularly clean the radiator; 4. Regularly replace the air filter, oil filter, and fuel filter; 5. Keep the crankcase well-ventilated and clean it regularly; 6. Regularly clean the fuel system.
When my car shows the engine warning light, it's actually quite common. The reasons can include minor issues like oxygen sensor problems, a clogged emission system, or aging spark plugs. Having driven for many years, I usually first recall whether I recently used the wrong fuel or didn't tighten the fuel cap properly, as a loose fuel cap can also trigger the light. Then, I habitually check if the battery terminals are loose or try simple methods like restarting the car to reset the light. However, be cautious—this light could signal serious issues, such as internal engine failure or an exhaust system leak. In such cases, I immediately pull over and avoid driving further to prevent more damage. If the light comes back after resetting, I head straight to a professional repair shop where they can use diagnostic tools to read the codes and pinpoint the issue more accurately. Remember, regular maintenance can reduce such problems, like changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers and checking spark plugs.
As someone who frequently deals with vehicle issues, I've observed that the engine warning light often comes on due to several key reasons. Sensor malfunctions are the most common, such as when the oxygen sensor detects abnormal exhaust emissions, triggering the system alarm. Other causes include burnt ignition coils or clogged fuel injectors, which may lead to unstable engine idling or sudden increases in fuel consumption. If the light flashes intensely, I recommend immediately stopping to check the oil level and coolant level, as excessively low levels or shortages can cause overheating. Personally, I prefer carrying an OBD scanner to quickly read trouble codes, such as P0420 indicating catalytic converter issues. Don't delay repairs—minor problems can escalate into costly ones. Using high-quality fuel and regularly replacing the air filter can prevent many issues.
