Check Engine Light After an Oil Change: Why Do I Have It? How Do I Get Rid Of It
Whether you’re a car enthusiast or not, eventually you’ll have a reason to get your car serviced. There is always the moment after getting an oil change when the long yellow warning light starts flickering on and off.
It is a common question for many drivers about the meaning of their check engine light after an oil change: Why does it come on for an oil change? How can I get rid of this diagnostic tool? We shall discuss all these in this post.
What Does A Check Engine Light Mean?
When your “check engine” light comes on after an oil change, it is telling you that the onboard computer has detected a problem.
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The light may come on due to a loose gas cap, or it may indicate a more serious issue such as a problem with the catalytic converter. If you’re unsure what the light means, it’s best to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
How Often Should Your Oil be Changed?
Your car’s oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. Depending on your driving habits, you may be able to go longer between oil changes. If you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or drive in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to change your oil more often.
The Benefits of Changing your Car Oil on Time
If you keep up with your car’s maintenance, you’re likely aware that changing your oil is essential to keeping your engine running smoothly. But did you know that changing your oil on time can also have some pretty significant benefits? Here are just a few of the advantages of staying on top of your oil changes:
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1. Improved Fuel Efficiency
One of the biggest benefits of regularly changing your car’s oil is improved fuel efficiency. Over time, dirty oil can cause increased friction and drag on your engine, resulting in lower gas mileage and performance. By keeping your oil clean and fresh, you can help ensure that your engine is running as efficiently as possible.
2. Fewer Repair Costs
Another benefit of regularly changing your car’s oil is that it can help save you money on future repairs. When dirty oil isn’t changed, it can lead to a build-up of sludge and debris in the engine.
This can eventually cause serious damage to vital components, leading to costly repairs. By simply changing your oil on time, you can help avoid these costly issues down the road.
3. Extended Engine Life
Finally, one of the most significant benefits of regular oil changes is that it can extend the overall life of your engine. By keeping your engine well-lubricated and free of harmful build-up, you’re helping to ensure that it will run smoothly for years to come.
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Reasons You May Have The Check Engine Light After An Oil Change Warning
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably had the frustrating experience of getting your oil changed and then finding that your check engine light is on. While this can be disconcerting, it’s actually not that uncommon. In most cases, the light will go off on its own after a few days.
There are a few reasons why this might happen:
1. The oil change technician didn’t properly reset the system. This is the most common reason.
2. There was an issue with the oil change itself. For example, if the wrong oil was used or if the filter wasn’t properly seated, this can trigger the light.
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3. There’s a problem with your car’s emissions system. This is less common, but it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap causing Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) leak code.
4. Finally, it’s possible that there is something wrong with the sensor that monitors your oil level. If this is the case, you’ll need to take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.
However, if it doesn’t, you may need to take your car back to the shop or have it checked by a mechanic to diagnose and fix the problem.
How Do I Get It Fixed?
If you’ve recently had your oil changed and the check engine light has come on, don’t panic! It’s actually a fairly common issue that can be easily resolved.
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There are a few things that could cause the check engine light to come on after an oil change. One possibility is that the oil filter was not properly installed. Another possibility is that the o-ring on the oil filter cap was not properly seated, which can cause an oil leak.
If either of these is the case, simply have your mechanic re-check the oil filter and o-ring and adjust as necessary. In most cases, this will take care of the problem and the check engine light will go off.
If you’re still having issues after having the oil filter checked, it’s possible that there’s something else going on with your car. The best way to diagnose the problem is to take it to a mechanic or dealership for a diagnostic test. They’ll be able to hook up a scanner to your car and figure out what’s causing the check engine light to come on.
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Are There Any Consequences Of Driving With Your Check Engine Light On?
Depending on why the check engine light is on, several things can happen to your automobile while you’re driving! Sometimes if you get to where you’re going without taking the automobile to the mechanic, nothing will happen to your car. This is particularly true if it turns out that the problem is a loose gas cap.
However, if your vehicle is experiencing some of the other typical causes for a check engine light to come on, continuing to drive could compound the damage and raise the cost of the necessary repairs. These could be as a result of any of the warnings below and should not be ignored:
Mileage deficiencies: If your oxygen sensor or mass airflow sensor (MAF) triggered your check engine light, you may notice a drop in gas mileage over time.
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Emissions: Your car’s emissions may also be increased by a damaged oxygen sensor or MAF. Although you might not notice it right away, it’ll probably be a problem when you have your next emissions inspection by a mechanic.
Spark plug damage: It’s crucial to replace your spark plugs as soon as possible if they caused the sensor to malfunction. By disregarding other issues, they may be the ones to bear the brunt of the consequences if they weren’t previously at fault.
Catalytic converter: Hopefully, this did not trigger your check engine light, but if other things aren’t looked after, it could be the victim of a chain reaction. Catalytic converter problems can be expensive and potentially result in irreparable harm to your car.
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Summary
If you notice the check engine light and oil change warning, do not fret. It is very common and could be caused by any of the reasons stated above. However, do not ignore this warning.
Depending on the reason why the warning sign came on, you may be a hazard on a busy way. It is best you have a mechanic diagnose the car and fix the problem.