My check engine light is on. Now what?

Uh oh, the check engine light has come on. Now what?
 
A check engine light indicator requires immediate diagnostics. The issue could be anything from a loose gas cap to a bad spark plug or faulty catalytic converter.
 
But a good diagnosis costs money and takes time. You may have seen ads for a free diagnosis from auto parts stores or chain store muffler shops. The question is: what kind of a diagnosis do you get for zero dollars? Is it of any value? Most of the time, a free diagnosis will include no more than pulling trouble codes. They tell you the code and sell you some low quality part you may or may not actually need. And what will they do about codes that do not point to a specific sensor? You’ll probably be told you need to pay for something like a tune-up to see if it fixes the still unknown problem.
 
A trouble code DOES NOT indicate what is wrong with the car — it’s just one clue to point a skilled technician in the right direction. Diagnosis is not pulling codes; it takes an ASE certified mechanic to find and verify the root problem. We have the ability to diagnose the concern and determine what repairs are needed to get you back on the road. Put your car’s safety and reliability into hands you can trust at Hillside Automotive.