How to determine whether your car has a loose gas cap—or a serious engine problem This is what the check engine light looks like. By Consumer Reports You’re driving along in your car or truck and ...

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The check engine light is one of those dashboard warning lights drivers dread to see suddenly come on in the middle of driving. First-time car ...

It's pretty easy to dismiss the "check engine" light as just stupid, because, well, it is. I suppose if you thought that the cause of smoke coming from under your hood had something to do with the ...

Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or a novice when it comes to automotive matters, encountering the dreaded check-engine light—also referred to as the malfunction indicator light (MIL) is ...

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them. Car owners are familiar with that dreaded feeling when ...

To continue reading this content, please enable JavaScript in your browser settings and refresh this page. Understanding the specific actions that need to be taken ...

Here are 2025's most popular questions and answers from The Journal's Car Doctor column, from rotating tires to oil changes.

It may cost you more in the long run. You’re driving along and suddenly your check engine light goes on. But nothing seems to have changed with the way your car is running. It’s OK to let it go for a ...

Remember that mini heart attack you get when your 'Check engine' lights on? Yes, we all fear that light and rightly so. The check engine light usually signifies costly engine repairs that will put a ...

Out of the many dashboard warning lights that illuminate when starting or driving a modern car, the service engine and check engine lights are most often misunderstood or intertwined. Compounding the ...

Modern cars have literally dozens of sensors around them to ensure that the engine is running safely, efficiently and not contributing unnecessarily to the car's tailpipe emission. If anything goes ...