If your engine light is on, this can be caused by many things. It is important that you determine what is wrong, however, as if it is not repaired, this could result in a higher repair bill. Below are three possible reasons this light is on so you can know what to do.

Bad Oxygen Sensor

One thing that can cause the engine light to come on is the oxygen sensor, which is also commonly called the O2 sensor. This sensor is important as it measures how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust system. 

If the O2 sensor is bad, this will cause your engine to use more fuel than it needs to. This will cause you to lose money as you will have to put gas in your car much more often. Over time, this sensor will cause damage to the catalytic converter. 

In order to repair this problem, take your car to an auto repair shop. They can replace the O2 sensor for you, and then your engine light will go off. 

Bad Spark Plugs or Wires

Another cause for an engine light is having bad spark plugs and wires in your car. If your spark plugs are bad, you will not only get a check engine light, but your car will also not run like it normally does. For example, your car will have much less power when you are driving it. The spark plugs make a spark when you start your car, and this ignites the fuel. This will then create combustion in the engine in order for your car to run. 

If you do not get the spark plugs replaced, they will cause problems with the catalytic converter, damage the O2 sensor, or damage the coils inside the ignition. An auto repair shop can replace the spark plugs and the wires for you.

Bad or Loose Gas Cap

The problem could be something simple like having a bad gas cap, or the gas cap may be loose. The gas cap is important as it prevents high pressure inside the fuel tank and prevents gas fumes from releasing into the air outside of your car. 

If you do not replace the gas cap gas in your car, gas will evaporate causing you to use much more gas. This can result in spending a lot of money at the gas stations. An auto repair shop can order a new gas cap for you and ensure that it fits properly on your car. You could also get a gas cap through the car's dealership or order the gas cap yourself. 

An auto repair shop can go over this information with you in much more details.