Take Care of Your BMW's Check Engine Light In Royal Palm Beach

If the check engine light of your BMW blinks, it means that there is a serious issue with your car’s performance that needs to be fixed. This light is found on the dashboard of your BMW and serves as a warning signal. Failing to address this light could mean causing more problems. Here are steps you should take if you notice your BMW’s check engine light flashing at you.

What to Do When the Check Engine Light Flashes

Reduce Speed: If the light is on or blinking, you should reduce your speed so that you will not continue to overwork the engine. Since you don’t know where the problem is coming from you have to ensure that you do not apply sudden pressure on the accelerator pedal. This way, you can minimize the stress that the engine is under and look for the cause of the problem before it goes out of hand.
Check Other Symptoms: Now that you know you have a warning light, you also need to be very observant of how your BMW is driving. Is there any loud sound from the engine or any other unusual noise from under the hood? Is the engine idling or running roughly, unevenly? Are you getting any strange smells that are not normal such as a burning smell, fuel, or other car fluid? These other signs can help you determine what is possibly wrong with the car.
Safely Pull Over: Locate a safe area and stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so, then turn off the engine. Parking your BMW will help avoid additional harm to the engine. It also allows you to evaluate the circumstances that surround the car without the added pressure of having to drive.
Check the Gas Cap: Often, the check engine light may begin to flash due to the simplest reasons such as a loose or damaged gas cap. Ensure that the cap is tightly screwed back and tightly sealed to avoid the leakage of gas. After you have tightened it, drive a little bit to see if the light goes off.
Use an OBD-II Scanner: An OBD-II scanner is used to extract code from your car’s onboard computer. These codes are useful in identifying the specific issue that is making the check light to blink. The OBD-II scanning is usually free at auto parts stores or you can buy a scanner to do it yourself at home. This step can help you have a clue of what has to be repaired or put right.
Consult the Owner’s Manual: You should always refer to the owner’s manual of your BMW as this contains a lot of information. It can give more details about the check engine light and what it implies to your specific model. The manual might also provide recommendations on what to do when the light is on so you can determine the severity of the situation.
Visit a Professional Mechanic: If you are unable to diagnose or solve the issue, then you must take your car to the mechanic. A mechanic is in a good position to diagnose and fix the problem because of the knowledge and equipment available to him. If you continue to drive with a blinking CEL, you risk damaging your car’s engine severely.

Routine Maintenance

There are many ways in which you can prevent an abrupt CEL problem and one of them is by ensuring that your car undergoes regular servicing. Taking the BMW for frequent servicing like oil changes, filter changes, and general check-ups can help in identifying any existing issues.

Reach Out To The Go-To Repairs Shop In Royal Palm Beach

Milestone Motors in Royal Palm Beach, FL is the one-stop shop for all Audi, Mercedes, BMW, and MINI car repair services in the area. Apart from Royal Palm Beach, our BMW mechanics assist other clients from nearby areas such as Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm Beach, FL. If the check engine light of your BMW lights up and you need a reliable mechanic to sort out the problem and prevent being stuck on the road, we are here to assist you. Call us at 561-779-2650 to see why so many people rely on us for their vehicles.