BennyEast.Com/Blog The official blog of Kenny West

So my check engine light is on again

It's the second time this year it came on.  Only this time I was able to drive home without any issue.  It didn't just all of a sudden crap out on the road.  I did notice a slight RPM drop when the light came on and then it went back to normal.  On my drive home of just a few miles it all seemed to be running fine.  I didn't hear anything odd and the car ran ok.

I always like to get things checked out as soon as they break.  I think my car still has some life in it... so I'll take it in for repair tomorrow.  I was googling around about common causes of check engine lights and how the system works...

Found this article which is rather comforting... http://www.autotrader.com/research/article/maintenance-new-research/82511/top-5-reasons-your-%22check-engine%22-light-is-on.jsp

It's from last year.  Apparently most causes of check engine light are stupid little easy fixes.  I tightened my gas cap... yesterday when I got home.  I'll try starting up my car today to drive it to the dealer and if the light goes off... it was the gas cap.  I've had that once before.  About 4 years ago... I had to replace the gas cap with one from pep boys...  The old cap wasn't sealing correctly and that's why the check engine light came on.  If the light stays on... it's something else.

Soooooo we'll see.  I really want to get 10 years out of my car before getting a new one.  I've had it for 8.  I think cars should generally last 10 years or longer if they are well maintained.

Or at least 100k miles.  It's at about 83k ish.

Actually I don't mind keeping things that I own for a long while and getting good use out of them.  I actually prefer things that are worn in and have the me feel to it.  The only exception is my laptop, software, and phone.  I always like to have the latest and greatest of that.

So we'll see.  I'll take my car down to the place tonight and take the train back.  I'll fill out the little overnight drop box slip thing and take the train to work tomorrow and see what they say it is and how quick they can fix it.  Hopefully they will have whatever part is needed if a part is needed and can get it all fixed up tomorrow.  Meanwhile today I'm just organizing things, doing laundry, drinking coffee, cutting out shapes for my next video, and doing more tweaks to my next song.