Get on board!

Do your part to keep our air clean!

Give your vehicle a clean bill of health by taking the right steps when the Check Engine Light turns on.

What Is the Check Engine Light?

  • Your Check Engine light is an integral part of your car or truck’s on-board diagnostic (OBD) system.
  • OBD manages and monitors the operation of the engine, transmission, and emissions control components of your vehicle and lets you know if there is a problem with these components.

How Does the Check Engine Light Help Me?

  • OBD keeps your engine running at peak efficiency and alters you when repairs are needed.
  • Getting it checked can help:
    • Prevent costly repairs later.
    • Improve your vehicle’s fuel economy.
    • Protect the environment.

This early detection system benefits you in two important ways:

  • It alerts you to a condition that can waste fuels, shorten engine life, and result in potentially expensive repairs.
  • It lets you know your vehicle may contribute to the more than 50% of air pollution caused by cars, trucks, SUVs, etc.

 What should I do when the light comes on?

  • When the light comes on and stays on, take your vehicle to your mechanic and ask if they have trained OBD technicians.
  • They can diagnose the cause of your vehicle’s problem using the proper tools and scanning devices.
  • From there your mechanic can repair the vehicle based on manufacturer recommendations.
  • The OBD actually helps repair technicians do their job more quickly and reliably, helping you avoid unnecessary repairs and trips back to the shop.
The Emissions Awareness Program supports the Summit County Council’s Strategic Priorities.