STOP! This common car mistake could cost you thousands, mechanics warn

If your car's check engine light comes on, don't panic, but don't ignore it either. Boston 25 consumer advisor Clark Howard has the ways to reduce costly repairs. Let's face it. Most of us don't understand how all this works. The cost to fix any issue that's causing that light to come on could cost you from a couple of hundred bucks to several thousand dollars. So knowing what's wrong could put a lot of money back in your pocket. It's not on right now. It just, she comes and goes. One of them did come on in my Chrysler right here. I think I would just stop the car and try to get to a mechanic as soon as possible. Many auto parts stores offer free testing to determine what a warning light indicates. If you have a newer car, the manufacturer app can provide more details and alert you when something's wrong. The issue might be as simple as a loose gas cap or evaporative emission system, misfires and sensors, catalytic converters, transmission issues. Some of the safety systems will also cause the check engine light to come on. These issues can lead to decreased fuel efficiency and may result in you failing an emissions test. Doesn't mean that your car is about to cut off on you. Sometimes it can, but more often than not, it's just an indicator that you need to be aware you've got an issue. Clay Brooks is a diagnostic technician. He says if your check engine light comes on, it may not mean you have to pull over immediately. Check to see if your car is overheating or there are any other warning lights lighting up. Brooks also advises paying attention to any unusual noises or behaviors from your car, as this can help reduce diagnostic time. And the less we have to work, obviously the less it costs the consumer. If you choose to postpone fixing a minor issue, keep in mind that it could lead to more costly repairs later on. One of the dangers in that is that that's the only light that indicates there's a problem with your engine and it doesn't have anything special that tells you that another issue has come up. Brooks says to look for a shop that invests in their technicians and proper equipment as well for the job. We've saved a lot of tear down and we don't have to pull the cylinder head off or a lot of other expensive options just by having the right tool on our hands. And although many situations aren't emergencies, there are times when you could cause further damage. When your check engine light is flashing, it's not a time for convenience, it's a time for a sense of urgency. The key is finding a good mechanic before something goes wrong with your vehicle. I have four steps you can follow to find a reliable mechanic at clark.com. I'm Clark Howard.