A car that runs rough or uses more gas than normal might have a problem you can't see right away. Many drivers first learn something is wrong when a warning light comes on. This could mean there’s a Honda emission system issue, and it's something you shouldn’t ignore. While the signs may not seem serious at first, they can grow worse over time and hurt both your car and the air around you.

Watch For Dashboard Warnings

One of the first signs is a yellow or orange light on your dashboard. It might say “Check Engine” or “Emissions System Problem.” When this light turns on, your car is telling you it found something wrong. The system has sensors that check if harmful gases are being handled the right way. When they’re not, the light comes on to warn you.

This kind of light might flash after you start your car or while you’re driving. If it stays on, the problem might be small, like a loose gas cap. But if it keeps flashing, the issue could be more serious. Either way, it’s best to get it checked soon.

Pay Attention To How Your Car Feels

Another way to spot a problem is by how the car runs. If the engine shakes or makes odd sounds, something could be off. Your car might use more fuel than it used to, or you might notice it doesn’t have the same power. These changes could come from a part that isn’t working right in the emission system.

Sometimes, the car might give off dark smoke or a strong smell from the exhaust. That can happen if parts like the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter are not working as they should. If your car struggles to start or sounds louder than usual, those could be more signs of trouble.

Think About Recent Changes

Have you recently filled up your tank and forgot to tighten the gas cap? That alone can cause your car’s warning system to light up. It sounds simple, but a loose cap lets vapors leak out, and the sensors notice. There are also times when problems come from things like a dirty air filter, a faulty fuel injector, or a damaged wire.

In some newer Honda models, there’s a known issue where warning lights pop up due to sensor faults. These problems can often be fixed with a quick visit, especially if your car is still under warranty. But it’s hard to know for sure until someone checks it out.

Avoid Guesswork With A Proper Check

Trying to figure things out on your own can be tricky. A warning light might point to many things, and guessing wrong can lead to bigger problems. That’s why a proper check by trained technicians is so helpful. They can use tools to read what your car is telling them and find the exact problem.

Getting help early can keep you from needing more repairs later. Some issues may even cause your car to fail a state emissions test, which means you can’t legally drive it until the problem is fixed. Don’t wait until it reaches that point.

Let Us Help You Get Back On The Road

We know how stressful it can be when something feels off with your car. That’s why our team at Great Lakes Honda West is here to help you. Our certified Honda service center in Elyria, OH is ready to find out what’s wrong and get you back on the road without hassle. We work with all types of Honda models and have the right tools to fix emission problems fast and safely.

If your dashboard warning light is on or your car isn’t running like it used to, don’t put it off. Let us take a look and give you peace of mind. Schedule your visit with Great Lakes Honda West today.