One of the most vital components to a properly functioning vehicle is the ‘Check Engine’ light. It alerts you to a variety of potential problems based on the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. When the ‘Check Engine’ light comes on, it means that some system in your vehicle, including ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating at peak performance, even if your vehicle appears to you to be running normally.

According to the Car Care Council, a glowing ‘Check Engine’ light doesn't mean you have to immediately pull the car over to the side of the road, but it does mean you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light could severely damage engine components and incur additional repair expenses.

If your ‘Check Engine’ light comes on, first check the gas cap to make sure it wasn’t left loose after refueling. Sometimes this can trigger the ‘Check Engine’ light. If the cap was loose, the light should go out after a few short trips.

If the gas cap wasn’t the problem and the light remains on steady, have the system checked out as soon as possible. A light that flashes requires more prompt attention, indicating a more severe condition that must be checked out immediately to prevent damage to the catalytic converter. When you experience a flashing light, minimize driving at high speeds or under heavy loads.

When scheduling service, make sure the automotive shop that diagnoses your car has professional technicians who are properly trained and certified for OBDII diagnosis and repair. The technician will connect your vehicle's computer to a diagnostic computer, which will provide a “trouble” code indicating why the ‘Check Engine’ light was activated.

While the diagnostic computer is connected to your car, the technician can check the idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other key indicators. Once the problem is diagnosed and fixed, your car's computer makes sure everything is back to normal, and then turns off the ‘Check Engine’ light.

During the hot summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust, mold spores and smog, can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making the air in the car six times dirtier than the air outside, cautions the Car Care Council.

Motorists can protect themselves and their passengers from these contaminates by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter annually or more often in areas with heavy containments, or whenever heating or cooling efficiency is reduced. Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens - especially beneficial to people who suffer from allergies.

If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter.

"There are about 30 million vehicles in North America that currently have cabin air filters," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "However, most people have never heard of a cabin air filter or don't know if their vehicle is equipped with one. Vehicle owners should refer to their owners' manuals for this information."

Many factors affect tire pressure, and that’s why it’s so important to check your tires at least once a month and before going on long trips. Tire pressure can decrease due to tire damage, slow leaks, or changes in outside temperature.  For every drop of 10 degrees Fahrenheit in temperature, your tires lose 1 psi.  Tires also deflate naturally over time, as much as 1.5 psi per month.