Woman Goes To Mechanic When Check Engine Light Comes On. Then He Says It’s Because Of How She Drives

A check engine light is never a welcome sight. It could mean something minor or an expensive repair, and there's not always an obvious way to tell the difference without taking it to the shop.

This woman wasn't expecting the diagnosis she got, especially after leaving her car at the shop for several days. Here’s what they found and why it may change the way you drive.

Mechanic Blames Check Engine Light On Woman's Driving

In a trending video, content creator Kelsey Schippers (@kelc_schipp) shared how a recent trip to the mechanic turned into a $150 lesson about her driving habits.

Schippers says her check engine light came on the week before, prompting her to take the car to the mechanic. But as soon as the mechanic got ahold of the vehicle, the light stopped appearing.

"Because... Obviously," she says.

The shop kept her car for a couple of days and drove it around, hoping to recreate the problem. No luck. Eventually, the mechanic checked the vehicle's diagnostic codes and looked into when the warning light had last appeared.

That's when he offered an explanation Schippers wasn't expecting.

"Ma'am, I'm not trying to be rude, but based off these codes and everything, I'm pretty sure that the check engine light came on because you'd be slamming on your brakes too much," she recalls.

"Yeah. I mean, fair. I mean, I do be slamming on my brakes," she says.

"So happy a $150 down the drain because I be slamming on my brakes," she says.

In the caption she added the following:

"Adulting is paying $150 for a man to tell u stop slamming on your brakes," she writes.

Can Slamming on Your Brakes Damage Your Car?

Having to slam on your brakes occasionally is normal. But making a habit of it can affect several parts of your vehicle, according to Mavis, including:

• Brake pads and rotors: Repeated hard stops generate excess heat and can speed up wear
• Tires: Abrupt braking can contribute to flat spots and uneven tread wear
• Suspension: Hard stops put extra strain on shocks, struts, and suspension joints
• Drivetrain: Sudden stops can also put stress on drivetrain components

Mavis recommends leaving more space between cars, anticipating stops, and slowing down gradually when possible. Of course, drivers should still brake hard when necessary to avoid a collision.

Why Does The Check Engine Light Come On?

AutoZone explains that the light comes on when a car's onboard diagnostic system detects a problem. Some common causes include:

• Loose gas cap: A poor seal can let fuel vapors escape and trigger an emissions-related code
• Oxygen sensor issues: These sensors help monitor the combustion process, and problems can affect fuel economy
• Engine misfires: Faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, or other issues can keep the engine from running smoothly
• Mass airflow sensor problems: Dirt, contamination, or intake leaks can interfere with the sensor's readings
• Catalytic converter issues: Problems with the converter or other components affecting it can trigger diagnostic codes

Motor1 reached out to Schippers via email and Instagram direct message for comment. We'll be sure to update this if she responds.