Final answer:
If the 'service engine soon' light comes on, one should check the car's manual for guidance, as it could indicate minor or serious issues. It is not advisable to ignore the light or to pull over immediately, unless there are signs of a serious problem. One should schedule a visit to a mechanic to diagnose the issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
What to Do If the 'Service Engine Soon' Light Illuminates
When the 'service engine soon' light illuminates while driving, the appropriate course of action is 4) Check the car's manual for guidance. This light is a part of your vehicle's onboard diagnostics system, which monitors various vehicle systems and can indicate a variety of issues ranging from minor to severe. It's important not to ignore the light or hope it will go off by increasing speed. While you don't necessarily have to pull over immediately, unless there are signs of a serious problem (like loss of power, overheating, or strange noises), you should schedule an appointment with a mechanic at your earliest convenience to diagnose the issue. Checking the manual can provide model-specific information that might facilitate preliminary self-diagnosis or give advice on how urgent the need for service is.
The observation exercise related to dimming lights inside a car or a refrigerator when using high power like turning on headlights on your car or the refrigerator motor coming on is due to the increased electrical load affecting the voltage available to other systems. When power demand is high, the voltage drop can cause lights to dim. In cars, this may also be influenced by resistance within the battery itself. Nonetheless, this is separate from the 'service engine soon' issue, which is specifically related to the vehicle's engine and its performance.