What is a common cause of a check engine light being illuminated?

The illumination of a check engine light can often be attributed to a loose gas cap. This occurs because the gas cap is a critical component of the fuel system, designed to maintain pressure and prevent fuel vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. When the gas cap is not secured properly, it can lead to fuel evaporation, creating a condition that the vehicle's onboard diagnostics system detects as an issue. This triggers the check engine light to alert the driver.

In contrast, while a dirty air filter can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency, it does not typically activate the check engine light. Similarly, low tire pressure primarily influences handling and safety, not the engine's operational systems, and worn-out brake pads impact braking performance rather than triggering an engine warning. Therefore, the loose gas cap stands out as a straightforward and common reason for the check engine light being activated.