What would you do?

My car's engine light just came on two days ago. I brought it to a car store that can plug in their machine to read you electrical system and give a tentative diagnosis. The car is running fine, BUT when I initially start it, it has a louder noise than usual. Then it fades, and no noises at all the rest of the day. Their machine said it could be a gasket that is possibly blown or the Intake. He said the gasket is a much cheaper fix, than the Intake. I really don't know much about either.

Then online it says you can have an unclean air filter too, if your engine light is on.(so a pretty minor thing) The guy told me to get the car checked soon at the store, to see what it truly is. My dad said I can wait even weeks, until I hear any actual noises when driving. So far, it drives just like it always does, no noises and smooth. Would you go get it looked at and possibly fixed so soon, or wait a while in case it is a minor thing in general? Side note, I am unemployed so it's not like I have wads of money just waiting to go fix something.

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Threepio

I would go to a reputable auto parts store (like an Auto Zone). Almost all reputable stores have an error code reading device (ODB scanner).

Have them "read" the codes, then match the code to the error chart for that vehicle. Typically, they can then print out recommended "fixes" for that error code. (At least that's the way it works here....).

Sometimes the error code is as simple as a loose gas cap.... Often, what can happen is you can ask them to just clear the code and then you can drive around until the check engine light comes on again. Then recheck the codes to verify the problem (same code).... Then fix as appropriate.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@Threepio Oh so thats what I mean above.they read the system and said the computer said its either gasket or intake, so now I need to go to a mechanic next- to know fully. But my dad said if its running fine I can wait for weeks..but others are saying see mechanics soon.