What is one reason for a misfire that could trigger the check engine light?

A clogged fuel injector can significantly disrupt the fuel delivery system in an engine, leading to incomplete combustion. When fuel injectors become clogged, they restrict the flow of fuel, which prevents the correct air-fuel mixture from reaching the engine cylinders. This uneven mixture results in a misfire, where some cylinders do not fire efficiently or at all. The engine control unit (ECU) continuously monitors the performance and efficiency of the engine, and when it detects a misfire condition, it triggers the check engine light as a warning to the driver. Addressing clogged injectors often involves cleaning or replacing them to restore proper function and ensure optimal engine performance.

In contrast, low tire pressure, unbalanced wheels, and worn windshield wipers do not affect the engine's combustion process or the air-fuel mixture directly, thus they do not typically cause a misfire or trigger the check engine light.