Can I Continue Driving with Engine Malfunction and Car Shaking?
3 Answers
It is not advisable to drive when the engine malfunction light is on. Car shaking could be caused by a misfiring cylinder (where one cylinder fails to ignite), excessive carbon buildup in the throttle body, or a faulty ignition coil. If the engine malfunction indicator light occasionally illuminates, it may indicate a sensor issue in the electronic control system (such as the throttle position sensor), a malfunctioning actuator, or a problem within the ignition system. Solutions for an illuminated engine malfunction light: 1. Most vehicle warning lights are triggered by fuel emission system issues. When the light is on, try starting and turning off the engine three times, then observe whether the warning light remains illuminated. 2. If the light persists, promptly visit a repair shop to diagnose the trouble code and determine whether the issue lies with the engine or a sensor. If the light turns off, it may be an intermittent fault and does not require immediate inspection. 3. The warning light operates on this principle: When the onboard computer receives data from the oxygen sensor indicating that exhaust emissions significantly exceed national standards and cannot self-correct within the standard range, the engine control unit will activate the emissions warning light (yellow pollution light) on the dashboard to alert the owner to inspect the cause at a service station.
If my car is shaking due to engine trouble, I would never risk continuing to drive. Vehicle shaking usually indicates serious internal engine issues, such as faulty spark plugs or a failed fuel pump. This imbalanced operation puts extra stress on engine components, and prolonged driving could lead to complete failure, resulting in costly repairs. Even more frightening is sudden shaking on the highway, which may cause loss of control and lead to an accident. Safety should always come first—I recommend pulling over immediately, turning off the engine, activating hazard lights, and seeking help. Don’t try to save trouble by driving home; just call a tow truck for repairs. Common causes of such issues also include faulty ignition coils or excessive carbon buildup. It’s best to have a professional repair shop conduct a thorough inspection to ensure peace of mind for your next drive.
When the car shakes, here's what I think: It's most likely an issue with the ignition system or fuel system, such as spark plug wear causing cylinder misfires or unstable fuel supply. If left untreated and you keep driving, it will only make things worse. The engine running in a shaky state increases the load, which may lead to catalytic converter blockage or internal part damage, causing repair costs to skyrocket, ranging from at least a thousand to tens of thousands. Based on my years of car ownership experience, the wisest move is to stop in a safe place and turn off the engine, then use your phone to check for trouble codes or contact a repair shop. Prevention is always cheaper than post-failure repairs, and regular maintenance checks on these parts can avoid trouble.
