Can You Continue Driving When the Engine Fault Light Is On?

[SanClaire]

If the engine fault light is on, it is recommended not to continue driving. Here are some solutions for the engine fault light: 1. Clean the engine: Once the engine fault light comes on, the owner should promptly clean the carbon deposits in the engine. 2. Improve fuel quality: Domestic fuel currently cannot meet the requirements of high-performance engines, so owners should take steps to improve fuel quality themselves. 3. Use higher-octane gasoline: After cleaning the engine, since most engines compliant with China IV emission standards have a compression ratio above 10.0, such vehicles are not suitable for long-term use of gasoline below 95 octane. To maintain the engine in good working condition, owners can choose to use 95 or 97 octane gasoline, which usually resolves the issue of the engine fault light being on.

[DelDeclan]

I've been driving for over a decade, and that engine warning light is something you really can't ignore. When it comes on, it's best to pull over immediately and check—don't rush to keep driving. The issue could be as minor as a dirty oxygen sensor or as serious as a misfire or turbo problem. Last year, I ignored the light and kept driving on the highway, only for the engine to start shaking like a tractor halfway through, costing me thousands in towing and repairs. If you pull over and don't see smoke, leaks, or abnormal coolant or oil levels, you might be able to drive slowly to the nearest repair shop. But if you smell burning or hear strange noises from the undercarriage, don't hesitate—call for roadside assistance immediately. Safety isn't something to gamble with.

[RemingtonLee]

When the engine light is on, the car can still move, but I recommend doing a quick self-check first before deciding. Park and turn off the engine for five minutes, then restart—sometimes the electronic system glitches and resets itself. If the light remains on after restarting, pop the hood: take a quick look at the oil dipstick to check the level, feel the radiator hoses to see if they're scalding hot, and sniff for any gasoline or burnt smells. If everything seems normal, keep your speed under 60 mph on the way to the repair shop, and avoid heavy acceleration. Keep an eye on the dashboard’s coolant temperature gauge and oil pressure light—if either turns red, shut off the engine immediately. Last time my car’s light came on, it was due to poor fuel quality, and it cleared after running half a tank of 95-octane gas. But the mechanic warned that the issue could worsen every 50 miles driven.

[AnastasiaMarie]

Whether you can drive with the warning light on depends on the situation. If the car's air conditioning and audio are working normally, and there's no hesitation or shaking during acceleration, it's usually fine to limp to the repair shop—I do this often. However, if you experience sudden power loss or hear rattling from the engine, you must stop and call for assistance. This light is essentially the engine's SOS signal, commonly triggered by issues like spark plug carbon buildup, clogged catalytic converter, or a faulty mass airflow sensor. A quick OBD scan at the repair shop will reveal the exact problem. Short, low-speed trips generally won't harm the car, but don't follow my colleague's example—he ignored the light on a long trip and ended up with a 20,000-yuan overhaul.

[OIsabelle]

The engine light turning on with that yellow icon is quite alarming. I usually handle it in three levels: Mild condition is when the light is on but the car runs smoothly—just drive slowly to the repair shop for a check. Moderate condition involves slight jerking or a sudden spike in fuel consumption—get it checked within two days at most. Severe cases like sudden loss of power or black smoke mean immediate hazard lights, pulling over, and calling a tow truck. Common causes could be a dirty throttle body, unstable battery voltage, or a loose fuel cap. My car’s check engine light was due to a loose fuel cap—tightening it and driving a couple of kilometers turned it off. Remember, avoid turning on the AC to reduce load when the light is on.