Can You Continue Driving with Engine Trouble?
3 Answers
Generally, if the water temperature gauge and oil pressure warning light are not activated when the engine malfunctions, the vehicle can still be driven. However, it is crucial to control the speed and promptly drive to a repair station for inspection. Below is a partial introduction regarding engine repairs: 1. Faults Engine warning lights are categorized into two types: yellow and red. A yellow warning light indicates that the engine has a fault, but it does not affect the engine's normal operation. However, inspection and repair are necessary. A red warning light signifies a severe engine fault that normally requires immediate repair. Under special road conditions, emergency driving may be possible, but the engine's working condition must be monitored closely. 2. Causes: Possible causes include a fuel pump failure, which would prevent the car from starting and moving. Another possibility is an oxygen sensor malfunction, in which case the car can still operate normally, but it may lead to deviations in the engine's air-fuel ratio control.
I found that when the engine warning light comes on, the car can still move, but you really shouldn't keep driving. Last time I encountered this situation, I thought it was a false alarm and drove home anyway, only to have the car stall halfway the next day. The mechanic told me that continuing to drive could wear out the piston rings or even cause cylinder scoring, ultimately costing me twice as much in repairs. Now, whenever the yellow warning light appears on the dashboard, I immediately call for a tow truck. I'd rather spend a little money to protect the engine, since replacing an engine could cost half the price of a new car. Especially on highways, suddenly losing power is extremely dangerous, as even the brake booster might fail. Safety comes first—this is not an area to cut corners.
Whether you can drive with an engine malfunction depends on the specific situation. From my experience, if there's only slight shaking and you're very close to a repair shop, you can slowly move there at low speed. However, if you smell burning, see smoke, or notice the temperature gauge skyrocketing, you must stop immediately! Once, I encountered a misfire issue, and an OBD scan revealed it was just a spark plug problem, so I nervously drove three kilometers to the repair shop. But remember, this is a gamble—most malfunctions will worsen if you keep driving, such as a timing chain skipping teeth, which can cause the valves to damage the pistons. So, it's best to check the trouble codes after stopping, and if you're unsure, it's safer to call for a tow truck.
