Can You Keep Driving When the Check Light Is On?
2 Answers
The car should not be driven when the check light is on. 'Check Engine' means 'inspect the engine'. The following are the reasons why the engine warning light may come on: Sensor Issues: Sensors include those for coolant temperature, crankshaft position, air flow, intake air temperature, oxygen levels, etc. When these sensors are damaged, have poor contact, or experience signal interruption, the car's ECU cannot accurately obtain engine data, which can trigger the engine warning light. Maintenance Issues: Poor engine maintenance is the most common cause of the engine warning light coming on. Vehicles have specific maintenance schedules, and if the owner does not adhere to these schedules along with poor driving habits, it can increase the burden on the engine's operation. Fuel and Oil Quality Issues: This includes both fuel and engine oil. The fuel used in cars usually has a specific grade, and engine oil can be semi-synthetic or fully synthetic. Manufacturers generally recommend which grade of fuel and type of oil to use. If the owner does not follow these recommendations, it can lead to engine wear over time.
When I saw the 'check engine' light on the dashboard, my heart sank. After driving for so many years, I know this is no joke. It could be something minor, like a loose gas cap that wasn't tightened properly or a faulty exhaust sensor, and driving another kilometer or two to the repair shop might not be a big issue. But if the light is flashing, it indicates a serious engine problem, such as a bad spark plug or an oil leak, and the car absolutely must not be moved—otherwise, the engine could be ruined on the road. First, I turn off the engine and restart it to see if the light stays on. If it remains steadily lit, I drive slowly to the nearest repair shop to scan for trouble codes. In short, this light is a reminder to get timely maintenance to prevent small issues from turning into major disasters.
