Can You Still Drive When the Engine Emission Control System is Detected?
2 Answers
Can You Still Drive When the Engine Emission Control System is Detected? Causes of Exhaust System Failure: The illumination of the engine exhaust system fault light is mostly caused by damage to the oxygen sensor in the three-way catalytic system or poisoning of the three-way catalytic converter due to poor fuel quality in the domestic market. If this light comes on while driving, immediately reduce speed and proceed to the nearest service station for inspection and repair. Methods to Determine Exhaust Gas Quality: The exhaust emission control system indicator light will illuminate when the ignition switch is turned on and must go off after the engine is started. If the indicator light does not go off after starting the engine or comes on or flashes while driving, it indicates that there may be unstable operation in the emission control system and the exhaust gas quality exceeds the standard.
I've been driving for over a decade and the emissions fault light has come on a few times. Generally, I can still drive short distances, like to the supermarket or work. The emissions system mainly handles exhaust gas purification, and the issues are usually a faulty O2 sensor or a clogged catalytic converter. Continuing to drive may result in lower engine fuel efficiency, increased fuel consumption, slower acceleration, and in severe cases, it can cause more significant damage or even leave you stranded on the road. Once, I thought the light was a minor issue and drove for a week—only to have the catalytic converter fail, costing me thousands in repairs. Now, whenever I see the light, I immediately go to a professional shop to scan the codes and find the cause. Don’t delay—it saves both money and hassle. Regular maintenance checks can also prevent problems before they occur. After all, repairs cost much more than routine maintenance, and safety should always come first.
