Can You Still Drive When the Engine Fault Light Is On?
2 Answers
When the engine fault light is on, you should not continue driving. It is recommended to first identify the exact cause before taking any action, or seek assistance from a maintenance professional. Reasons for the engine fault light to illuminate include: 1. Poor gasoline quality leading to incomplete combustion of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders, resulting in carbon deposits; 2. Excessive mileage causing weakened performance of the spark plugs; 3. Mechanical aging or damage of the vehicle; 4. Faults in the sensor or computer board. An engine is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy. It can refer to both the power generation device and the entire machine including the power unit (such as gasoline engines and aircraft engines). Types of engines include internal combustion engines, external combustion engines, electric motors, etc.
The other day my car's check engine light came on, and I continued driving for a few hundred kilometers. It turned out to be just a minor issue – the oxygen sensor was faulty. But looking back, I feel a bit scared. Generally speaking, a steady check engine light indicates minor engine problems, such as sensor failures, worn spark plugs, or slight fuel system issues. In such cases, you can still drive, but you need to be cautious and avoid long-distance high-speed driving. It's best to stop immediately and use an OBD scanner to read the trouble codes to identify the specific problem. If the light is flashing, it's much more dangerous – the engine might be about to stall. Don't drive; call a tow truck immediately. In short, don't delay when the light comes on. Get to a repair shop as soon as possible to avoid turning a small problem into a big one.
