Can You Still Drive When the Engine Fault Light Is On?
2 Answers
When the engine fault light comes on, you should stop driving immediately to protect the engine. Continuing to drive may cause damage to the engine. There are many sensors, electronic devices, and important components around the engine. If any of these malfunction, it may prevent the engine from functioning properly, which will trigger the engine fault light. Relevant information about car engines is as follows: Introduction: The car engine is the power-generating device of a vehicle, serving as the heart of the car. It determines the vehicle's power, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental performance. Common gasoline and diesel engines are both types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines. Classification: Based on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid engines, among others.
I've seen many cases where a car's check engine light comes on. This light is usually the vehicle's computer system alerting you to a potential issue, such as a faulty sensor or abnormal fuel supply. From my experience, you can often still drive for a short distance, but you need to be cautious because continuing to drive might cause more severe damage, like ruining the catalytic converter or engine, which would be expensive to repair. I recommend pulling over immediately and using a simple OBD scanner to read the trouble codes (they're quite affordable now, costing just a few dozen dollars). If the code indicates a minor issue, like a loose gas cap, tightening it might allow you to drive to a repair shop. However, if the light is flashing or the engine is shaking, don't take the risk—it's safer to call a tow truck. Remember, ignoring this light can lead to increased fuel consumption and dirtier emissions. Safety first—getting it checked early is always a good idea.