Can You Still Drive When the Engine Malfunction Indicator Light Is On?
3 Answers
When the engine malfunction indicator light comes on, it can be divided into the following two situations: 1. First, if the engine malfunction light is on, but the driver does not feel any difference while driving, and basic operations such as acceleration and deceleration can be performed normally, then the car can still continue to be driven. This situation is usually caused by a faulty sensor in the car, which does not affect the driving of the car, at most the emissions may become slightly higher, and sometimes the light may even turn off by itself. However, it should not be ignored, and it is still necessary to have it checked when possible. 2. The second situation is when the car shows abnormalities. For example, after the engine malfunction light comes on, the car feels powerless during acceleration, or the car's vibration increases. In this case, it is not recommended for the driver to continue driving. It is best to call for assistance and have the car towed for repairs as soon as possible. Because such faults are generally more serious, continuing to drive poses a high risk.
Last time my engine warning light came on, I was really nervous. I was on the highway and the car seemed to be running fine, so I didn't stop. But less than 10 kilometers later, the car started shaking violently, so I pulled over immediately. After being towed to the repair shop, they found out the oxygen sensor was faulty, costing me over 500 to fix. Since then, I've learned my lesson—when the light comes on, I stop and check right away to avoid turning a small issue into a big problem. The warning light usually indicates an issue with the engine system, like fuel injection problems or ignition abnormalities. Continuing to drive could damage other components or even lead to a breakdown. Safety first—it's best not to risk driving further and let professionals handle it. Remember, even after stopping to wait for a tow truck, don't turn off the engine—keeping the system running helps with diagnostics.
Last month, the warning light came on while I was rushing to work, and I didn’t pay much attention, pushing through until I reached the office. But after work, the car wouldn’t start, and the mechanic found that the spark plugs were worn out. The repair wasn’t expensive, but it wasted a whole day and I got docked pay. The lesson is: don’t delay when a warning light appears—if you can drive a few more minutes to a safe spot, that’s fine, but don’t push it to distant places. Make it a habit to check indicator lights regularly and stick to scheduled maintenance to avoid such surprises. If a light comes on in a remote area, use your phone to look up nearby repair shops and call for help.
