Can You Still Drive with the Engine Showing a Fault?
2 Answers
You can still drive with the engine showing a fault, but if symptoms like severe shaking or loss of acceleration power occur, it is not advisable to continue driving. Continuing to drive may worsen the fault, damage the engine, or cause other issues. An engine is a machine capable of converting other forms of energy into mechanical energy. The first external combustion engine was invented by R. Stirling from Scotland, UK, and later improved by Watt into the steam engine. Engines can refer to both power generation devices and the entire machine including the power unit (such as gasoline engines, aircraft engines). Types of engines include internal combustion engines (e.g., gasoline engines), external combustion engines (e.g., Stirling engines, steam engines), gas turbines (used in racing cars), electric motors, etc.
That day I was driving to pick up my kids when suddenly the check engine light popped up on the dashboard. To be honest, I panicked a bit, but the car sounded fine at the time—no smoke or severe shaking. I drove slowly to the repair shop, even turning off the AC along the way to avoid extra strain. The mechanic later diagnosed it as a faulty oxygen sensor, and the fix only cost 200 bucks. Now I’ve learned my lesson and want to remind everyone: If the light comes on but the car shows no obvious issues, don’t push your luck by driving long distances. Get it checked nearby ASAP. My neighbor ignored a similar warning and ended up with a seized engine, costing 8,000 for a major overhaul.
