What does it mean when the car engine light comes on?
2 Answers
There are three main reasons why the car engine light may come on: 1. The primary reason could be poor engine combustion. To ensure the engine operates in good condition and maintains its normal lifespan, an oxygen sensor is installed to monitor the combustion state. If poor combustion is detected, the engine light will illuminate. 2. The engine has specific requirements for fuel quality. If the fuel provided does not meet the specifications required for high-performance engines, it can cause the engine light to come on. 3. Over time, carbon deposits can accumulate inside the engine. These deposits can alter the engine's design parameters and are thermally unstable, retaining heat. This retained heat can cause uncontrolled ignition, leading to engine knocking. In such cases, the engine fault light will illuminate.
I found that the illuminated engine light is the car's computer alerting about an issue in the engine system. There are many common causes, such as a dirty or aged oxygen sensor failing to monitor exhaust quality correctly, or spark plugs misfiring causing engine shaking. Sometimes minor issues like a loose fuel cap or clogged fuel lines can also trigger the light. The dashboard may display codes, but I usually can't understand them and directly use an OBD scanner to read them—this little tool only costs a few dozen bucks. Having driven for many years, I know you should never ignore this light, or it could lead to skyrocketing fuel consumption, environmental pollution, or even damage to the catalytic converter. If the light stays on steadily, you can still drive slowly to a repair shop, but if it flashes, you must stop immediately to prevent engine failure. I check my car's condition every three months to prevent this issue, and having technicians clean dust during maintenance can also extend part lifespan.
