Will the engine malfunction light come on without maintenance?
2 Answers
Reasons why the engine malfunction light may come on without maintenance: 1. Poor combustion state: Poor combustion state is the main reason for the engine malfunction light to come on. In automotive design, to ensure the engine is in good working condition and maintains a normal working lifespan, oxygen sensors are installed to monitor the engine's combustion state. If the combustion state is poor, it not only pollutes the environment but also leads to fuel waste and excessive engine wear. 2. Poor fuel quality: Many drivers notice that the engine malfunction light suddenly comes on after refueling. This is because the engine has specific requirements for fuel quality, especially as regulations on engines become stricter, demanding higher fuel quality standards. In reality, some gas stations may not fully comply with these standards, leading to frequent occurrences of the engine malfunction light coming on. 3. Dirty engine cylinder interior: Over time, carbon deposits inevitably accumulate inside the engine. These deposits can alter the engine's design parameters and, due to their unstable nature and heat retention, can cause irregular ignition, leading to engine knocking. In such cases, the engine malfunction light will illuminate.
Once I got lazy and skipped car maintenance for several months, and sure enough, the engine warning light came on. Here's what happened: Since I didn't drive much, I neglected regular oil changes and air filter inspections. Later, fuel consumption skyrocketed, and engine noise became noticeably louder. One morning during startup, that little yellow light started flashing. I rushed to the repair shop, where the mechanic diagnosed excessive carbon buildup triggering the sensor warning. The cleaning cost me several hundred bucks. Since then, I've made scheduled maintenance a habit—not just to prevent warning lights but also to extend engine life, saving both money and headaches. Many friends shared similar experiences, especially with older cars being more vulnerable.
