Can I Still Drive My Car with Engine Light On?
It’s never a good feeling to see the check engine light come on in your car. But what does it mean, and can you still drive your car? Here’s what you need to know.
What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?
The check engine light is a warning light that indicates a problem with your car’s engine. It can be caused by a variety of issues, including:
- A loose gas cap
- A faulty oxygen sensor
- A clogged catalytic converter
- An ignition system problem
- A transmission problem
Can I Still Drive My Car with Engine Light On?
In most cases, you can still drive your car with the engine light on. However, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed as soon as possible, as it could lead to more serious issues down the road.
If the check engine light is flashing, however, it’s important to stop driving immediately and have the car towed to a mechanic. A flashing check engine light indicates a serious problem that could cause damage to your car’s engine.
What to Do If the Check Engine Light Comes On
If the check engine light comes on, the first thing you should do is check the gas cap. If the gas cap is loose, tighten it and see if the light goes off. If the light stays on, you should have the car diagnosed by a mechanic.
The mechanic will use a diagnostic tool to read the trouble codes stored in the car’s computer. The trouble codes will indicate the specific problem that is causing the check engine light to come on.
Once the mechanic has diagnosed the problem, they will recommend the best course of action to repair the car. In some cases, the repair may be as simple as replacing a faulty sensor. In other cases, the repair may be more complex, such as replacing a catalytic converter.
Conclusion
The check engine light is a warning light that should not be ignored. If the check engine light comes on, it’s important to have the car diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid more serious problems down the road.
