Engine Light Comes On and Car Slows Down

When you’re driving and your engine light comes on, it’s natural to be concerned. After all, a lit engine light can indicate a serious problem with your car. In some cases, the engine light may come on and your car may start to slow down. This can be a dangerous situation, especially if you’re on a busy highway.

If your engine light comes on and your car starts to slow down, there are a few things you should do:

1. Pull over to a safe location.

If it’s possible to do so safely, pull over to the side of the road and turn off your engine. This will give you a chance to assess the situation and figure out what to do next.

2. Check your dashboard for any other warning lights.

In addition to the engine light, there may be other warning lights on your dashboard that are lit up. These lights can provide you with more information about the problem.

3. Open the hood and check for any obvious problems.

Once you’ve checked your dashboard, open the hood and take a look at your engine. Look for any obvious problems, such as leaks, loose hoses, or broken belts.

4. Call roadside assistance or a mechanic.

If you can’t figure out the problem yourself, you’ll need to call roadside assistance or a mechanic. They will be able to diagnose the problem and get your car fixed.

Here are some of the most common causes of a lit engine light and a slowing car:

* **Loss of power:** If your car is losing power, it could be due to a problem with the engine, fuel system, or transmission.
* **Misfire:** A misfire occurs when one or more of your engine’s cylinders is not firing properly. This can cause your car to hesitate or jerk when you’re driving.
* **Oxygen sensor failure:** The oxygen sensors in your car help the engine to regulate the air-fuel mixture. If an oxygen sensor fails, it can cause your car to run rich or lean, which can lead to a loss of power and a lit engine light.
* **Catalytic converter failure:** The catalytic converter in your car helps to reduce emissions. If the catalytic converter fails, it can cause your car to run poorly and emit excessive exhaust gases.

If you’re experiencing a lit engine light and a slowing car, it’s important to get the problem diagnosed and fixed as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem can lead to further damage to your car and could even put you at risk of an accident.