Wondering, “Can You Drive a Car with the Engine Light on?”

If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, don’t panic!  Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than usual.  You may be wondering, “Can you drive a car with the engine light on?”  Whether or not it’s safe to keep driving with the check engine light on depends on vehicle performance and the root cause of its illumination.  Just be sure to have your car checked as soon as possible after the light turns on.  Don’t neglect needed engine repair!

If nothing appears out of the ordinary, you can continue driving the car. The cause could be anything from a defective oxygen sensor to a bad MAF sensor. It could also mean your catalytic converter has failed and quit working. 

Here are three steps to help you determine whether it’s safe to continue driving or if you want to stop instantly:

1. What else is wrong?  -  In addition to the check engine light, your dashboard may also indicate low oil pressure or overheating problems. If these lights come on, pull over and shut off the engine as soon as you can. Several cars may have a red check engine light to alert you to stop right away, while a yellow light stands for analysis. 
2. Take it easy! -  If performance issues accompany the check engine light, lower your speed and take it easy on the engine. Avoid speed surges and erratic shifting. If you’re towing a trailer or carrying heavy equipment, try to unload as soon as you can to prevent a potentially expensive engine repair. 
3. Tighten the cap! - If the light comes on after refueling, inspect that the gas cap is tight.  The sensor is detecting a leak in the evaporative emissions system.  It may take some restarts of the engine to reset the light.  

The check engine light is tied into your car’s onboard diagnostics system, and it’s designed to light up whenever something goes wrong with any of the components and sensors. Issues in the electronic control system are stored in a “trouble code” to identify the source of the problem.  With the use of a diagnostic computer, your mechanic can pinpoint the issue and take care of any compulsory adjustments or repairs. 

Are you wondering can you drive a car with the engine light on?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about engine repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.

Wondering what causes brakes to overheat?

Just like your laptop or mobile, brakes can also overheat.  The pressure applied to brake pads generates the friction needed to either slow down or to stop your car totally, depending on how much force you apply to the brake pedal.

Whether you’re stopping every few feet in bumper-to-bumper traffic or merely coasting to a halt at a four-way stop—your brakes are working hard to generate friction. Where there’s friction, there’s heat. Overheated brakes can show themselves in a few different ways, through different sights, smells, and sensations. 

What causes brakes to overheat?

1. Water in the brake fluid reservoir.  Over time, condensation can collect within the brake fluid reservoir. When the brake fluid heats up from use, the water boils into steam and reduces the effectiveness of the brakes. This can result in a soft feeling when you press down on the brake pedal.  It could also be due to air in the brake lines, brake line damage, or low brake fluid.
2. Smoking brakes.  Brake pads burned by aggressive driving might really begin to release smoke as well as smell bad.
3. Squealing brakes.  Constant, excessive friction can generate so much heat that the brake pads become “glazed,” or smoother over, emitting a screeching sound when the brakes are applied.

Avoid overheating brakes by making smooth and steady driving your goal.  Always leave enough distance between your car and other objects.  If you are driving downhill, try engine braking--downshifting or letting up on the accelerator to slow down rather than going straight for the brake pedal. Give yourself plenty of room to slow down instead of having to slam the brakes.

As soon as you feel, smell, hear, or even suspect brake issues, slow down and find a safe place to pull over.  While you are letting your brakes cool, call a brake repair shop. Then, use your best judgment to determine whether you’re able to drive to the shop or if you should call roadside assistance for towing.

Do you want to know more about what causes brakes to overheat?  Call our ASE Certified technicians at Auto & Fleet Mechanic for more information about brake repair and to make an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding area.