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.