Your car's engine light is part of the onboard diagnostics system. When it lights up (in yellow), it mostly indicates internal car problems which cannot be ignored. Here is what your engine light might be telling you;
The oxygen sensor needs a replacement
Damaged, missing, or Loose Gas Cap
A failing catalytic converter
Your vehicle's mass airflow needs a replacement
Need for spark plug and wires replacement
Whether it is safe to drive with the engine light on depends on the main cause of illumination as well as your vehicle's functionality. Regardless, ensure you contact a professional, trained and certified mechanic to inspect your car as soon as the engine light comes on.
What are the Potential Risks of Driving with my Engine Light On?
It Can Make You a Nuisance on the Road
When your car's check engine light is on, it might be indicating that the engine is overheating or misfiring. Engine misfires could be mechanical, fuel, or sat related in nature. In most cases, misfires could impact your engine functionality, mileage as well as acceleration power. This can make you a hazard and a nuisance, especially on busy highways or steep inclines. If it persists, engine misfiring can completely damage your catalytic converter causing your car to vibrate and, in worst-case scenarios, backfire.
An Overheating Car Can Escalate to Dangerous Levels
When your car starts to overheat, it can rapidly escalate to dangerous situations for you, your passengers, and other road users. As such, it would be best if you pull over and turn off your vehicle as soon as the check engine light comes on.
It Could Lead to Extensive and Expensive Damage
Depending on the cause of the check engine light, using your car before you, schedule maintenance causes no further damage. However, if your vehicle is malfunctioning, ignoring the check engine light might lead to more serious damage and an increase in the repair bill.
Once you hit the start key, the check engine light always comes on. However, if there is no problem detected, it goes out after 6 seconds. If the warning light stays on, it can indicate anything from a loose fuel cap to a misfiring engine.
If you need check engine light repair, we invite you to bring your vehicle to our auto repair shop today.