My Check Engine Light Is On — Can I Still Drive It?
A check engine light can be worrying, especially when your car still seems to be driving normally. The good news is that a check engine light does not always mean you need to stop immediately. However, how the light behaves — and how the car is running — matters.
If the check engine light is steady
A steady yellow or amber check engine light generally means the vehicle’s computer has detected a fault that needs attention.
If:
- the light is steady,
- the engine is running normally,
- there is no major loss of power,
- the car isn’t overheating,
- and there are no unusual noises or other serious warning lights,
you can generally drive the vehicle carefully to have it checked.
Don’t ignore the light simply because the car still feels normal. Some faults can initially have very few noticeable symptoms.
If the check engine light is flashing
A flashing check engine light is more urgent.
It can indicate a fault serious enough to cause damage to the engine or catalytic converter if you continue driving.
If the light is flashing, particularly if the engine is:
- shaking or running roughly,
- losing significant power,
- misfiring,
- producing unusual smells,
- or behaving abnormally,
it’s best to stop driving and have the vehicle assessed as soon as possible.
What if the car is driving normally?
It’s tempting to assume that if the car feels fine, the warning light can wait.
That’s not necessarily the case.
The check engine light can be triggered by faults ranging from relatively minor issues to problems that could become considerably more expensive if left unattended.
The warning light itself doesn’t tell you exactly what has gone wrong.
A diagnostic scan is needed to identify the fault codes stored by the vehicle’s computer and determine what further testing may be required.
Can I turn the light off myself?
It’s generally not a good idea to simply clear the warning light without finding out why it came on.
Clearing the code doesn’t repair the underlying problem. The light may return, and useful diagnostic information can potentially be lost.
The better approach is to diagnose the cause first.
When should I stop driving?
Don’t continue driving simply because the check engine light is the only warning you can see.
Stop and seek assistance if the vehicle is showing serious symptoms such as:
- a flashing check engine light
- severe engine misfiring or shaking
- major loss of power
- overheating
- smoke
- unusual mechanical noises
- an oil-pressure or temperature warning light appearing as well
If you’re unsure whether the vehicle is safe to drive, it’s better to have it assessed rather than take the risk.
What should I do if my check engine light comes on?
If the light is steady and the car is driving normally: arrange a diagnostic inspection rather than ignoring it.
If the light is flashing or the vehicle is running badly: stop driving if it is safe to do so and seek assistance.
At Motorfix, a diagnostic assessment can help establish what the vehicle’s computer has detected and what needs to be investigated further. We can explain the findings before recommending any repair.
Not sure whether your car is safe to drive? Contact Motorfix and tell us what the warning light is doing and what the vehicle is doing.