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Can I still drive my car if the engine light is on?

The short answer is that it is generally not recommended to continue driving your car if the check engine light is illuminated. The check engine light is an indicator that there is an issue with your vehicle's emissions control system or other critical components, and ignoring it can lead to further damage and more expensive repairs down the line.

Understanding the Check Engine Light

The check engine light, also known as the malfunction indicator light (MIL), is a warning light that appears on your vehicle's dashboard when the onboard diagnostic system detects a problem. This system continuously monitors various sensors and components in your car, and the light is triggered when it detects an issue that could affect your vehicle's emissions, fuel efficiency, or overall performance.

The check engine light can be triggered by a wide range of issues, from a loose gas cap to a malfunctioning catalytic converter. Some problems are minor and can be easily fixed, while others may indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires immediate attention.

Risks of Driving with the Check Engine Light On

Increased Emissions: When the check engine light is on, your vehicle is likely producing higher levels of harmful emissions, which can be detrimental to the environment and may even be illegal in some areas.

Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The problem that triggered the check engine light can also lead to decreased fuel efficiency, resulting in higher fuel costs and more frequent trips to the gas station.

Further Damage: Ignoring the check engine light can allow the underlying problem to worsen, leading to more extensive and expensive repairs down the line.

It's important to note that the severity of the problem can vary, and in some cases, it may be safe to continue driving for a short distance to reach a repair shop. However, it's always best to have the issue diagnosed and addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle.

What to Do If the Check Engine Light Is On

Scan the Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner or take your car to an auto parts store or mechanic to have the diagnostic trouble codes read. These codes can provide valuable information about the specific problem that triggered the check engine light.

Inspect for Obvious Issues: Visually inspect your vehicle for any obvious problems, such as a loose gas cap or a damaged hose or wiring.

Seek Professional Diagnosis and Repair: If the problem is not easily identifiable, it's best to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic who can diagnose and repair the issue.

By addressing the check engine light promptly and taking the necessary steps to resolve the underlying problem, you can help ensure the long-term health and performance of your vehicle.

What is the most common reason for check engine light?

The most common reasons for a check engine light are a loose or faulty gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, or bad spark plugs. Other frequent causes include a malfunctioning catalytic converter, a dirty mass airflow sensor, or vacuum leaks.
Common causes
This video explains the top reasons for the check engine light: 47sThe Auto BrainYouTube · May 5, 2025

Loose or damaged gas cap: A loose or cracked gas cap can allow fuel vapors to escape, triggering the light. This is often one of the easiest fixes.
Failing oxygen sensor: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in your exhaust. If it's failing, it can lead to a drop in fuel efficiency and turn on the light.
Bad spark plugs or ignition coils: Worn-out spark plugs or a failing ignition coil can cause engine misfires, leading to poor performance and triggering the light.
Faulty catalytic converter: This component converts harmful exhaust gases into less harmful ones. A failing catalytic converter can cause a significant drop in fuel efficiency and performance.
Dirty or faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF): The MAF sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine. Contamination or a malfunction can cause the light to come on.
Vacuum leaks: Cracks or leaks in vacuum hoses can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and trigger the light.

What to do

First, check that your gas cap is on tightly and is not damaged.
If the light remains on, you can use an OBD-II scanner to read the specific code from your car's computer to diagnose the problem more accurately.
Some issues, like a loose gas cap or minor vacuum leaks, can be fixed yourself. Others, like a failing catalytic converter or oxygen sensor, may require a professional mechanic.

How long can you drive a car with the check engine light on?

You can typically drive a short distance with a steady check engine light to a nearby service center, but if the light is blinking, you should pull over safely and stop driving immediately. The ability to drive depends on whether you notice other symptoms like rough idling, loss of power, or unusual noises, as a steady light can mean a minor issue or a more serious one.
This video explains how long you can drive with a steady or blinking check engine light: 55sAuto V Fix YouTube · Nov 10, 2022
Steady check engine light

What it means: This often indicates a minor issue, like a loose gas cap or a faulty sensor.
What to do: It is generally safe to drive to a mechanic to get it diagnosed, but avoid prolonged driving to prevent the problem from worsening.
Safety tips:
- Avoid heavy driving: Do not tow or drive at high speeds.
- Monitor performance: Pay attention to any changes in how the car runs.
- Check the gas cap: A loose gas cap can sometimes be the cause. Make sure it is on tightly, and the light might go off after a few trips.

Flashing check engine light

What it means: This is a warning for a severe problem, such as an engine misfire, that can cause immediate and costly damage to the catalytic converter.
What to do: Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and turn off the engine.
Safety tips: Do not continue to drive, even for a short distance, as it can lead to extensive engine damage.

You can watch this video to learn about the risks of driving with a flashing check engine light: 1mBudget MechanicYouTube · Aug 5, 2020
What to do next

Get it diagnosed: Take your car to a trusted mechanic for a diagnosis as soon as possible, regardless of whether the light is steady or flashing.
Ignoring the warning: Delaying service can lead to more severe damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and higher repair costs.

Can I still drive with an engine warning light?

If your engine management light remains amber (static or blinking), then it is probably safe to drive. However, you should get the issue checked out by your mechanic promptly. If the light is red, you should not drive.

Can I drive with the check engine light on and the car shaking?

No, you should not drive with a check engine light on and the car shaking, especially if the light is flashing. This combination usually indicates a severe engine misfire that can cause significant and costly damage to your vehicle's engine and catalytic converter. You should pull over to a safe location and get the car towed to a mechanic.
This video explains the common causes of a flashing check engine light and shaking car: 36scar PROblemsYouTube · Feb 23, 2023
Why you should not drive the car

Severe engine misfire: The shaking is a symptom of an engine misfire, where one or more cylinders aren't firing correctly.
Catastrophic damage: The misfire can send unburnt fuel into the exhaust, which can overheat and damage the catalytic converter, a very expensive component.
Other component damage: Continuing to drive could lead to further damage to other engine parts.

What to do instead

Pull over immediately: Find a safe place to pull over and turn off the engine.
Do not continue driving: Avoid driving the car further than necessary to get to a safe spot.
Call for a tow: Have the vehicle towed to a reputable repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
Use a diagnostic scanner (optional): A mechanic will use an OBD2 scanner to read the trouble codes and determine the exact cause, which could be a bad spark plug, ignition coil, or vacuum leak.

You can watch this video to see a step-by-step guide on troubleshooting a car with a flashing check engine light: 1mExoni ViewsYouTube · Aug 24, 2024

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.