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

The short answer: if the light is flashing, pull over safely and don’t drive far. If the light is solid, you can usually drive for a limited time while you arrange a diagnostic, but you should not ignore it or postpone repairs for too long. The exact duration depends on the underlying fault and the vehicle.

What you do next depends on whether the light is steady or flashing, any accompanying symptoms, and the fault codes stored in the vehicle’s computer. This article explains how to assess the situation, what actions to take, and how to minimize risk while you seek professional service.

What the lights mean

Vehicle manufacturers use the check engine light to signal a wide range of issues. A steady light often indicates a stored fault that may be safe to monitor for a short period, while a flashing light points to a more serious problem that can cause immediate damage if driven further. Reading the codes with an OBD-II scanner or at a shop will help determine the urgency.

Flashing CEL: act now

A flashing check engine light typically signals an active misfire or another serious fault that could damage the catalytic converter or other exhaust components. Do not continue driving long distances; safety and emissions damage are at stake. If you’re on a highway, safely exit and arrange roadside assistance or tow your vehicle to a repair facility.

• Pull over safely as soon as possible and switch off unnecessary systems if it’s safe to do so.


• Check for obvious problems you can address quickly (fuel cap not tightened, overheating, or low oil). Do not drive long distances to the shop.


• Call for roadside assistance or a tow if you’re far from a service center.


• Have the car scanned for fault codes to identify the cause and recommended repairs.


• Avoid high speeds, rapid acceleration, and heavy loads if you must move the car a short distance to a safe location or shop.

The risk with a flashing CEL is real: driving farther can cause irreversible damage to the catalytic converter, exhaust system, or engine. Treat it as urgent and get professional diagnostics as soon as possible.

Steady CEL: how long you can drive

A steady check engine light means the vehicle has detected a fault and stored a diagnostic code. The car will likely run and drive—sometimes normally, other times with noticeable symptoms—but the risk of worsening damage or higher emissions remains. Duration can range from a few days to several weeks or more, depending on the fault and how the vehicle is operated.

Below are general guidelines for what to expect with steady CELs and how to approach driving a vehicle in this state.

• Minor issues such as a loose gas cap or small evaporative system leak can trigger a CEL. You can often complete a quick repair and continue driving to a shop, typically with improved fuel economy after the cap is secured or leak is repaired.


• Sensor or emissions-related faults (oxygen sensors, MAF/MAP sensors, or EVAP components) may not affect drivability immediately but can reduce fuel efficiency and increase emissions. You can usually drive to a nearby shop, but plan for a diagnostic soon.


• Ignition or misfire-related faults may cause rough running or reduced power. If the problem persists, avoid heavy loads and long trips; have codes read promptly to prevent catalyst damage from sustained misfires.


• Catalytic converter or fuel system faults are more serious. You may be able to drive short distances, but continuing to drive risks overheating and permanent damage. Seek diagnostic and repair promptly.


• Pending codes may not trigger immediate symptoms but can become active. Consider scheduling a check even if the car seems to run normally.


• Always monitor for new or worsening symptoms such as rough idle, hesitation, stalling, overheating, or a drop in power. If any appear, reduce driving and seek service.

In general, a steady CEL deserves attention within a reasonable timeframe—often within a week or two for many vehicles—but you should tailor your plan to the specific code and how the car behaves. A diagnostic scan is the best next step to avoid further damage or costly repairs.

What to do now

Regardless of whether the light is steady or flashing, practical steps help minimize risk and guide you toward a repair plan.

• Check the gas cap: tighten or replace if it’s loose or damaged. A loose cap is a common cause of EVAP-related CELs.


• Note any symptoms: listen for knocking, pinging, rough idle, misfires, poor acceleration, overheating, or unusual smells.


• Limit driving when symptoms are noticeable or the light is flashing. If you must drive, keep trips short and moderate in speed and load.


• Read the codes: use an OBD-II scanner or have a shop read the codes to identify the fault and recommended repairs.


• Schedule a diagnostic: arrange service with a qualified technician to confirm the exact fault and prevent further damage.

Taking these steps helps protect the vehicle, preserves fuel efficiency, and reduces the risk of expensive repairs later on.

Summary

The check engine light is a warning that ranges in urgency. A flashing light is an immediate signal to stop driving and seek roadside assistance or a tow, as it often indicates a misfire or other condition that can damage the catalytic converter. A steady light generally allows for limited driving while you arrange a diagnostic, but it should not be ignored—the underlying fault can worsen or cause higher emissions if left unchecked. Reading the fault codes and having the vehicle inspected promptly is the best course of action to prevent costly damage and ensure safe, reliable operation.

Is it bad to drive with the check engine light on while driving?

Continuing to drive with an active check engine light can expose the vehicle to a range of risks that may escalate from minor inconveniences to severe mechanical damage. The primary danger is that the underlying issue could lead to inefficient combustion, causing an imbalance in engine function.

How urgent is a solid check engine light?

A solid check engine light is not an immediate emergency, but you should get it inspected as soon as possible, as it indicates a problem that could become more serious and lead to expensive repairs or decreased fuel efficiency. While a flashing light means you should pull over immediately, a steady light indicates a less urgent issue, though still one that needs attention.
 
This video explains what to do when the check engine light comes on: 57sDad, how do I?YouTube · Aug 6, 2024
What a solid check engine light means

• Less urgent, but still important: A solid light means there's a problem with the engine's emissions or drivetrain that has been detected by the car's onboard diagnostic system. 
• Possible issues: Common causes include a loose gas cap, a faulty oxygen sensor, or a failing mass air flow sensor. 
• Next steps: Get the vehicle scanned for a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) at an auto parts store or a repair shop. The code will help pinpoint the issue. 

When to worry more

• Stop driving immediately: If the check engine light is flashing, or if you experience other symptoms like severe shaking, loud noises, or a loss of power, pull over and shut off the engine immediately. This could indicate a serious misfire or other damage to the catalytic converter. 

This video explains what to do if the check engine light starts flashing: 1mUrban AutomotiveYouTube · Apr 5, 2022

How far can I drive with a check engine light on?

You can typically drive with a steady check engine light for a short distance to a mechanic, but if the light is flashing, you should pull over as soon as it's safe and get the car towed, as this indicates a severe and potentially damaging problem. A steady light often suggests a minor issue like a loose gas cap or oxygen sensor, while a flashing light commonly signals an engine misfire that can quickly cause expensive damage to the catalytic converter. 
You can watch this video to learn about the potential causes and risks of a flashing check engine light: 55sAuto V Fix YouTube · Nov 10, 2022
If the light is steady

• Minor issues: A steady light can be caused by minor problems, and you may be able to drive for a while. 
• Schedule an appointment: You should get your car checked out as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening. 
• Avoid heavy driving: Avoid heavy acceleration, high speeds, or towing until you can get it diagnosed. 

If the light is flashing

• Serious problem: A flashing light indicates a severe issue, such as an engine misfire, that needs immediate attention. 
• Stop driving: Do not continue driving unless absolutely necessary to get to a safe spot to pull over. 
• Damage to the catalytic converter: Continuing to drive can cause extensive and costly damage to your catalytic converter. 
• Seek immediate assistance: It's best to have the car towed to a mechanic rather than driving it further. 

This video explains what to do if you see a flashing check engine light: 53sTorqueCarsYouTube · Apr 24, 2023
What to do immediately

• Check the gas cap: First, ensure the gas cap is on tight, as a loose cap is a common cause for a steady check engine light. 
• Monitor for other symptoms: Pay attention to any changes in your car's performance, such as unusual noises, loss of power, or poor fuel economy. 
• Consult your manual: Always check your vehicle's user or repair manual for specific safety precautions. 

Can I drive my car with a yellow engine light on?

Amber Check Engine Light
An amber light usually means that you are able to continue driving but should have the car checked as soon as possible.