Can I take a road trip with check engine light on?
In many vehicles, there are two types of check engine lights—a solid light and a flashing light. A flashing light could mean a more serious problem like an overheating engine or engine misfire, sometimes causing irreversible damage. You shouldn’t drive further if this is the case.
Why does my check engine light come on during long drives?
If air pressure builds up, it can set off the check engine light sensor too. You’ll need to drive a while for the check engine light to shut off after that (20-30 miles sometimes!), but if you are in the middle of a long stretch of a road trip, you should be able to see it go off at some point if this was the issue.
Can needing an oil change cause check engine light?
1. Your Car Needs an Oil Change. An illuminated check engine light is the first warning sign that your vehicle needs an oil change. It can activate because the oil is too dirty or when there’s not enough flowing throughout the engine.
What to do if your check engine light is on?
If you notice nothing strange, you can drive your car until you get it checked by an expert. When the check engine light is on, the ECU stores a code that resembles the vehicle’s fault. You can view this code via a diagnostic scanner.
What does a yellow check engine light mean?
Be familiar with your vehicle. Some cars have a yellow check engine light that indicates a problem should be addressed soon, and a red check engine light to indicate that you need to pull over immediately. The most important thing to do is not panic, but perform a brief assessment to determine if you should continue driving.
Why does the Check Engine light keep blinking?
When the ECU ( engine control unit) detects a problem that it is unable to regulate, it then turns on the check engine light on your dashboard. This check light will either keep on glowing or will blink, depending on the nature of the fault. If the engine check is on regularly then it means that there is a problem but not an emergency.
Can a catalytic converter cause a check engine light?
Catalytic converter: Fingers crossed this didn’t trigger your check engine light, but it can absolutely be on the receiving end of a domino effect if items go unchecked. Issues with your catalytic converter can be costly and even cause irreversible damage to your car.