Is it OK to drive with check engine light?
Can you drive a car with the engine light on? It’s okay to drive for a few miles, but be sure to schedule an inspection of the engine as soon as possible. If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, don’t panic! Pay attention and see if the car is driving any differently than normal.
Is a check engine light an emergency?
Unlike a Temperature or Oil Pressure light, a Check Engine light is usually not an urgent, “Stop right now or you may cause permanent damage!” type of situation, unless it is flashing. If your vehicle’s gas cap was loose, it may require some driving and an overnight “parked” period before the light will reset itself.
What should you do if your check engine light comes on?
If the check engine light comes on while you’re driving, it can be unnerving. Don’t panic, though. Take a moment to see if the car is driving any differently than normal. Is it bucking? Surging? Are there any unusual sounds? If nothing seems out of the ordinary, you can continue driving the car.
What does the service required light on your car mean?
These warning lights are unrelated. The service required light just means the car is due for an oil change or other routine care. It is not an indicator of trouble like the check engine light is.
What does a malfunction indicator light on a car mean?
In many cases, it means that you’ll be visiting the car dealer to repair the issue and get the light turned off. The check engine light — more formally known as the malfunction indicator lamp — is a signal from the car’s engine computer that something is wrong.
Can a code reader fix a check engine light?
Most code readers will allow you to turn off or reset the check engine light. But this action alone does not actually repair the underlying problem. In many cases, the light will simply come back on later.