Can I Continue to Drive My Car If The Check Engine Light On?

It can be scary for you to see the check engine light suddenly come on your dashboard mid-drive. If this has happened to you, please know that you're not alone. Check engine lights can come on for various reasons, and it's more common than you might think.

Why Is The Check Engine Light On?

Your check engine light only lights up when one of your many vehicle sensors picks up an anomaly. Any issues detected by your sensors and sent to your car's computer system will cause this light to come about.

The check engine light means there's likely an issue under the hood. Here are 5 common problems that may cause this warning light to appear on your dash:

  • Damaged Oxygen Sensor
  • Failing Catalytic Converter
  • Defective Mass Airflow Sensor
  • Old Spark Plugs
  • Loose Gas Cap

What Should I Do When My Check Engine Light Comes On?

The most important thing to remember first is to remain calm. The first thing you should do is examine the light's behavior - is it blinking? If the light is flashing, you need to call for a tow right away without question.

If it's a steady light, you should go ahead and check your gas cap to see if it's loose or damaged, as it's the easiest and simplest fix. If the gas cover is not the problem, you want to look and listen for unusual signs coming from under the hood. If nothing seems odd, you may continue to drive for a decent range. However, you still need to take your car to the mechanic soon so that they can diagnose and repair the problem.

 

A certified automotive professional can help you uncover your vehicle's underlying issues. When you take your car into Brazzeal Automotive in Tampa, FL, a mechanic will connect your car to a diagnostic machine. The mechanic will then interpret the error codes and recommend the necessary repairs.

 

If you are looking for trustworthy and excellent check engine light repairs, look no further than Brazzeal Automotive. We gladly welcome you to call or visit our shop in Tampa, FL today!

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