How long can you drive with check engine light on

How long can you drive with check engine light on

The continuous  advancement in automobile lighting and transmission from manual to automatic has led to the advancement of car’s onboard computers. Yet, many times, these computers which are installed to improve our safety by warning us of an imminent defect might get faulty and send the wrong signals to our cars. Let’s use the check engine light for example. When your car’s engine sensor is faulty, the car will usually use made up sensor values to keep running. So, it will likely display a check engine light. But because your car is functioning very well, it will continue to run smoothly. However, there will be a decrease in fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. So, what then happens when there is a fault with the engine and how long can you drive with your check engine light on?

Why the check engine light turns on

Why the check engine light turns on

Basically, the light symbols on the dashboard of your car or truck all represent something different. An engine icon, the words “service engine soon,” or the words “check engine” should all be shown on your check engine light. A check engine light’s main purpose is to alert the driver that one of the car’s sensors is malfunctioning or that the car isn’t operating properly. When this light comes on, it can either be solid or flashing.

Note that; the check engine light should always be on when you power on your car, but it should turn off within six seconds.

Is your check engine light flashing or solid

Is your check engine light flashing or solid

When the check engine light is steady, it signifies your car’s computer has a stored code. It also indicates that the problem has occurred repeatedly and should be investigated by a competent mechanic at an auto repair shop. They’ll look at the check engine light that’s been stored and diagnose one of over 150 codes.

Do not drive your car if the check engine light is blinking. The flashing check engine light was designed by the vehicle’s manufacturer to alert you when your catalytic converters are about to fail.

Driving your car with the check engine light on and for how long

Driving your car with the check engine light on and for how long

You can drive your car for up to a 100 miles if the check engine light is solid. The only exception is when the car does not appear to be functioning smoothly. If your car’s check engine light is on and your automobile doesn’t perform as it should, then you mustn’t drive your car. In addition, if the check engine light on your car is blinking, you shouldn’t attempt to drive it. Rather, call your mechanic or have it towed to an automobile repair centre to get it fixed. While this would cost you between $100 to $500 depending on the extent of the damage, it would have saved you in the money. 

How many miles to drive after resetting check engine light for inspection

Here’s something you didn’t actually know: you’ll need to drive for roughly 50 to 100 miles after clearing the car’s computer. The computer in your car will monitor all of the sensors and record the new data while you drive. 

In conclusion, keep a high level of regular car maintenance. Maintaining your car doesn’t only include the exterior parts. Ensure all the fluids in your car are ok, warm your car every morning before driving, and ensure your car headlights are regularly restored and cleaned using a car’s headlight restoration wipe

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