It’s a moment every driver dreads — you’re cruising along when suddenly the check engine light pops on. Your first thought might be to keep driving and hope it goes away on its own. While you might not notice any immediate difference in how your vehicle runs, ignoring this warning can lead to more serious problems and costly repairs down the line. Let’s dive into what your check engine light really means and whether it’s safe to keep driving. What the Check Engine Light Really Means The check engine light is part of your car’s onboard diagnostics system (OBD-II). It’s designed to alert you when the computer detects a problem with the engine, emissions, or other critical systems. The causes can range from something simple, such as a loose gas cap, to more severe issues, including a misfiring engine or a failing catalytic converter. Types of Check Engine Light Alerts The light can behave differently dependin ... read more