* Further damage: The underlying issue causing the light could worsen, leading to more expensive repairs or even catastrophic engine failure.
* Reduced fuel economy: A malfunctioning system can impact fuel efficiency.
* Safety concerns: In some cases, engine problems can affect braking, steering, or other critical safety systems.
* Failed emissions test: The problem might be related to emissions, leading to failure of your vehicle's emissions test.
The best course of action is to get the code read. You can do this in a few ways:
* OBD-II scanner: These relatively inexpensive tools can be purchased at auto parts stores and plugged into your car's diagnostic port (usually under the dashboard). They'll give you a trouble code, which you can then look up online to understand the problem.
* Auto parts store: Many auto parts stores will read the code for free.
* Mechanic: A mechanic can diagnose the problem and provide a repair estimate.
Driving with the engine light on is a gamble. The cost of ignoring it could far outweigh the cost of diagnosis and repair.
