Last Updated August 2026
- First, see if the check engine light is flashing or steady.
- If it’s steady, with no other signs of trouble, it usually means your car can be driven short distances but needs attention soon.
- If it’s steady, but you also notice shaking, vibrations, smoke or other issues, pull over safely and call for help.
- If it’s flashing, you may have a serious engine problem. Pull over safely and call for help.
- The check engine light can mean something as simple as a loose gas cap or something as serious as an engine malfunction.
- A repair shop or mechanic can run a diagnostic scan to help identify the problem.
If your check engine light comes on, first check whether it’s steady or flashing. A flashing light typically signals a serious engine problem and is telling you to pull over and call for help. If the light is steady and there are no other obvious issues like smoke, odd noises or strange handling, you usually can continue driving but should have your car checked soon.
A check engine light can mean a minor issue, like a loose gas cap, or a serious malfunction that could lead to engine damage. Whenever the light comes on, it’s important to take it to a repair shop for diagnosis and repair.
What does the check engine light mean?
When the check engine light comes on, it’s a warning that your car’s onboard diagnostic system has detected a problem that needs your attention. Issues in the car’s emissions systems, fuel delivery, ignition components or overall engine performance can trigger the check engine light.
Depending on the vehicle, the check engine light may be yellow, orange or red. It may be an engine-shaped icon, the words “Check Engine” or a similar illuminated message.
The light will be steady or flashing. The difference matters in the next few minutes.
What to do in the first 10 minutes
If your check engine light just came on, check to see if the light is steady or flashing.
A steady check engine light typically points toward something relatively minor, like a dirty airflow sensor or a loose gas cap. But it could also be an issue that worsens over time and leads to damage. You may be able to continue driving if the vehicle is operating normally and there are no other warning signs.
A flashing check engine light typically signals a more serious problem and even with no other obvious problems, you could risk engine damage if you continue driving. Pull over and take immediate action to have the problem diagnosed and repaired.
Steady or flashing, pay attention to how the car drives and look for additional warning lights. If the car is shaking, vibrating or losing power, pull over. If you notice smoke, a rapidly rising temperature gauge or signs of engine overheating, stop as soon as it’s safe and follow instructions for what to do when your engine overheats.
If the vehicle feels unsafe to drive or you’re stranded, knowing how to handle roadside emergencies can help you decide on the best next steps.
![What to do in the first 10 minutes Graphic Copy: Check the light [icon] Flashing: Pull over, call for help [icon] Steady: Go to step 2 Look for urgent warning signs [icon] Other warning lights, rising temperature gauge [icon] Shaking, bucking, loss of power [Icon] Strange smells or sounds, smoke or leaks Choose your next step [icon] No other symptoms: Schedule a diagnostic scan soon [icon] Other symptoms: Pull over, call for help [icon] Car feels unsafe: Pull over, call for help](/contentassets/fb4d2a59a1404228a67254b6f24ee004/blobid0.png)
Common reasons your check engine light came on
- A loose or damaged gas cap
- Poor fuel quality or wrong octane level
- A faulty oxygen sensor
- Spark plug or ignition coil issues
- Catalytic converter problems
- A dirty mass airflow sensor
- A vacuum leak
- Weak or failing battery
- An engine misfire
Because small problems can escalate into major ones, a diagnostic scan is always recommended when the check engine light comes on.
Can you drive with the check engine light on?
A steady check engine light with no noticeable symptoms may give you time to drive cautiously to a repair shop or keep driving short distances and schedule service soon.
However, you should stop driving if you notice:
- A flashing check engine light
- Smoke or steam
- Engine overheating
- Shaking or vibrations
- Loss of power
- Strong fuel or burning smells
Driving under these conditions could be unsafe and damage your car.
How to find out what’s wrong
An On-Board Diagnostics II, or OBD-II, scan is the easiest way to diagnose the cause of a check engine light. OBD-II is a standard diagnostic system built into modern vehicles. It stores trouble codes when the onboard computer detects a potential problem.
Repair shops, car dealerships and some auto parts stores can use a scan tool to read those codes. The diagnostic code is a clue, not necessarily a final diagnosis. Multiple issues can sometimes trigger the same code, but a qualified technician can perform additional testing and recommend repairs.
How to help prevent check engine light problems
Not every check engine light issue can be prevented, but staying current with your car’s maintenance schedule can catch small issues before they become big problems.
The Car Care Council recommends these regular maintenance habits:
- Changing oil at recommended intervals
- Replacing air filters as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer
- Inspecting and tightening the gas cap after refueling
- Replacing spark plugs at recommended service intervals
- Scheduling routine inspections and maintenance
- Addressing rough idling, reduced fuel economy or unusual engine behavior early
Get more information about car maintenance and safe driving.
Does car insurance cover check engine light repairs?
Car insurance typically does not cover routine maintenance, wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns that cause a check engine light to come on.
However, in certain situations, a car insurance policy might help. For example, if the check engine light came on because of damage resulting from a covered accident or event, your policy might help with the cost of repairs, depending on your coverage.
Your Farmers® agent can help you review your policy documents for details about how you are covered.
The information contained in this page is provided for general informational purposes only. Read our editorial standards for Insurance Questions and other content. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied. This does not refer to any specific insurance policy and nothing herein is intended to replace or modify any terms in your actual policy.
Farmers may also provide information on topics that are not directly about insurance policies or coverage that we believe could be helpful to you. Information in such articles is not meant as professional advice, and any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
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