Is It Safe to Drive Your Audi with Check Engine Light On From Experts in Mountain View Audi is one of the most sought-after luxury cars in the world due to its powerful performance and elegant features. Due to the constant innovation process. Audi has been able to stay miles ahead of its competitors and continues to rule the roads. The popularity of Audi can be gauged from the number of these cars that one gets to see on the road of Mountain View. However, like other luxury cars, the Audi has also got its fair share of issues encountered by most drivers. The best thing about Audi is that it comes equipped with a very advanced warning system known as the check engine light. The check engine light warning signal is present on the dashboard of your Audi and illuminates when there is something wrong in your car. Most drivers are confused about whether it is safe to drive their car when the check engine light illuminates on the dashboard? Well, there is no straightforward answer to that question. The drivability of your Audi depends on the seriousness of the issue. Here in this article, we will discuss the factors that cause the check engine light to illuminate and whether you can drive your car under those circumstances.
Failure of the oxygen sensor There are various sensors in your car that are used for monitoring the vital parameters of the car. One such system is the oxygen sensor that is responsible for monitoring the amount of unburnt oxygen present in the exhaust system of the car. This data is sent to the computer of your car which uses it to control the mixture of air & fuel that enters the cylinder for combustion. For the proper combustion to take place there must be an adequate amount of air & fuel present in the cylinder. If the oxygen sensor fails, then also combustion process will take place and you will be able to drive your car without any difficulties. However, you will experience low fuel mileage and a lack of power when you drive your Audi. You can drive your Audi without any problem in the initial phase; however, it is advised to get your oxygen sensor replaced before it causes any further damages.
Malfunctioning catalytic converter The catalytic converter is an integral part of the exhaust control system of your car. The catalytic converter converts the carbon monoxide produced during the combustion process into carbon dioxide. The malfunctioning of the catalytic converter can easily lead to the illumination of the check engine light in your car. Most of the time the catalytic converter malfunctions due to clogging of the system. Generally, people drive their cars even if the catalytic converter is blocked. If you observe discolored smoke coming out of the exhaust accompanied by an unusual sound, then the catalytic converter is at fault. You need to replace the catalytic converter as soon as possible. This is because it will ultimately affect the fuel efficiency of your car and you are most likely to fail an emission test.
Issues in the spark plugs or ignition coil The ignition coil in your car produces the necessary electricity needed by the spark plugs to ignite the air & fuel mixture in the cylinders. The number of the spark plugs in your Audi depends on the type of engine it is equipped with that is if it is a four-cylinder one, then there are 4 spark plugs. Similarly, a V6 engine has six plugs & a V8 engine has eight spark plugs.
Any kind of issue in the ignition coil is bound to affect the functioning of the spark plugs and this, in turn, leads to the illumination of the check engine light in your car. This is a serious issue and you need to take your Audi to a certified repair shop immediately for diagnosing and replacing the damaged parts.
Loose gas cap A trivial problem like a loose gas cap in your Audi can also lead to the illumination of the check engine light. This is a common problem faced by most car drivers. Changing the gas cap of your Audi will solve the problem.
Finally The above-discussed factors are some of the reasons behind the illumination of the check engine light in your Audi. Under most of these circumstances, you can drive your car, however, sometimes the check engine light can also illuminate due to serious problems in the transmission or the engine of your Audi. The best thing you can do is to take your Audi to a dealer-authorized service center whenever you see the check engine light illuminate on the dashboard. This way you are minimizing the risk of further damages to your car.
Reference https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/check-engine-light-explanation/ https://www.topdriver.com/education-blog/top-5-reasons-your-check-engine-light-is-on/ https://www.repairsmith.com/i/blog/6-reasons-why-your-check-engine-light-might-be-on/