Check engine light on...manual says that means a problem with emission

[likesmountains 52]

control and to make sure my gas cap is on tight (it is). My mechanic can't see me until Tuesday. Is it ok to do a little driving? Like maybe a trip of 20 miles? The car (98 Honda) seems to br driving fine. Thanks...sorry if this is a dumb question..obviously cars are not my thing!

[LTR]

1. Oxygen sensor?

Granted, you've probably gotten this taken care of already.

At around 100K miles, the engine light often goes on due to the oxygen sensor. It's basically a reminder to get it replaced (it's pretty cheap). Otherwise, it could be the gas cap not being on tight enough (this sets off the engine light in many newer cars).

First thing to do is make sure there's no oil leak, and that there's plenty of black gold in the engine. That's the worst case scenario of why the light would go on, just before the block cracks or the rod is thrown.

As for driving it, if it's just gas cap or oxygen sensor, you should be fine. Just make sure it's nothing else first.