Can I Drive With a Damaged Coil?

Usually, you shouldn’t. Whether it’s an ignition coil causing a misfire or a cracked suspension coil spring, driving can be unsafe and may trigger costly damage. A brief, gentle trip to a nearby shop can be acceptable if the car runs smoothly and the check-engine light isn’t flashing and the spring isn’t broken or rubbing a tire—but in most cases, towing is the safer choice.

First, Clarify Which “Coil” You Mean

Cars commonly have two “coils” people refer to: the ignition coil (or coil pack/coil-on-plug) that fires the spark plugs in gasoline engines, and the suspension coil spring that supports the vehicle. The risks and recommendations differ sharply for each.

If You Mean the Ignition Coil (Gasoline Engines)

What it is and why it matters

The ignition coil transforms battery voltage into the high voltage needed to fire the spark plug. Modern vehicles often use one coil per cylinder (coil-on-plug). A failing coil can cause misfires that affect drivability, emissions, and the catalytic converter.

Symptoms of a failing ignition coil

Look for these common signs to identify a potential ignition-coil problem.

• Rough idle, hesitation, or loss of power—especially under load or acceleration
• Check-engine light on; flashing light indicates an active severe misfire
• Poor fuel economy and raw-fuel smell from the exhaust
• Hard starting, stalling, or shaking at stoplights
• OBD-II codes such as P0300 (random misfire) or P0301–P0308 (cylinder-specific), sometimes P035x (coil circuit)

If you notice several of these symptoms together, odds are high a coil is involved (though plugs, injectors, or wiring can also be culprits).

Risks of driving with a bad ignition coil

Continuing to drive with a misfiring coil can snowball into bigger problems.

• Catalytic-converter damage from unburned fuel, leading to repairs often costing $800–$2,500+
• Overheating or fouling the oxygen sensors and catalytic converter, triggering more warning lights
• Reduced power and potential stalling—hazardous in traffic or while merging
• Excessive fuel consumption and possible engine damage from severe, prolonged misfire

The financial risk escalates the farther and harder you drive with an active misfire.

Can you drive at all?

It depends on severity:

• If the check-engine light is flashing or the engine runs very rough: do not continue; arrange a tow.
• If the light is steady and the car runs mostly smoothly: you can make a short, gentle trip to a shop, avoiding high speeds, steep hills, and heavy throttle.
• If multiple cylinders are misfiring or the car stalls: do not drive; tow it.

Even short drives carry risk. The safest, often cheapest long-term move is to tow the vehicle to prevent catalytic-converter damage.

What to do right now

These steps can reduce risk and help pinpoint the issue before repair.

• Reduce load: Drive gently, keep RPMs low, and avoid hard acceleration.
• Scan for codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to read misfire and coil circuit codes.
• Swap test (if accessible): Move the suspect coil to another cylinder and see if the misfire code follows.
• Inspect plugs and boots: Worn plugs or cracked boots frequently take coils down with them.
• Plan repair: Replace the failed coil and strongly consider new spark plugs if due; address any moisture/oil in plug wells.

Quick, targeted checks can confirm the coil as the cause and prevent replacing good parts unnecessarily.

Typical repair costs and time

Costs vary by vehicle and access.

• Individual coil: about $30–$150 each aftermarket; OEM can be higher
• Coil packs (shared): roughly $80–$400
• Labor: often 0.3–1.0 hour per coil; more if access is tight
• Spark plugs: $8–$30 each plus labor; replacement is wise if they’re aged

Addressing coils and plugs together often restores performance and prevents repeat misfires.

Hybrids and diesels

Hybrids with gasoline engines use ignition coils and follow the same guidance. Diesels do not have spark ignition coils; misfires there stem from other causes (injectors, compression, fuel delivery).

If You Mean the Suspension Coil Spring

Why a damaged spring is serious

Coil springs carry vehicle weight and keep tires planted. Cracks or breaks can alter ride height, steering, and braking—and in worst cases, a broken spring can contact or puncture a tire.

Symptoms of a damaged coil spring

Watch for these signs that a suspension coil spring may be compromised.

• Vehicle sits lower on one corner or leans noticeably
• Clunking or twanging noises over bumps or while turning
• Uneven tire wear or the spring visibly out of its seat
• Steering pull, instability, or excessive bounce
• In rust-prone regions, visible corrosion or fractured spring ends

Any visible break or a spring touching the tire is an immediate no-drive situation.

Can you drive with a damaged spring?

Generally, no. A cracked or broken spring compromises control and can shred a tire without warning. Many jurisdictions will fail the vehicle at inspection for this, and insurers may consider it unsafe.

• If the spring is broken or contacting the tire: do not drive; tow the car.
• If only minor surface rust is present and no fracture: it’s driveable, but monitor closely.
• If you must move the car a very short distance: proceed at walking speeds on smooth roads only, and avoid passengers and cargo.

The safest route is towing—sudden collapse or tire damage can occur even at low speeds.

Typical repair costs and time

Expect costs to vary with design (strut vs. separate spring) and whether both sides are replaced (recommended in pairs).

• Springs: about $150–$400 per spring for parts
• Complete strut assemblies (where applicable): $200–$600 each
• Labor: 1.0–3.0 hours per corner; alignment usually required afterward

Replacing springs in pairs helps maintain balanced handling and ride height.

Quick DIY Triage Checklist

Use this brief set of checks to identify which coil issue you have and decide on next steps safely.

1. Dashboard check: Is the check-engine light on or flashing? Flashing suggests an ignition misfire—don’t drive.
2. Listen and feel: Rough engine, shaking, and poor acceleration point to ignition; body lean or clunks point to suspension.
3. OBD-II scan: Pull codes; P030x/P035x indicate ignition-related issues.
4. Visual inspection: Look behind the wheel at the spring for breaks, missing pieces, or contact with the tire.
5. Risk decision: If misfire is severe or a spring is broken/contacting the tire, arrange a tow.

These quick checks can help you avoid turning a manageable repair into a major expense or safety hazard.

Legal, Emissions, and Warranty Notes

Driving with a misfire can push emissions beyond legal limits and may fail inspections. Some automakers have extended warranties or technical service bulletins for coil issues on specific models; check with a dealer using your VIN. Suspension spring corrosion has triggered recalls in certain regions and years—search your VIN on your national safety agency’s site (e.g., NHTSA in the U.S.) for active recalls.

Summary

If the ignition coil is failing, driving risks catalytic-converter damage and unsafe stalling; tow if the check-engine light is flashing or the engine runs poorly, and otherwise limit travel to a gentle, short trip for repair. If the suspension coil spring is cracked or broken, do not drive—towing is strongly recommended to prevent loss of control or tire failure. When in doubt, err on the side of safety and have the vehicle inspected promptly.

How far can you drive with a misfiring engine?

In most automobiles, you could theoretically travel thousands of miles with a misfiring cylinder. The engine’s other cylinders will continue to produce power. So, even if you shake and stall along the wall (and don’t acquire much speed or acceleration), the car will still operate.

Can I drive my car with a broken suspension coil?

Do not drive with a broken coil spring, especially the bottom loop that was secured in the strut. The spring now has less tension and it’s no longer anchored properly. I’ve seen these slip out and puncture the tire while driving, which can create a serious emergency situation.

How long can you drive with a broken coil?

Can you drive with a broken coil spring? No, you cannot drive your vehicle if the boil spring is broken. It is illegal to drive a vehicle that isn’t safe and road legal – and having little or no control over a vehicle when it turns or drives over uneven surfaces can lead to dangerous situations.

How long can you drive with a bad ignition coil?

You should only drive a vehicle with a bad ignition coil for the shortest distance possible, such as to a nearby repair shop, to avoid severe and costly engine damage. Driving with a faulty coil causes misfires, leading to unburned fuel entering the catalytic converter, potentially destroying it, and also dilutes the engine oil, which can cause internal engine damage. 
Why driving with a bad ignition coil is risky

• Engine Misfires: Opens in new tabThe engine cylinder with the bad coil will not ignite the fuel-air mixture, causing the cylinder to act as a brake rather than producing power. 
• Unburned Fuel: Opens in new tabThe unburned fuel bypasses the piston rings, washing away the oil and causing wear on the cylinder walls. 
• Diluted Engine Oil: Opens in new tabUnburned fuel can mix with the engine oil, diluting it and hindering proper lubrication. This can damage the engine’s bearings. 
• Catalytic Converter Damage: Opens in new tabThe unburned fuel can reach the catalytic converter, causing it to overheat and potentially disintegrate. 
• Engine Stress and Vibrations: Opens in new tabMisfires create vibrations that can stress the engine’s crankshaft and bearings, potentially leading to spun bearings. 
• Reduced Fuel Efficiency and Performance: Opens in new tabA misfiring engine will also suffer from reduced power and poor fuel economy. 

What to do if you have a bad ignition coil

1. Limit Driving: Only drive the vehicle as much as absolutely necessary to get to a qualified mechanic. 
2. Drive Gently: Avoid quick acceleration and high RPMs, which can worsen the damage. 
3. Replace the Coil Promptly: Get the bad ignition coil replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage and potentially expensive repairs.