Amber lights are advisory. The car will keep running and you have time to book, but do not let a month pass — many amber faults get more expensive the longer they run.
Red lights are not advisory. Oil pressure and temperature warnings mean pull over safely and shut the engine off. Driving another mile can turn a hose into an engine.
A flashing check engine light means raw fuel is reaching the catalytic converter. That is a same-day problem, and continuing to drive usually adds a converter to the bill.
