Most problems with cars (except maybe tread), you get some combination of an indicator light, something smells funny, sounds funny, or your car drives differently. In either case, you either take it to a mechanic or if it can’t be driven, you get it towed.
Where a single light can mean everything from you're losing 10% fuel efficiency to your car will seize and light on fire if you keep driving for 10 minutes.
Relevant fact: there were on average 152,000 car fires each year in the U.S.A and most crashes do not result in fire.
But, without cursory knowledge of car issues, that decision is unwise, negligent at worst. A car breaking down in the center of traffic has negative externalities. A car fire (152k/year) has negative externalities. A tire or brake failure resulting in an accident has negative externalities.
Even the seemingly innocuous check engine light being on from emissions equipment has negative externalities.
On the simple side of things, is your check engine light on, are you dragging your air dams, are your lights on, do your tires have any tread.
Slightly more complex, recognizing that your car is over heating, recognizing burning oil, brakes on the wear pad.
More complex, is the suspension connected to the body?
What's scary is the number of ride share drivers (and taxi cabs) that continue (are allowed to?) drive with some of these serious issues happening. even in states like California with vehicle inspections.