While driving down the road there are a few lights on the dashboard most of us don't care to see light up and others that sure better light up. Most people know what the gauges mean and even what some of the lights mean, however that dreaded "check engine" light raises fear because most don't have any idea what it means when it lights up. We like to know exactly what is going on especially with our vehicles and when we don't know the answer it brings fear because it is sure to cost the earth to fix whatever this light is saying is wrong. Well, that isn't always the case.
We need to change the way we view the "check engine" light. If we see this little light as a way to stay on top of problems and realize that it helps us to find these problems before they cost us the earth to repair, then we won't be so afraid when it lights up. Most often when the light comes on it is warning about problems that can actually be avoided by keeping up with regular maintenance.
In our current economy we are all trying to squeeze our budgets just a little tighter all the time. We might even be neglecting the regular maintenance that we would have otherwise kept up with just to save a few pennies. It is the neglect of regular maintenance that brings on the "check engine" light. While maintenance might be expensive, it is also very crucial because we are all hanging onto our vehicles longer and longer. In fact the average vehicle on the road is now 10.6 years old, 10 years ago it was 8.8 years old. Saving money is a good idea in principle, but we must also realize that money spent on vehicle maintenance is not money that is wasted; it is in fact well spent.
When that check engine light comes on, keep in mind it doesn't have to be a huge problem; in fact it can be rather small. For instance, one of the reasons could be a loose or missing gas cap. This is actually one of the very first things the auto mechanic will check on when you report the "check engine" light is the culprit. If the gas cap has to be replaced it will only cost a few dollars. A faulty oxygen sensor could also be to blame. This sensor tells the cars computer how much fuel is in the tank, we don't want that information to be wrong because it affects mileage too. This little sensor costs less than $200. It can also be misfiring spark plugs. Spark plugs may be small but they are essential - a car doesn't run without them. This is an easy fix if you want to do it yourself it will cost around $10, or pay around $300 for an auto technician to do it for you. The mass air flow sensor can also be the problem if it is malfunctioning. It measures the amount of air supplied to the engine which determines how much fuel should be delivered. When it malfunctions it can result in a loss of power to the car, surges during acceleration and decreases in fuel economy. This sensor costs about $375 to fix. The worst news of all would be a broken catalytic converter because it can cost up to $2,000 to replace. Catalytic converters don't usually fail unless something else that is a related part fails, like a spark plug. This is a prime example of why keeping the regular maintenance schedule has potential to save lots of money in the long run of the vehicle's life.
It comes down to the four tires we are trusting to get us around every single day. We wouldn't go without food or a regular checkup at the doctor every so often. We all protect our own health pretty well. We have to take that same approach with our vehicles. We rely on them just like our kids rely on us. There is a lot riding around on those four tires, we have to do what we can to make sure they are in great condition at all times. Simply keeping up with our regular scheduled maintenance checks could save us a whole lot of headache and minimize the unwanted surprises down the road.
D. Leonhardt writes for Good Works Auto Repair - http://www.goodworksautorepair.com/ - your professional family owned and operated auto repair facility in Tempe, AZ and Mesa, AZ. We are your source for an honest mechanic, convenient oil changes, air conditioner service, and much more.
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