Study Explains the Check-Engine Dashboard Warning Light

Everybody acknowledged the famous check-engine dashboard warning light at least several times, while they were driving their car and decided not to do anything about it, but now CarMD has released a study with frightening results. One of the problems with the irritating warning light is the fact that everybody ignores it, the report indicates.

An amount of 64% of adults admitted they have postponed the maintenance terms of their cars for at least one time, and more than half of drivers that use their vehicles with the check-engine light on drove them in that condition for more than three months.

The check-engine indicator triggers most of the times for issues that can be repaired with little money if they are taken care of in time.

One of the reasons the indicator signals an issue is caused by failure of a spark plug or a spark-plug wire, which usually costs less than $20 (EUR13.5) to get it fix. The problem begins if you decide not to do anything about it for a period of time, as the small issue transforms into a bigger one.

If ignored long enough, the catalytic converter might get damaged, which may lead to a staggering 40% drop in fuel efficiency.

According to CarMD studies, other issues that may lead to the check-engine light engagement are cause by loose or cracked gas caps, which are responsible for the evaporation of 147 million gallons (556,455,000 liters) of gasoline per year.

Some repairs may cost a little bit more such as cylinder removal or replacement that may lead to an average cost of $8,200 (EUR5,550). Hybrids also face expensive repair costs if they are not properly maintained, as a hybrid inverter assembly may cost more than $7,200 (EUR4,870), while a hybrid battery can cost about $3,000 (EUR2,000).