MMA Blog

Don't let summer heat put you in check-engine hot water

The winter driving woes are in the rear-view mirror and up ahead is a wide open road of warmth and sunshine. Spring and summer are undoubtedly some of the best seasons of the year, if for no other reason than the fact that the daily commute isn't a bridge into the great unknown, as icy streets and snow-covered back roads tend to make for white-knuckled rides.

Plus, thanks to the more pleasant weather elements, you're not as likely to get those dreaded "check engine" light warnings that never seem to occur at a convenient time.

"Small engine problems can become large ones when they're put off."

However, as the Car Care Council advises, it's important not to let the more comfortable outdoor conditions lead you to letting check engine warnings go unaddressed, even if you think the alert may be a false positive or can be put off until tomorrow.

Rich White, Car Care Council executive director, noted that not taking action on minor issues can lead to major ones, as rarely do automotive issues fix themselves.

"Many people fear that when the check engine light comes on, it is going to mean several hundred or more dollars in repairs, so they ignore the light and hope the problem goes away," White explained. "Data from CarMD makes it clear that not addressing the cause of an illuminated check engine light can cost you in terms of wasted fuel and more expensive repairs in the future."

Senior citizen driving, auto insurance

Ignoring a check-engine light can cause more expensive repairs down the road.

Average check engine light repair costs $357
Indeed, last year, the Irvine, California-based automotive diagnostics firm found that it cost approximately $357 to fix when combining parts and labor. While that average is down 10 percent compared to 2016, it's still higher than 2007, when the average was $334.

David Rich, technical director at CarMD, indicated that check engine lights illuminate for a variety of reasons, but one thing that they almost always have in common is their relationship to reduced overall vehicle performance. That's always a problem, but especially when gas prices are on the rise, like they are today - a trend that's expected to continue as the all-important travel season gets going.

"As the summer driving season approaches and gas prices inch past $3.00 per gallon, CarMD reminds vehicle owners that when the check engine light is on, even if your car seems to be driving fine, it will suffer from reduced fuel economy," Rich advised. "It's important to have it looked at as soon as possible – especially if the check engine light is blinking, which can indicate a serious problem."

Malfunctioning oxygen sensors among top 'check engine' issues
The good news is when check engine lights make themselves known, they're usually due to problems that are fairly hassle-free. For instance, based on CarMD's most recent Vehicle Health Index, the most common types include replacing faulty oxygen sensors, swapping out ignition coils and spark plugs and inspecting fuel caps. Caps may simply not be snug enough.

So, how do you prevent repair issues from occurring? It's impossible to predict when or how they'll occur, but you can reduce the chances by following a maintenance schedule, White advised. By having your vehicle serviced on an ongoing basis - such as every few months or prior to annual road trips - you reduce the likelihood of them popping up. When they do happen, they tend to be less problematic.

"Following a recommended maintenance schedule and addressing small problems before they become bigger ones will help extend the life of your car and minimize check engine related repairs," White added.

This same principle applies to your auto insurance. It's natural to have a "set it and forget it" mentality, where after securing car coverage, you leave it alone until you need to make a claim or renew your policy. But if you're someone who drives a lot or leases, you may encounter changes that require you to implement some updates.

Let MMA Insurance serve as your check auto insurance policy reminder to get your coverage back up to speed.

Keep Up To Date

Subscribe to our blog for all the latest news, updates, and events from MMA and our partners

Subscribe

Tell us what you need. We’ll take it from there.

Get a Quote


    YesNo











        First, tell us about you:






        EmailPhone


        Next, tell us about your business:





        Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


        Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

        You are ready to submit the form:

          First, tell us about you:






          EmailPhone





          Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


          AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



          NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

          Now you are ready to submit the form:

            First, tell us about you:






            EmailPhone





            Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


            AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

            Now you are ready to submit the form:

              First, tell us about you:






              EmailPhone


              Next, tell us about your business:





              Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


              Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

              You are ready to submit the form:

                First, tell us about you:






                EmailPhone






                Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance


                Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsEmployee Health InsuranceSurety



                NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                Now you are ready to submit the form:




                    First, tell us about you:






                    EmailPhone





                    Step 1 of 2Next

                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreational

                     

                    WatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                      First, tell us about you:






                      EmailPhone


                      Step 1 of 3Next

                      Next, tell us about your business:





                      Step 2 of 3Next

                      Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                      Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



                      NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                      You are ready to submit the form:

                        First, tell us about you:






                        EmailPhone





                        Step 1 of 2Next



                        NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                        Now you are ready to submit the form:

                          Review Form

                            First, tell us about you:






                            EmailPhone







                            NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                            Now you are ready to submit the form:

                              First, tell us about you:






                              EmailPhone





                              Next, tell us about your claim:






                              NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                              Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                First, tell us about you and your business:







                                EmailPhone


                                Next, tell us about the surety bond you need:







                                NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                  First, tell us about you:






                                  EmailPhone


                                  Next, tell us about your business:





                                  Now tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                                  Commercial InsuranceEmployee BenefitsHealth InsuranceSuretyOther



                                  NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                  You are ready to submit the form:

                                    First, tell us about you:






                                    EmailPhone





                                    Next, tell us about the coverage or coverages you need:


                                    AutoHomeIndividual HealthUmbrellaRecreationalWatercraftRenter’s InsuranceLife InsuranceWedding Insurance



                                    NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                    Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                      First, tell us about you:






                                      EmailPhone






                                      Do you have insurance with us already?



                                      Tell us what you need:




                                      NOTE: Before becoming effective, all changes, bind orders, or claim notifications must be confirmed by a MMA Insurance representative advising that your request has been processed.

                                      Now you are ready to submit the form:

                                      cross linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram