## Does Car Insurance Cover Check Engine Light?
No, car insurance does not cover check engine lights. The check engine light is a warning indicator that illuminates on your dashboard when there is a problem with your vehicle’s engine or emissions system. It does not mean that your car is not drivable, but it should be inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible.
What Car Insurance Covers
Car insurance typically covers the following:
* **Bodily injury:** Medical expenses and lost wages for people injured in an accident with your car.
* **Property damage:** The cost of repairing or replacing property damaged in an accident with your car.
* **Collision:** Damage to your car caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.
* **Comprehensive:** Damage to your car caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or hail.
Causes of Check Engine Lights
Check engine lights can be caused by a variety of problems, including:
* **Loose gas cap:** A loose gas cap can allow fuel vapors to escape, which can trigger the check engine light.
* **Faulty oxygen sensor:** The oxygen sensor monitors the amount of oxygen in the exhaust gases. A faulty oxygen sensor can cause the engine to run too rich or too lean, which can lead to the check engine light illuminating.
* **Catalytic converter problems:** The catalytic converter helps to reduce emissions by converting harmful gases into less harmful ones. A faulty catalytic converter can cause the check engine light to illuminate.
* **Faulty spark plugs or wires:** The spark plugs and wires ignite the fuel in the engine. Faulty spark plugs or wires can cause the engine to misfire, which can lead to the check engine light illuminating.
* **Vacuum leaks:** A vacuum leak can allow air to enter the engine, which can cause the engine to run too lean and trigger the check engine light.
What to Do When the Check Engine Light Comes On
If the check engine light comes on, you should take the following steps:
1. **Check the gas cap:** Make sure the gas cap is tight. If the gas cap is loose, tighten it and see if the check engine light goes off.
2. **Inspect the engine:** Look for any obvious problems, such as loose hoses or wires. If you see anything unusual, take your car to a mechanic.
3. **Have the car scanned:** A mechanic can use a diagnostic scanner to read the codes stored in the car’s computer. The codes will tell the mechanic what the cause of the check engine light is.
How to Avoid Check Engine Lights
There are a few things you can do to avoid check engine lights, including:
* **Get regular maintenance:** Regular maintenance can help to prevent problems that can lead to check engine lights.
* **Use high-quality fuel:** Using high-quality fuel can help to prevent deposits from building up on the oxygen sensor and catalytic converter.
* **Don’t ignore small problems:** If you notice any small problems with your car, such as a loose gas cap or a rough idle, get them fixed right away. Ignoring small problems can lead to bigger problems that can cause the check engine light to come on.
Conclusion
Check engine lights can be frustrating, but they are important to pay attention to. If the check engine light comes on, take the following steps: check the gas cap, inspect the engine, have the car scanned, and get the problem fixed as soon as possible. By following these steps, you can help to avoid serious problems with your car and keep it running safely and efficiently.
