How Do Repair Costs For a “Check Engine” Light Compare in San Angelo?

Usually in San Angelo, the biggest driving concerns are the endless stoplights and trying hard not to spill your hot coffee in your lap. Sooner or later, though, we all have to deal with the dreaded "Check Engine" light.  It can be a costly event. Getting to the nearest service center can seem like the longest trip ever.

A diagnostic solutions and services company analyzed data from nearly 14 million cars, trucks, vans and SUV's whose drivers sought help for a "check engine" light. CarMD.com calls their analysis the "2022 CarMD Vehicle Health Index".

A "check engine" is designed to come on when your vehicle's computer sees an issue that might be affecting emissions and/or, fuel economy.  The 5 Most Common issues indicated by a "check engine" light are:

1) The need to repair a catalytic converter. Average Cost $1355.

2) Replace an oxygen sensor. Average Cost $243

3) Replace ignition coils and spark plugs Average Cost $387

4) Replace mass air flow sensor $319

5) Tighten or replace gas cap $25

Even if your car is running great the "check engine" light can come on.  When it does, it is important NOT to ignore it.  The most expensive "check engine" related repair, which is replacing the catalytic converter is usually caused by ignoring more affordable repairs for too long.

2021 repair costs were up 3.6% overall. Down somewhat from the peak year of 2016.  The average car repair costs $393 on average.  In San Angelo, that figure is $368 when adjusted to reflect the average difference in auto costs here vs. the national average.

When it comes to the cost of "check engine" light related car repairs, Texas is 14th overall with an average cost of 385.35.  It is up from 18th place the year before. Most expensive is California.  Least expensive is Ohio.

Texas ranks 18th Most Expensive State for auto repair labor costs overall. However, San Angelo auto repair rates are about 10% lower than the rate in Houston, and 13% lower than Dallas. This is mostly because a repair shop in San Angelo doesn't have to pay as much mortgage or rent as they would in a major city. There are cheaper spots in Texas for auto repair, but generally San Angelo is very reasonable overall.

So don't ignore it when the "check engine" light comes on. It could just mean that your gas cap is loose.  That is not at all expensive, unless you happen to need a gas tank fill-up.  Then, you could be out some real cash.

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