Jan 15, 2019
check engine light

What did you feel the last time a light went on in your dashboard? We hear people say they feel alarmed something might be wrong, a sinking feeling about the potential cost and a tiny bit of hope it will go away on its own. Mazda vehicles are among the most reliable on the road. Usually, owners have years of trouble-free driving as long as they perform the manufacturer recommended maintenance. A recent study found that when the check engine light does go on, if you drive a Mazda, repairs won’t break the bank.

Don’t Ignore a Check Engine Light — Here’s Why

When the light goes on, that means something is wrong. Fix it as soon as possible and you’ll avoid more costly repairs down the road. A lot of the time the light means something simple needs to be addressed, then you’ll be back on the road until time for vehicle maintenance. Wait for it to go away and you might end up with problems like these:

  • A failed oxygen sensor cuts into your fuel economy by as much as 40 percent. Over time, it can also damage your spark plugs and catalytic converter.
  • Mass airflow sensor failure damages O2 sensors, spark plugs and your catalytic converter. It also cuts in to fuel economy.
  • If your catalytic converter goes bad, you could expose yourself and your passengers to exhaust fumes.
  • When engine problems are imminent, ignoring a dashboard warning could leave you stranded on the side of the road with the need for more expensive repairs.

Cost of Mazda Check Engine Light Repairs

So if that light goes on, what will it cost you to find out what’s happening? According to a study by CarMD, it’s more affordable to have your Mazda looked at than any other brand.

If your Mazda is under warranty, you’re already covered. If you’re out of warranty, the average is $285.70 to repair check engine light related issues. The very least expensive Mazda is the 2013 Miata, at an average of $81 for check engine light repairs.

You love your Mazda because it’s fun to drive, packed with premium features and built to last. If you do need to have that light checked, you’ll also love how affordable it is to have our service department take a look.

What’s the Average on Other Car Repairs?

If you don’t drive a Mazda, what can you expect to pay for check engine light repairs? Vehicle Health Index provided these figures:

  • Replacing spark plug wiring and spark plugs – $331
  • Swapping mass airflow sensor – $382
  • Replacing ignition coils and spark plugs – $390
  • Replacing the catalytic converter – $1,153

Again, that’s for other brands. The Mazda averages are much less.

Car Brands With Highest Maintenance Costs

If you don’t already feel really good about driving a Mazda, YourMechanic researched the most and least expensive vehicles to drive and maintain. As you might expect, so-called “luxury” brands topped the list. BMW was by far the most expensive, with a maintenance cost averaging $17,800 over 10 years. Mercedes, Cadillac, Volvo and Audi all cost over $12,000 on average for 10 years of maintenance.

Year after year, Mazda vehicles top charts for reliability ratings. If you own one, reliability was probably one of the features that attracted you. It’s good to have the extra peace of mind that comes with knowing if you do have a check engine light issue, you’re driving the most affordable vehicle to repair. Contact our service department, we’re here when you need us.