CarMD Publishes Vehicle Health Index of CEL Trends

CarMD Publishes Vehicle Health Index of CEL Trends

Catalytic converter replacements on model year 2005-2008 vehicles top the list of most needed repairs.

CarMD.com Corporation released its 2022 CarMD Vehicle Health Index, an annual overview of check engine light-related car repair costs and trends. With new car inventory still sparse and gas prices skyrocketing to record highs, CarMD says its report can inform vehicle owners about commonly diagnosed car problems, related costs and ways to extend vehicle life.

“The Check Engine Light is designed to come on when a vehicle’s computer sees a problem that impacts emissions issues, which means if you are driving with a check engine light on – even if it seems like your vehicle is running great – you are not getting as good of fuel economy as you could be getting, you are hurting the environment and potentially doing more harm to your car or truck,” said David Rich, CarMD technical director. ” We encourage car owners and the automotive aftermarket to reference the CarMD Vehicle Health Index to monitor check engine light repair trends, which can help inform repair diagnostics, parts purchasing and lead to extended vehicle life.”

CarMD provides the following is a breakdown of the five most common check engine light-related repairs in 2021 and the average cost to make that repair, including parts and labor. Each of these issues will keep a vehicle from passing its state emissions test , CarMD says, and will negatively impact fuel economy if ignored:

  1. Replace catalytic converter(s) with new OE catalytic converter(s), $1,355
  2. Replace oxygen sensor(s), $243
  3. Replace ignition coil(s) and spark plug(s), $387
  4. Replace mass air flow sensor, $319
  5. Tighten or replace fuel cap, (free to tighten and $25 on average to replace)

The 2022 Index statistically analyzes more than 17 million failures and recommended repairs for vehicles in the U.S., over the past calendar year. More details about the Vehicle Health Index, as well as historical reports are available here.

You May Also Like

Team Appreciation Taken To The Next Level

“Help set and meet the shop’s goals and we’ll all go to Hawaii,” says owner. Team responds, packs bags for vacation.

It's always inspiring to hear about business owners and how they show appreciation for a terrific crew. But some owners take it a step further. Dennis Goodhue, owner of Diamond G Auto Repair in Montrose, CO, goes above and beyond to make sure his employees feel valued and appreciated.

Why Would You Jump Start an EV?

If an EV with a full battery won’t start, here’s how you can get it up and running.

Business Growth Opportunities

What steps will you take to join Top Shop Operators in making 2023 exceptional for your business and yourself?

Five Technology Trends that Will Define the Future of EVs

According to research firm IDTechEx, Li-ion is forecast to maintain its dominant position.

Collision Tools Can Make Service Jobs Easier

With the right tools, techs can tackle those jobs that are close to the line between collision and general repair.

Other Posts

Ignition System Tests You Should (And Shouldn’t) Follow

Do your technicians use tests that might give inconclusive results or do damage to the coil or drivers inside a module?

Indianapolis, IN Shop Profile – ASG Indy

Owner Craig Douglas says his demands are as high as his customers’ and his team reliably meets expectations.

Shift pointers: Tricky Sensor Situations

Diagnostic skill implemented by one transmission technician allowed him to find success with two repairs in one day.

Making The Decision To Move

It can be daunting for any business owner to contemplate moving to a new location. Here are aspects to be considered.