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How can I tell if my car engine is going bad?

My check engine light has been on for years; I think it is just a bad fuse in the dashboard. Since the light is always on, how do I know when my engine is really going bad?

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Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Usually, the first sign of trouble is the
check engine light
, so I see the problem! The first thing you should do is fix the fuse so you trust the alert when something is wrong.
Here are a few other warning signs to look out for:
  • Funny noises
  • A decrease in gas mileage
  • Burning smell
  • Bumpier driving than usual
If any of this is true for your vehicle, get your car to a mechanic fast! If left unchecked, minor problems can turn into large, expensive ones. You also run the chance of your car suddenly breaking down on the road and causing an accident.
Most of the time, people delay repairs due to the cost, which is entirely understandable. However, one great way to save money is by getting a
cheaper car insurance policy
.
If you want to save money on car insurance, the
Jerry
app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding the cheapest quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies like Nationwide and Allstate, and helps you with the paperwork to start a new policy. The average Jerry driver saves $879 a year on car insurance!”
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