Average Jane Saves $

Yesterday I took my car into the shop because the "check engine" light was on.  Also, I’d been noticing the smell of singed electrical components every time I turned on the defroster, so I figured that was worth mentioning while I was there.

It turned out that my catalytic converter needs to be replaced.  In fact, it was responsible for both of the symptoms for which I brought in the car.  For most cars, a new catalytic converter would cost about $200.  For my Honda Insight, the cost is more like $1,200.  Fortunately, my warranty will cover the whole thing.

Naturally, my dealer didn’t have the part on hand, so I’ll be making another trek to the shop next week for the actual replacement.  In the meantime, I still have to look at the warning light every time I drive (it’s an especially alarming one, too, with the words "check engine" written inside a yellow outline in the shape of an engine).  I’ve been assured that it will not hurt anything for me to continue driving the car.

This may be the first time I’ve ever had a car problem covered by a warranty.  I’m certainly not complaining!