The Top 5 Most Common Car Repairs and How to Prevent Them
There are endless problems your car could face, so what should you really be looking out for? We’ve put together a guide to the most common car repairs and how you can get ahead of them.
Dead Battery
Dead batteries are a common type of care repairs. Many new car models have substantial draws on the battery, meaning that even parking them for just a week can drain the power. Without a charged battery, your vehicle is completely immovable.
Pro Tips:
Take Your Car For Longer Drives
Short trips don’t allow your battery to fully recharge whereas a long trip with little idling will give it enough time to rejuvenate.
Test the Voltage
A quick stop at an auto shop can save you from being stranded when your battery dies. They’ll be able to run a test that will assess the health of your battery and provide you with advice based on the results.
Use a Charger
The best preventative measure is to use a charger in your garage. This gives you the security of knowing that the battery is charged through a hands-off method.
Worn Down Brake Pads
People often forget to replace brake pads and by doing so put themselves and others in harm’s way from hindered braking. Driving for an extended period of time with worn-out brake pads can also put more pressure and wear on your tires.
Pro Tips:
Lighten Your Load
Keeping your trunk full of heavy items can seriously impact your vehicle’s ability to brake and even affect gas mileage.
Surrender to Speed Limits
The faster you drive the harder it is for your brakes to slow you down. Up to 30 percent extra energy is used to slow a car down if it is doing just 10 miles per hour more than the limit.
Flush Your Brake Lines
High humidity in Florida causes excessive moisture to reach your brake system, causing rust and corrosion. Changing your brake fluid every 30,000 miles will prevent serious damage and unnecessary car repairs.
Faulty Alternator
From keeping your headlights on to starting your engine, your alternator plays a major role in ensuring the battery stays charged and your vehicle has enough energy to run. If you start to notice electrical issues or continuous battery problems, you likely have a faulty alternator.
Pro Tips:
Skip High-Powered Accessories
If you’re shopping around for added sound systems or headlights, first check the level of power against the capacity of your vehicle.
Battery Care is Alternator Care
Many car owners wait to replace their battery until it’s completely dead. Getting ahead of this by replacing it before it’s fully inoperable will save you money on alternator repair.
Leaking Radiator
Have you ever noticed a puddle of fluid left under a car after it’s parked? That’s a common sign of a radiator leak. Without a functioning radiator, your engine can easily overheat and face extensive damage.
Pro Tips:
Check Up On Your Radiator
Take a look at the radiator cap and hoses for rust, leaks, or general wear. As it’s located in the front of your vehicle, it’s exposed to more debris.
Inspect After Accidents
Your radiator is susceptible to collision damage because of its placement within the engine. In the event that you are in a car accident, have your mechanic check that your radiator was not affected.
Keep Up With Engine Care
When one part of your engine is suffering, the others will feel the pressure. Staying on top of regular maintenance will ensure that your radiator doesn’t suffer.
Fuel Injector
Typically your fuel injectors fail because of contaminants clogging the system. The electrical components are also fragile as they age and are exposed to high heat. Noticeable signs of fuel injector failure are misfires, lack of power, poor fuel efficiency, and gasoline odor.
Pro Tips:
Use a Fuel Injector Cleaner
This product will not only remove the debris from your fuel injector but will lubricate the cylinders to keep the system running properly. Consult your mechanic for specific product and usage recommendations.
Test the System
If you are already noticing the signs above, bring your vehicle into an auto shop for an electric balance or flow test. These tests will determine the condition of your fuel injector.
Contact the Repair Experts at City Auto Today
While these may be the most common car repairs we face, there are different situations that we handle in every vehicle we service. We offer a comprehensive diagnostics test that will locate the source of the issue so we can get to the bottom of the problem.
If you’re having concerns about your vehicle, don’t wait to make the call, contact the City Auto Repair team today!