What can you expect as your car, truck, or SUV ages? Each make and model has its own idiosyncrasies, but in general, you can plan for some usual trouble because mechanics are mechanics and your vehicle’s engine works pretty much the same way as any other vehicle’s engine does. Preventative maintenance helps keep these nine common automotive repairs at bay but expect these repairs at some point.
Spark Plugs
At some point in your automobile’s life, you will need your spark plugs replaced. This is just a necessary evil. The plugs wear down over time, usually anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Plan to replace them when the time comes.
Fuel Cap
Over time, the fuel cap can lose its seal, too, and you’ll be notified of the problem by your check engine light. You need that seal. Otherwise, your vehicle will fail an emissions test and you’ll notice a significant decrease in your automobile’s gas mileage. This is a quick fix, so don’t panic.
Oxygen Sensor
Another thing that will turn on your check engine light is the oxygen sensor. This crucial engine part measures how much oxygen is in your exhaust. If the part fails or the engine exhaust mixture is off, you’ll get a warning. It’s best to heed the warning and have the sensor replaced.
Brakes
Brakes wear down over time because of how they work. Brakes use hydraulics and friction to stop your car, truck, or SUV. This wears down the brake pads. Generally, that’s all that will need to be replaced unless you ignore the pads and they damage other brake parts.
Oil
Oil changes aren’t technically an automotive repair, they’re preventative maintenance, but if you fail to get your vehicle’s oil changed when the manufacturer recommends it, you’ll end up with expensive auto repairs. Oil is the engine’s blood and it needs to be clean and fresh.
Tires
Bald tires spell trouble. They have no grip on the road which can cause you to lose control of your automobile. They can also blowout, which will also cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Replace your tires when the tread has worn down past the recommended depth.
Ignition System
Your vehicle’s ignition system is made up of the starter, battery, and ignition coil among other parts. If any of these parts fail, you won’t be able to start your automobile. In some cases, you might get your car, truck, or SUV started, but it will stall after the start.
Electrical System
Your vehicle’s electrical system is powered by the alternator, and wires and fuses deliver the voltage where it needs to go. All of this is managed by an onboard computer chip and, yes, you’ll notice complete failure or individual part failure such as the radio if something goes wrong.
Alarm System
Finally, many drivers end up with alarm system trouble because these systems can be touchy and unreliable. You can opt to have the alarm system removed if it’s an aftermarket system or repaired if the manufacturer built it into your automobile.
These are the nine common automotive repairs necessitated by problems we face every day at our service shop. If you’re experiencing automotive trouble, give Hummel’s Automotive Diagnostic’s & Repair in St. George, UT, a call to set up an appointment. We’ll be happy to find the problem and fix it.
