The Top 10 Most Common Auto Repairs
We all know the feeling. A flat tire, broken AC, or a dead battery can ruin anyone’s day. When the time comes to make repairs to your vehicle you just don’t want to deal with the stress. But, you’re not alone. Here is Foreign Affairs Motorwerks’ list of the top 10 most common auto repairs.
10. Wheel Alignment and Wheel Balancing
Wheel alignment means adjusting the suspension in your car. The suspension is the system that maximizes the friction between your wheels and the road, providing stability and balance while your car moves. Maintaining your vehicle’s alignment will ensure longevity and safer driving conditions.
So, how common is it to require balancing and re-alignment? Well, it is recommended that you balance your wheels every 3,000 to 6,000 miles to maintain your car’s stability. We’ll say that’s pretty common, and alignment is one of the first things mechanics check for when servicing your car.
9. Engine Tune-up
The engine is one of the most critical components of your car. The engine uses outside air to combust fuel inside and propel your car. Without tune-ups, your engine becomes less effective at undergoing this process. Never ignore your “Check Engine” light. Tune-ups are vital to maintaining the longevity of your car and engine.
8. Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a liquid coolant stored under the hood of your car. The purpose of antifreeze is to prevent your car’s system from overheating (all too common in South Florida). Although there’s no set guide on how often you should flush your system, you should replace your coolant every 30,000 to 50,000 miles. Engine coolant deteriorates over time. Old coolant can lose its rust limiting capabilities. The resulting corrosion can cause damage to the radiator.
7. Brake Replacement
The brakes are probably the most important mechanism to ensure safe driving. There is no exact answer when it comes to how often your brake rotors and pads should be replaced. There are a handful of factors to consider including how you drive, the type of vehicle, and the typical terrain of where you live. We’ll give a ballpark estimate and say breaks should be replaced approximately every 50,000 miles. However, some breaks should be replaced sooner, while others can wait a little longer.
6. Battery Replacement
The most common battery found in cars is a single 12-volt acid battery. When the car is powered on there is an alternator that generates electric power to recharge the battery. Unfortunately, your battery’s capacity to hold a full charge gets lower with time. Floridians are lucky because cold winter weather can speed up this process. Eventually, the battery stops working. To avoid dealing with a dead battery, you should replace your car’s battery every 5 years on average.
5. Tire Replacement
There are a range of factors that go into determining how often you should replace your tires, including how often you drive, the type of terrain, and the typical driving speed. The grooves in your tire’s tread with time and eventually wear down making them less effective for traction and safe driving.
4. Air Filter Replacement
Replacing your air filter regularly promotes the health and lifespan of your car. The air filter works by cleaning outdoor air before it enters your car’s engine and interacts with the engine to cause combustion. Over time your car’s filter can be less effective and start to accumulate more dirt and debris. A clogged filter will lower your engine’s ability to take in air to combust.
3. Scheduled Maintenance and Service
Cars, no matter the year, make, and model need to be serviced regularly. Although service is an umbrella term for a variety of repairs, it mainly includes an oil change, tire check, alignment check, and wiper replacements. The frequency you service your car depends on how often you drive, the type of car, and existing damages or issues with your car.
2. Replacing the Wiper Blades
Wiper blades experience wear and tear over time. What happens is that the rubber that makes up the wiper blade experiences cracks that grow with more usage. Eventually, the wiper becomes unable to improve visibility when passing over your windshield.
1. Oil Change and Oil Filter Change
An oil change is the most common repair drivers need. Mechanics believe that you should change your oil every 7,500 miles. Changing your oil is essential for your vehicle and ensures that the mechanisms under the hood run effectively. Changing both the oil and oil filter will maintain your car’s longevity and promote fuel efficiency.
For more on repairs contact one of our ASE Certified mechanics at 954-746-0488. Foreign Affairs Motorwerks is here to help you make the most out of your driving experience.
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