You're likely to end up at the mechanic if you neglect basic vehicle maintenance. However, even if you're diligent with repairs, you'll still need to deal with repairs that are as a result of basic wear and tear. We've compiled a list of the most common auto repairs that happen at auto shops.
1) Oil Changes - Follow your car's service schedule to determine how frequently you need your oil changed. We've written about it in
detail here.
2) Brake Jobs - Brake repair is very common as brakes get worn down from regular use. Replacing brake pads is a frequent cause of a mechanic visit. You will also need to be mindful of your rotors, calipers and drums, as they will be much more expensive to repair than a regular pad replacement would be.
3) Tires - Tires need to be replaced when the tread gets worn after regular driving. We've written before about how to
choose the right tires. Additionally, tire repair can be necessary when a tire leaks or fails. Running over things that puncture the tire will require patching, which is still cheaper than replacing them.
4) Coolant System - This would involve flushing your radiator and cooling system. A coolant system pressure test can be used to test for leaks.
5) Ignition Systems - Your heart always sinks when you turn your key in the ignition and nothing happens. Ignition systems are a frequent cause of repairs and include the battery, starter and ignition. A battery replacement is a common procedure and relatively inexpensive, whereas a starter will cost significantly more and take up much more time to replace.
6) Exhaust - Your exhaust system handles all vehicle emissions and sometimes makes the car sound really cool. An exhaust includes headers, mufflers, catalytic converters and various clamps and tubes connecting everything. A frequent repair which you'll recognize is necessary when your car starts sounding like a tractor.
7) A/C Systems - Unless you live in Siberia, you will probably use your air conditioner at least a few months a year and when it breaks and you need it, it's horrible. A/C repairs are a frequent cause of trips to the mechanic, and pretty difficult to imagine how people drove around before they existed, maybe with the top down?
8) Transmission Repairs - Do not attempt to repair your own transmission. I repeat, do not attempt to repair your own transmission. This type of work should absolutely be left to professionals as detailed
in this article. Transmissions are complex, with many parts that are controlled and calibrated by a computer system.
9) Electrical Systems- While you can probably manage to change lamps and bulbs on your own, it's not advised to work on your car's electrical system without the proper tools and knowledge. A car's electrical system includes fuses, lamps, wiring, and the car's brain, the computer at the head of it all. Keep in mind, trying to do this work yourself can have repercussions that reach far beyond just the lamps.
10) Fuel Systems- Fuel filters, and other issues are addressed by the fuel system which includes fuel pumps, pressure regulators, valves and other parts no one trained as a tech should attempt to fix on their own. While less common, fuel systems still fall in the top 10 common car repairs.
