Cars often need frequent maintenance. Especially once they’re over three-years old. But by knowing the most common issues, you can look out for them before they get worse and cost you more. Below, we explore the seven most common car repairs.
Clutch replacement
In this situation, you might find that it’s difficult to change gear. Or maybe the transmission makes an unusual noise when you’re using the gearbox. This could mean that you need a clutch replacement. The clutch should have a fairly long lifespan, but you can expand this by using it less often and applying the handbrake rather than exerting pressure on it.
Battery replacement
If the car isn’t starting and all the electricals are down, it could mean you need a battery replacement. Car battery testers can help you see how healthy yours is, but you can prolong its life by using electricals less often.
Flat tyres
Tyres go through plenty of wear and tear – if you notice that your ride quality has changed or if steering feels more difficult, it could mean you have a flat tyre. As long as you have a spare tyre, this shouldn’t be a huge problem. By using a cordless impact wrench to easily remove the lug nuts, you should find the process of replacing the tyre fairly smooth.
Worn brake pads
If you’re noticing that your car is no longer braking as quickly, it could mean the brake pads have worn down. This is a critical issue: to safely drive the car you need to be able to slow the car down as quickly as possible. In this situation you should seek the help of a mechanic.
Oil and filter change
An oil and filter change should be a consistent form of maintenance for your car. By changing both, your engine will be kept clean and your fuel economy could even improve.
Catalytic converter replacement
A faulty catalytic converter could be drastically harming your fuel efficiency and could also be causing engine failure. This is an expensive job though. Make sure you’ve exhausted all other options before replacing the catalytic converter.
Scheduled maintenance
It’s good practice to get your car regularly serviced. And naturally, this is one of the most common car repairs. By taking your car into the garage every 12 months, you can get on top of issues early and ensure that your car is in optimal condition for safe, smooth driving.
Even if you’re a steady, environmental driver your car will need repairs at some point. But by knowing what to look out for, you can ensure that you quickly get your car repaired in good time.