How to Prevent Costly Automotive Repair?
Most vehicle owners understand that if they want to keep their vehicles running efficiently for as long as possible, the key is to keep up with the recommended automotive service items performed at the right intervals. However, some drivers may feel they don’t have the money in their budget. What they don’t understand is that they will actually save money by spending a few dollars up-front for the recommended automotive service items and avoid the cost of a major automotive repair later on.
How do you know when your car needs work? Most of today’s new vehicles are equipped with an “On Board Diagnostics System.” This system is continuously compiling data from the car’s sensors, which in turn will trigger a warning light when a problem is detected, such as the check engine light, low oil, low battery, bad alternator, etc. When you see one of these warning lights, head to your auto shop and ask for a diagnostic test. Your mechanic will connect your car to a specialized computer that can pinpoint the source of the problem. The appropriate automotive repair can then be made the first time around instead of by guesswork.
Here are some of the common problems that you may experience over time:
- Brakes start to fail—If it’s taking too long to come to a stop, the brake pads and rotors may be worn out and need to be replaced.
- Car is hard to start, or won’t start—The distributor may be failing, the spark plugs are bad, or the solenoid has gone bad.
- Shifting problems (slipping or jerking gears)—It may be time to replace the transmission fluid.
- Bouncing down the road—The shocks or struts have gone bad, which can also adversely affect the car axles
- Stalling or rough idling—A tune up may be needed.
- Unusual noises—Low or dirty motor oil, a rusted muffler, or bad shocks can all cause noises that you’ve never heard before.
- Warning lights—Don’t ignore the warning lights on the instrument panel. They may either be service reminders or indicators of a problem.
- Tire wobble—If your car feels like it’s wobbling or drifting down the road, check the tire tread, the wheel alignment, or the tire balance.
A word of advice: Even if you aren’t experiencing any of the problems above, follow the schedule for automotive service listed in your vehicle’s service manual.
Looking for quality automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about the list of automotive service items and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
Most vehicle owners understand that if they want to keep their vehicles running efficiently for as long as possible, the key is to keep up with the recommended automotive service items performed at the right intervals. However, some drivers may feel they don’t have the money in their budget. What they don’t understand is that they will actually save money by spending a few dollars up-front for the recommended automotive service items and avoid the cost of a major automotive repair later on.
How do you know when your car needs work? Most of today’s new vehicles are equipped with an “On Board Diagnostics System.” This system is continuously compiling data from the car’s sensors, which in turn will trigger a warning light when a problem is detected, such as the check engine light, low oil, low battery, bad alternator, etc. When you see one of these warning lights, head to your auto shop and ask for a diagnostic test. Your mechanic will connect your car to a specialized computer that can pinpoint the source of the problem. The appropriate automotive repair can then be made the first time around instead of by guesswork.
Here are some of the common problems that you may experience over time:
- Brakes start to fail—If it’s taking too long to come to a stop, the brake pads and rotors may be worn out and need to be replaced.
- Car is hard to start, or won’t start—The distributor may be failing, the spark plugs are bad, or the solenoid has gone bad.
- Shifting problems (slipping or jerking gears)—It may be time to replace the transmission fluid.
- Bouncing down the road—The shocks or struts have gone bad, which can also adversely affect the car axles
- Stalling or rough idling—A tune up may be needed.
- Unusual noises—Low or dirty motor oil, a rusted muffler, or bad shocks can all cause noises that you’ve never heard before.
- Warning lights—Don’t ignore the warning lights on the instrument panel. They may either be service reminders or indicators of a problem.
- Tire wobble—If your car feels like it’s wobbling or drifting down the road, check the tire tread, the wheel alignment, or the tire balance.
A word of advice: Even if you aren’t experiencing any of the problems above, follow the schedule for automotive service listed in your vehicle’s service manual.
Looking for quality automotive repair? Contact our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care today for more information about the list of automotive service items and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
