Most Common Car Repairs

As your car gets older, it is important to be mindful of the repairs that you mind find yourself having to do. The best way to avoid unnecessary costs as your car ages is to stick to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Contrary to what some may believe, the maintenance schedule is not a ploy to get you to spend extra money on repairs, because the manufacturer stands to gain nothing from you staying up-to-date on maintenance. Our Wrench mobile technicians are here to make sure that you do not find yourself in a costly situation in the future. Schedule an appointment today if your car needs a tune-up.

That being said, even if you are taking good care of your car, you should understand that there are things that will need to be replaced at some point and being mindful of these repairs will help you monitor when they should happen. Wrench has put together a list of the most common car repairs, so that you can keep an eye out for any unusual sounds or issues with your own car.

• Scheduled maintenance. We have said this before and we will say it again, staying up to date on your vehicle’s maintenance schedule is both common and necessary. It will keep your car running smoothly for many years and hopefully help you avoid some of the following problems.
• Oil and filter change. This is one of the most important car repairs to stay up to date on because it is critical to the performance of your car’s battery. Check the oil level regularly and schedule an appointment to get the oil and filter changed whenever your owner’s manual specifies. Experts recommend that this service is performed every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, depending on the vehicle and use. For more information about getting your car’s oil and filter changed by Wrench, click here.
• Oxygen sensor replacement. This is one of the most common repairs in older vehicles because it typically does not have to be replaced before the 100,000 mile mark. However, the oxygen sensor gets worn as the car ages and must be monitored because it detects toxic oxygen in your vehicle’s exhaust. Check out another Wrench blog post, “Common Repairs in Older Vehicles” for more information on how to take care of your car in its later years.
• Catalytic converter replacement. This is an expensive replacement and should only be done after attempting to clean the converter, but it is necessary if it is causing engine failure or fuel inefficiency. Make sure you get the car inspected to determine what is wrong before committing to a replacement.
• Wiper blades. This is an easy but common car repair and one you can usually do yourself. If you feel like your wipers are not functioning properly, order new blades and switch them out. This is especially important if you are going into the rainy or snowy season.
• Fuel cap replacement/tightening. A loose fuel cap may seem insignificant, but could be what caused the check engine light to come on. Failing to tighten the fuel cap can cause issues with gas mileage and engine performance, so getting this taken care of right away is also a good way to save you hundreds of dollars on gas or other repairs.
• Ignition coils and spark plugs. This is another common repair as your car gets older and should be repaired at the earliest sign of an issue. These two services can be done together but should be performed by a licensed mechanic because it can cause even more damage if not treated properly.
• EVAP Purge System. The evaporative emissions control system (EVAP) helps keep your car efficient by trapping gas so that it does not affect your mileage, and can be problematic when it is not working properly. It is not an expensive repair and will save you gas money in the long run.
• Tire changes and wheel alignment. Tires do not last forever (either from wear and tear or an unfortunate nail in the road). Check your treads often for signs of old age and pay attention to how they feel when you accelerate or brake. Wondering when it is time for new tires? Click here. Additionally, tire pressure needs to be properly adjusted as well because a small leak can lead to long-term damage as well as decreased gas mileage. Finally, wheel alignment is easy to fix but should be done frequently. Ask your Wrench mobile technician to take a look at the wheel alignment if they are working on something else. Failure to make these adjustments could result in drifting or a lack of control at the wheel.
• Replacing thermostat. The thermostat is what determines if the engine has gotten too and then can dispense coolant to prevent overheating, so you can see why it could be bad if it was not working properly. If you find your engine overheating or taking too long to heat up, schedule an appointment to get the thermostat replaced.

While these are just a few of the most common car repairs, hopefully you feel a bit more informed about what you might experience as your car ages. At Wrench, your safety is our top priority, which is why we want you to be as informed as possible about the ins and outs of your car. Cars are built to last, and when taken care of properly can be around for a long time. Hopefully after reading this article you have a better understanding of which car repairs are most common and how to approach them, and know how to schedule an appointment with a Wrench mobile technician when the time is right. If you have further questions about our services or using Wrench during a global pandemic, feel free to talk to our customer service team through email, hello@wrench.com, or by phone, at 844-997-3624.