Car Trouble: 5 Reasons You May Be Repairing Your Car Too Often

Far too many car owners find their vehicle in the shop for repairs on a regular basis. Although some car issues are unavoidable, many of the problems may be a result of improper care. Here are five reasons why you may be repairing your car too often:

Careless Driving

Driving too fast over speed bumps and pushing the pedal to the metal at every stoplight dramatically impacts the structural integrity of a vehicle. Some of the key repairs that can be avoided by careful driving include a bad wheel alignment, blown shocks, warped brake rotors, and irregular tire wear. Take the time to slow down and drive carefully to avoid common repairs.

Neglecting the Check Engine Light

Your vehicle’s check engine light is a very important component. Failing to give an illuminated check engine light the necessary attention could result in frequent visits to the mechanic. Although the cause of the check engine light could be something simple such as a loose gas cap, it could also be caused by worn spark plugs and oxygen sensors. These parts need to be replaced because they can cause a slew of other issues including erratic idling and destruction of the catalytic converter.

Subpar Quality Motor Oil

Motor oil is arguably the most important engine fluid. The consistent use of low-quality oil makes the engine more susceptible to leaks, sludge, and carbon buildup. Using high-quality products from reputable manufacturers such as Eastern Oil Company will help to keep the engine running in tip-top condition.

Failing to Adhere to the Recommended Maintenance Schedule

A vehicle is engineered with an intricate system of components. Typically, if one car part fails, the functionality of another related car part is also put in jeopardy. For example, vehicles that are equipped with a timing belt will need to have the belt changed at the recommended mileage interval. If the old timing belt suddenly snaps, it could result in very expensive engine damage.

Aftermarket Auto Parts

Although aftermarket auto parts may demand a lower cost, they are usually not as long-lasting and robust as the original parts that were installed by the automaker. The use of good parts will help to maintain the dependability of the car. You may be tempted to repair your car with low-cost parts, but this could be an expensive mistake down the road.

Although all vehicles will need a repair at some point, taking the necessary precautions will limit the number of trips to the shop. Follow these tips to keep your car in good shape and reduce your costs in repairs.