You can’t avoid car repairs, but you can minimize the likelihood of experiencing some of the more expensive car repair items. Much of the prevention for major ticket item car repairs has to do with having your car maintained regularly. Read on to find out how you can properly maintain these expensive vehicle systems so you can keep your car running safely and efficiently for the long haul.
Turbocharger
The turbo (or turbocharger) uses the exhaust gases to push extra air into the cylinders allowing them to burn more fuel and increase engine power. When at full capacity, the turbocharger spins at about 200,000 RPM. Turbocharged cars can be as much of a challenge as they are fun to drive. Maintenance is very important if you want to avoid a repair bill that can run upwards of $6,000, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
What to look for?
You should have the turbocharger in your vehicle checked if you notice poor acceleration, irregular or excessive exhaust, lack of boost, the check engine light comes on or you notice a loud shrieking noise under the hood.
How to avoid a problem?
- Use a high-quality synthetic oil and have the oil and filter changed regularly.
- Allow the engine to warm up before forcing the turbo to run at full capacity.
- Make sure you allow the turbocharger to cool down before you shut off the car engine.
Fuel Injectors
The fuel injectors are responsible for sending the proper amount of fuel to the engine. They are also an expensive part to replace in an engine. That’s because much of the engine has to be pulled apart to remove and replace any bad fuel injectors. Even with proper maintenance, the fuel injectors will wear out, so you can expect to have them replaced at some point in time.
What to look for?
If the check engine light is on, the engine is misfiring, and/or you notice poor gas mileage, leaking fuel or the smell of gasoline, there could be a problem with a fuel injector. If left uncorrected, you may begin to notice more severe engine problems like stalling, failing to start, hesitating or rough idling.
How to avoid a problem?
To avoid expensive car repairs for the fuel injectors, follow the recommendations for fuel injector system cleaning – approximately every 36 months or 45,000 miles.
Head Gasket
As your engine is running, coolant is passing by to make sure the engine doesn’t overheat. The head gasket is there to make sure the engine oil is sealed from the coolant. If the engine is allowed to overheat, the head gasket can crack and cause further engine damage. A lot of work is involved in replacing a head gasket which is why this is such an csotly part to replace and on this list of expensive car repairs.
What to look for?
There are some tell-tale signs of a blown head gasket. You may notice coolant leaking from below the exhaust manifold. The exhaust pipe will emit a white-ish colored smoke. The engine will overheat. You may notice bubbles in the radiator or the coolant overflow tank and there may be significant loss of coolant with no visible leaks of coolant under your vehicle.
How to avoid a problem?
Make sure you regularly maintain your cooling system. Inspect hoses and belts and replace them before they fail. Have the coolant flushed and replaced every 24 to 36 months or 30,000 miles.
Timing Belt
This is one of those engine parts that should be replaced before it breaks. Because of its job, the timing belt is prone to excessive wear and tear. If a worn timing belt fails, serious engine damage will be the result. Read more about timing belt replacement here.
What to look for?
When inspecting a timing belt, you may notice that some of the teeth are missing, you notice cracking or the belt looks glazed. These are a few of the signs the belt needs to be replaced.
How to avoid a problem?
Replace the timing belt according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule.
Fuel Pump
A fuel pump can be located either inside or outside of the gas tank of your car. It’s responsible for pumping gasoline to the carburetor.
What to look for?
You may hear a whining noise coming from the fuel tank. You may experience difficulty starting your vehicle. There may also be a decrease in engine power, acceleration and fuel efficiency.
How to avoid a problem?
Always keep at least ¼ to ½ a tank of gas in your car. Change the fuel filter on a regular schedule. Buy higher quality gasoline.
A Seized Engine
You want to do everything you can to avoid causing an engine to seize. A seized engine means the end of your engine. An engine seizure occurs when there isn’t sufficient lubrication or the cooling system isn’t working properly to get rid of the heat generated by the engine.
What to look for?
If the red-colored oil warning and/or engine temperature lights come on, pull over immediately and have your vehicle towed to our shop in Lincoln Park, New Jersey.
How to avoid a problem?
Make sure to have the engine oil and filter changed regularly. Check the oil level and condition once a month. If you notice that you have to add oil, have the engine checked. You should also have the cooling system inspected and the fluid flushed regularly.
The Transmission
Too often vehicle owners overlook shifting and transmission problems because they are fearful of the expense. Sometimes all that is needed is a simple adjustment. Failure to deal with transmission issues or a lack of proper maintenance will cause serious transmission damage and expensive car repairs.
What to look for?
If you notice that your vehicle isn’t shifting at the right time or it feels slipping when it shifts, there is a problem with the transmission. Click here to read more about transmissions and how you can maintain yours.
How to avoid a problem?
Have the transmission fluid and filter changed regularly. Check the transmission fluid once a month. If you need to add fluid, the fluid is dark-colored or it smells like its burnt, you need to have the transmission checked. If you are approaching high mileage on your vehicle and have never changed the transmission fluid or filter, check with us before doing so.
As you can see, the common theme of avoiding major car repairs is to make a commitment to regular maintenance. Check and change fluids regularly. Make sure you replace belts and hoses before they break. Let the certified technicians at Country Road Automotive assist you with your vehicle maintenance. We keep detailed records of your service history and will let you know when a particular service is needed. Click here to schedule an appointment in our auto repair shop.
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