Maintaining a car remains a burden to most Americans due to the high cost of car-related expenses. According to AAA, the average american spends approximately $800 annually on car maintenance, but this cost can go upto $10,000 in case of an unexpected repair. However, most of the damages identified as costly to rectify could have been prevented through regular maintenance checks and proper care.
Transmission Failure
Transmission repair is among the most expensive auto repairs and may cost between $1,800 and $3,400 in most cases. Therefore, failure in the transmission system is attributed to poor and no maintenance. It is important to monitor the transmission fluid and change it often to avoid the possibility of complications with the transmission. It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s servicing schedule to avoid putting the transmission under pressure.
Engine Overheating
If a car engine is overheated, it may cause lots of damage that may cost expensive, often over $1,500. This problem can be solved by frequently inspecting the coolant level and ensuring the cooling system is operating proficiently. The coolant should be changed according to the manufacturer’s maintenance regime, while the radiator and all its hoses should be checked for signs of leakage or wear and tear.
Brake System Failure
If the brake system is not maintained properly, one has to fix the brake system, and the costs can be as high as $300-$800 per axle. Frequent brake checkups and appropriate changes of brake pad and rotors can help prevent a brake failure. It is even advisable to seek the services of a mechanic promptly whenever there are strange sounds or poor braking.
Timing Belt Replacement
Neglecting the replacement of a damaged timing belt results in severe engine damage with a repair cost of over $2,000. Timing belts should be replaced at regular intervals recommended by the manufacturer, ranging between 60,000-100,000 miles. Lack of maintenance can lead to the belt breaking and serious damage to the engine.
Ignoring the Check Engine Light
Some drivers ignore the check engine light, assuming it’s trivial. However, this leads to more serious issues and, thus, expensive restoration works. It is also important to know that a check engine light can relate to minor problems like a loose gas cap or major problems like the failure of the catalytic converter. Some of the issues develop into critical ones, and getting a very expensive fix, if ignored, will require that the warning light be fixed as soon as possible.
Neglecting Oil Changes
It is crucial to change the oil regularly as this will help maintain the engine’s condition. Neglecting the oil leads to sludge, reduced performance, and possibly total engine failure, which may cost over $4000 in repair. Always adhere to the recommended frequency the manufacturer sets for an oil change so your engine performs optimally.
Suspension System Damage
If you don’t fix problems with your car’s suspension, the repair may cost between $1,000 and $5,000. They have indicators such as uneven wheel wear, rough ride, and bad handling. It is essential to perform periodic road tests/inspect the suspension components, and replace any components that show signs of wearing out.
Battery Neglect
The average car battery needs to replace between three and five years. If you ignore the signs of a weak battery, you many end up stranded and encounter problems in the electrical system of your vehicle. It is recommended to check your battery occasionally or have it checked and replaced when necessary to prevent such complications from arising.
Fuel System Issues
Issues related to the fuel system, including faulty fuel filters or fuel pumps, can be very expensive to repair, with the average expenses being above $1000. If you are dealing with these problems, changing the fuel filter frequently and using high-quality fuel is recommended to avoid additional expenses.
Tire Blowouts
Blowouts are dangerous and can result in an accident, which might attract high costs in terms of bodywork and tires as well as wheel alignment. It is necessary to monitor the pressure of tires and periodically change their position, as well as change them to new ones once they are worn out to reduce the chances of blowouts.
Exhaust System Rust
Rust can cause holes or leaks in the system and even affect the car’s general performance, and the repair costs range from $500 to $1,200. A simple way to stop or slow down rust is to check the exhaust periodically and wash your car, especially in winter when the roads are treated with salt. You can also increase the lifespan of your exhaust system by rusting it with a rust inhibitor.
Air Conditioning System Failures
The average cost of repairing an air conditioning system is between $500 and $1,200. To avoid such failures, the system should be run constantly, even in the winter, to maintain the seals and ensure they stay lubricated. Lastly, take the necessary actions to adjust or replace the cabin air filter to help with airflow.
Power Steering Problems
There is nothing fun about having your power steering fixed since its cost may go up to between $500 and $1500. Ensure the reservoir for power steering fluids is always full and check for any leakage spots. If the steering seems difficult to turn or you hear some odd sounds, get it checked and repaired to prevent the situation from getting worse.
Wheel Alignment Issues
Misaligned wheels will cause tires to wear out at different rates and require frequent suspension repairs. This is extremely important, especially after you have bounced over a curb or a nasty pothole in the road. Have your wheels checked and aligned, as proper wheel alignment enhances fuel economy and reduces the life of the tires requested.