Top Six Vehicle Repairs And How To Prevent Them

Below are the top repairs that we see in our shop day after day. By doing a few simple things, you can help prevent these common repairs, and save you a trip to the repair shop:

1. Wiper Transmission or Linkage
   Especially in the Winter time, wiper transmission or linkage is one of the most common vehicle repairs. If you turn on your wipers while heavy snow is on them, it wears on your transmission. To prevent this, turn off your wipers every time you turn off your vehicle. Don't turn them back on until the snow is manually cleared off of your windshield.
2. Charging system
   If the battery is ever ran low, have it charged with a charger. Do not rely on the alternator to do the work. Have your battery tested with the change of seasons, and keep corrosion cleaned off of cables. Know your car and listen to the way it cranks. If there is anything abnormal, have it checked.
3. Fuel pump
   Keep the fuel filter changed at recommended intervals, and always keep your tank above ¼ full.
4. Cooling System
   Cooling system problems can be prevented by checking hoses and testing antifreeze every 3,000 miles. Keep your cooling system flushed at recommended intervals or when the ph changes, or if any signs of contamination is present. Antifreeze needs to be tested for freeze point, PH levels, and on some vehicles the level of nitrites.  Anti-freeze should also be changed at the proper mileage interval.  There are many different types of anti-freeze used according to your specific vehicle, so each vehicle has different mileage intervals.
5. Brakes
   We have many vehicles come in with brake issues.  Brakes are a normal item to wear out, but using them more often or harder than needed will cause them to wear out before they should.  Brake fluid needs to be monitored to make sure it is not wearing down and should be changed at the proper mileage interval.  Brake fluid collects moisture over time and can carry that moisture to the inside of brake parts, allowing them to rust and rupture seals.  When buying brake parts many people do not take into consideration the amount of heat these parts need to withstand.  The engineers of today’s vehicles spend many hours testing and designing every little part they put on cars.  Buying cheap parts that have the correct dimensions, but are built with different materials, is not a very good choice when it comes to brakes.
6. Steering and Suspension
   Steering and Suspension components are another area of vehicles that we commonly repair.  This is also an area that parts, over time, will wear out as a vehicle is driven.  One of the easiest ways to prolong the life of these parts is proper maintenance.  Many vehicle have grease points that need to be lubed every 3,000 miles; some vehicle do not.  All joints that are lubed on a vehicle's steering system do have boots over them to keep dirt and moisture out.  A properly maintained vehicle will have these inspected at every oil change; not many people realize this needs to be done.  Suspension components are designed to handle the weight of a vehicle and everything inside of it.  If a vehicle is carrying more weight than it was designed for, or continually has excess weight inside of it, the suspension will not last as long.  Driving over or through large bumps on a road faster than needed will also cause the suspension to break prematurely.  

If you ever have questions on what your regular intervals of maintenance are, we are happy to look it up for you. Stop by any time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm), or call us at (801) 966-6021.

Do you have an auto repair question for us? We would love to answer it in our blog! Leave a comment on our Facebook page, or email us at contact@ginesautoservice.com. In the subject line, write "question for blog".