Top 10 Most Common Auto Repairs

Besides routinely refilling fluid reservoirs, what are the top 10 most common auto repairs you can expect to encounter? 

At Master Muffler, we see more than just vehicles with muffler problems. We service engines, offer alignments, and can take care of an oil change. Here are the other most common Murray car repair needs we address.

Oxygen Sensor

Since our vehicles depend on oxygen to function, they need to have working oxygen sensors for the combustion and exhaust systems. The sensor ensures there is the right amount of oxygen in your exhaust; if there’s an imbalance your vehicle’s performance can suffer. 

Air Filters

Speaking of air, have you ever wondered why mechanics often recommend you replace your vehicle’s air filter? They’re not just trying to upsell you! As our vehicles intake oxygen for combustion, the filters catch particulate matter to keep the engine running at its best. Air filters do tend to lose efficiency by 15,000 miles, so think about the last time you had yours replaced. If you’ve had your car for more than three years and haven’t done it, it’s probably time.

Oil Filter

Another filter that commonly needs to be replaced is the oil filter. It doesn’t need to be replaced every time you get an oil change, though. You can usually get two cycles of use out of the oil filter, meaning you can get it replaced every other time you change your oil. That might sort out to be a filter change every 6,000 miles. 

Catalytic Converter

Unfortunately, the catalytic converter is a very valuable component of your vehicle. The ceramic, honeycomb-shaped converter contains precious metals such as rhodium, palladium, and platinum. As a result, they’re often stolen so thieves can take advantage of the resale value of those metals. 

Catalytic converters reduce harmful emissions, so they are required on all vehicles. If yours is stolen or damaged (leaking engine fluids can ruin the converter), it may be more cost-efficient to invest in a new vehicle instead of replacing the converter. 

Spark Plugs

Since spark plugs work hard for your engine, they tend to wear out between 20,000 and 30,000 miles. Depending on how often you drive, this could mean you need to replace your spark plugs every couple of years. It’s not too difficult to carry out this car repair yourself, but it does require some specific tools and a familiarity with your vehicle’s engine. 

Battery

Did you know your vehicle’s battery typically has a lifespan of about four years? They need replacing more often than many of us realize. Signs it’s time to replace your battery include:

• Trouble starting your vehicle
• Dim dashboard and/or headlights
• “Check engine” light is on
• Corroded battery terminals

Driving your vehicle more actually helps preserve the life of your battery, so if your car tends to be parked for long periods of time, you could be draining the battery faster.

Alternator

Your battery and your alternator go together like peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes we mistake alternator failure for a bad battery. The alternator is responsible for supplying your battery with power and supplying your vehicle’s electrical systems with power as well. When the alternator stops working, the battery can’t hold a charge and you’ll have problems starting your vehicle. If you want to know whether you have a problem with your alternator vs your battery, this article HERE might help.

Wheels and Tires

Another common car repair we take care of is tire replacement and alignment. Tire treads can wear down quickly in extreme conditions, or when you log a lot of miles on your vehicle. It’s important to not only replace tires but rotate them for even wear. If you feel instability while driving, it could be time to balance your wheels out with an alignment adjustment.

Evaporative Emissions System

Within the EVAP system, you might find a couple of common repairs: the purging solenoid (an electromagnet) and the purge control valve. Since the EVAP system is an important part of controlling your vehicle’s emissions and conserving fuel, it’s important it’s running smoothly. Our Murray car repair team can help if you have questions about the magnet or the valve. If your car is losing fuel efficiency, it could be a problem with the EVAP system.

Brakes

Squealing or grinding brakes are a common problem many drivers face. It could mean there’s a leak in your brake fluid system, or that the brake pads/shoes are worn. If you notice any changes in brake performance or sounds when you use the brake pedal, don’t waste any time getting your brakes inspected.

If you need to schedule car repair in Murray, call us at Master Muffler today. You can also request an appointment or estimate online.