Most Common End-of-Summer Auto Repairs in Plano TX
Have you ever wondered if your car needed a certain auto repair? Most likely, this answer is yes, as cars are depreciating items that require maintenance and repairs throughout their lifetime use. And though there are hundreds of things that could go wrong with your vehicle, there are also some ‘common auto repairs’ that may be creeping up on you, especially after a long, Texas summer of driving.
Let’s go over some of the most common auto repairs we see as your top mechanic in Plano TX!
The Most Common Auto Repairs in Plano TX
Air Filter & Fuel Filter Service
Filters get dirty because they trap contaminants before they can enter a place where dirt and debris can do harm – in fact, the entire point of a filter is to get dirty so other places won’t. As a result, they are important for a variety of functions in your vehicle, like air conditioners and your fuel system. So, it’s important to replace or clean these filters regularly to ensure your car continues to run as efficiently as possible.
If you don’t get the air filter and fuel filter replaced in your vehicle, two things will happen. First, your car or truck will need to work harder to do its job. Choking your vehicle with a dirty air filter means you’re wearing out those parts more quickly.
Ignition Coils & Spark Plugs
As a car wears and gets older, two pieces can often wear out or down at the same time – the ignition coils and spark plugs are two big repair targets, especially for older cars.
These two items are the focal point for starting your car, giving the initial ‘spark’ to your ignition in order to get your engine running. A lack of a spark can mean your car won’t start, and a spark misfire can cause some serious damage.
Brake Pads & Brake Repairs in Plano
This is a top priority for your car maintenance, as the brake system can add up to a wide range of issues, all of which can cause a huge accident if not dealt with soon.
Brake issues are often an easy thing to catch, as any difference in brake efficiency and different noises can hint at trouble. But regardless of hints or warning signs, we suggest you have your brakes inspected at least every other oil change.
You should also consider where you drive most often. If you drive in stop-and-go traffic, you probably need to replace your brake pads more often. Depending on the quality of your brake pads, you will need to have then replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles.
Battery Replacement
If your car won’t start and it isn’t your spark plug, then it is probably your battery.
It’s easy to assume you need starter repair if you can’t start your car, but there could be a few other issues at work as well. You could have a bad alternator or battery, or some break in the communication of your car.
Essentially, the alternator charges the battery as you drive. But when your alternator stops functioning, your battery can’t get the energy it needs, and it dies, then, your car stalls or won’t start the next time you try to go somewhere.
But, if your alternator is working, then your car’s lack of starting could be totally your battery fault. After a while, batteries simply don’t hold a charge anymore, like cell phones or other batteries.
Fortunately, battery replacement is a straightforward task that your friendly team at Marlow Automotive in Plano can quickly fix.
Wheel Alignment
After a long summer on the road, your car may have a bit of drifting in a certain direction. This is an indicator that your wheels are not aligned properly. Or, you may have unevenly worn tires if you haven’t had tire balancing or wheel alignment performed in a while.
Constant pulling to the side when you drive your car is not only a sign but probably causing damage to your tires too. Think of it as a shopping cart with a wheel out of whack – it isn’t nearly as efficient!
When you buy new car tires, it’s a good idea to get them checked, aligned, and balanced all at the same time. Plus, remember that your car tires need to be rechecked after six months or about 5,000 miles with a wheel alignment during its checkup.
