What are the Most Common Vehicle Repairs in the US?

Owning and operating a vehicle requires some responsibility on your part, especially if you want it to last. That means you will need to have regular maintenance.

Even with routine care, your car will need to have repairs done from time to time.

The following article will discuss the most common vehicle repairs done in the United States so you will be better prepared if one of them happens to you.

Catalytic Converter

The replacement of this part is a common occurrence in the US, but it also costs a lot of money to repair.

Called the “emissions management system,” it’s responsible for changing dangerous contaminants into less noxious emissions before exiting the exhaust system.

This is a vital part if you want to pass state examinations and inspections. The good news is with routine and preventive maintenance on your vehicle, the catalytic converter can endure the lifespan of your car.

Oxygen Sensor

This part is important as it tells your vehicle’s computer the amount of unburned oxygen residing in the exhaust.

The computer then utilizes the data to modify the “air to fuel ratio” to boost efficiency. Normally, the oxygen sensor requires replacing when your car reaches fifty thousand miles.

If your check engine light comes on it could indicate a lot of different problems, one of them being the failure of the oxygen sensor.

It’s best to seek help from a mechanic because they can check what the actual problem is.

Additional signs that you need to replace your oxygen sensor are stalling, a rise in gas usage, bumpy idling, spark plug failure, not passing an emissions test, and a decrease in overall power.

These could also indicate other issues with your vehicle, but if your car is suddenly guzzling gas, a new oxygen sensor enhances fuel economy by up to forty percent.

Ignition Coil

Part of the ignition system, the ignition coil is essential in conveying to the spark plugs when to fire.

Even though they tend to have a healthy life (over a hundred thousand miles) they are inclined to fail because they are being used repeatedly.

If you don’t take care of this problem right away, it can lead to bigger issues and a heftier price tag associated with the repairs.

Signs to look out for include increasingly bad fuel economy, slow-moving acceleration, and your engine backfiring.

Seeking professional help would be wise at this juncture because they can do an easy diagnostic test to see if the problem is with the ignition coil.

Fuel Cap

The fuel cap blocks gas vapors from leaking out from the “filler neck.” If you have a fuel cap that is missing or leaking, it can lead to ninety liters of gas being released into the air every year.

Issues with the fuel cap can make the check engine light come on, but this isn’t always the case. If you must replace or tighten the fuel cap, it’s a simple and fast fix.

Spark Plugs

If you own a car, you will most likely have to replace some spark plugs at some point. This is natural since they will wear out because of repeated use.

Some people choose to replace their spark plugs, but if there is a bigger issue (decreased gas mileage and melted catalytic converter) caused by the failure of a spark plug, you should get a certified mechanic to replace it.

Thermostat

The thermostat is part of the cooling system and manages the temperature of the engine. A thermostat that isn’t working properly can result in the engine overheating.

This happens when it’s fixed closed. If the thermostat is fixed open, it can cause the temperature of the engine to drop, especially if the weather is cold.

The heating system can also be affected where there is a decrease in heat. It’s crucial to replace the thermostat right away when an issue occurs.

Spark Plug Wires

Having to replace spark plug wires is a common issue since they oversee the voltage your spark plugs receive.

They will be prone to corrode or break down because of it. Many car industry experts agree that spark plug wires should be replaced every thirty to fifty thousand miles.

Of course, this will vary depending on the type of engine in your vehicle, the weather, and your driving habits. They might not cost a lot of money, but they are imperative to the operation of your vehicle.

Mass Air Flow Sensor

This part is responsible for deciding the amount of air that is traveling to the engine.

If the sensor is malfunctioning, the operation of the engine will be impaired. A lot of people regard changing air filters in their car as optional, however, that’s not true.

You should always replace air filters. Not doing that will lead to an overhaul of your mass air flow sensor, which is a costlier option than replacing air filters.

EVAP

The Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP) reuses the unused fuel in your car.

The components of the EVAP that are replaced the most are the purge control valve and the purging solenoid. The purge control valve controls the evaporative emission flow.

If it falters, it should be replaced because your engine and gas mileage will be negatively impacted.

The solenoid (electromagnet) alerts the EVAP system of the time to purge. You should get a new one immediately because if not the emissions system and gas mileage will be greatly affected.

In Conclusion

When you have your vehicle serviced at a car dealership or an auto repair shop, it’s common for the automotive service company to complete a multi-point inspection of the vehicle to ensure that all the systems are working well and identify any potential issues.

This gives the owner peace of mind that their vehicle is in good working order and helps to generate more repairs for the service company.

Auto dealerships and auto repair shops can purchase multi-point inspection forms from MBR Marketing at: https://mbrmarketing.com/service-department/service-and-parts-forms/vehicle-inspection-forms.

The repairs that were discussed will depend on many different factors, but if you must deal with these concerns, you will be better equipped to handle them.

It’s recommended that your vehicle get regular maintenance throughout its lifetime to ensure a well-running automobile. You might be a DIY enthusiast, but when it comes to your car, it’s always best to get professional help.

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