Expensive Repairs That Can Be Easily Avoided With Routine Maintenance

Here at Loganville Ford, we take great pride in helping our customers get behind the wheel of the vehicle they want at a price they can easily afford. One of the reasons why so many people continue to do business with us is because we provide an all-inclusive experience; not only do we have a vast selection of vehicles for sale, but we also go out of our way to provide the very best in routine service to ensure that you have a chance to get the most out of your vehicle.

If you’re on the hunt for an auto repair shop near Grayson, we can provide you with all the essential services to keep your vehicle running agreeably on the road. The best way to maintain your car is with preventative servicing, and by attending to these areas regularly, you can avoid the following significant problems…

Engine Failure

One of the most basic services required by all vehicles with an internal combustion engine is changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. There’s an excellent reason why having this service performed regularly is so important. Oil not only lubricates the moving parts of your engine and reduces the heat generated through friction, but it also removes many deposits that accumulate over time through use.

When the oil in your engine isn’t changed, it eventually thickens and ceases to lubricate and reduce heat. This can cause irreparable damage to the engine and even cause it to seize entirely. The result will be either a required engine rebuild or a whole new one.

Brake Failure

Brakes are an essential part of your vehicle’s operation. On average, you must have them serviced every six months. However, checking them more often might be a good rule of thumb, depending on your driving habits. The three essential parts of your vehicle’s braking system that must be inspected regularly are the pads, rotors, and fluid.

When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, fluid travels through a master cylinder, which engages the brake pads to apply pressure to the rotors, allowing your vehicle to slow down and come to a complete stop. Pay attention to having the brake pads changed regularly, as their degradation will result in wear and tear on the rotors, which can be far more expensive to replace.

Not only is proper brake maintenance essential to maintaining your vehicle’s longevity, but it’s also an added safety precaution, as losing the ability to slow down your vehicle can result in an unforeseen collision.

Blown Transmission

Servicing your transmission is essential to keeping your vehicle on the road and functioning correctly. Along with your engine, the transmission is the most critical aspect of your vehicle’s powertrain. Having the transmission serviced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles is essential to ensure its longevity. Transmission fluid should be monitored by a mechanic and changed periodically to ensure it continues operating, but this should be done on your own.

While some drivers prefer doing their own oil changes, checking the transmission fluid level is somewhat trickier and should be done by an expert. A transmission that isn’t taken care of and serviced can break down and cease to propel your vehicle forward. Much like an engine that seizes, replacing or rebuilding a transmission is costly and is easily one of the most expensive repairs.

Overheated Engine

Every so often—especially during the warm summer months—your vehicle can get quite hot, and this is where air conditioning can be an excellent entity to have at your disposal. An essential component to prevent your vehicle from overheating is ensuring that there’s always plenty of coolant in the reservoir. The damage that can occur through a lack of coolant is much more severe than simply a matter of your vehicle overheating.

A lack of coolant can cause your radiator to fail, and there’s also a chance that this can cause your engine to blow a gasket. An engine with a blown gasket (due to overheating) is another repair that tends to be quite costly. Most mechanics agree that replacing a gasket is seldom worth it, and it’s more practical to junk your vehicle and buy a new one.

Broken Timing Chain

While many items on your vehicle can be serviced over time to maintain longevity, the timing chain will eventually need to be replaced. A broken timing chain will usually result in a vehicle that no longer functions, as the chain ensures that all of the pistons fire at the correct and proper times.

Like so many other components in your vehicle’s engine, the timing chain is kept lubricated by the oil—another reason why having it changed regularly is so essential. Because the timing chain is made of metal, eventually, it will start to bend and warp over time. Having it looked at each year when you bring your vehicle in for a tune-up will ensure it keeps working correctly.

Onboard Computers

Today’s vehicles are more complex than ever. A vast array of sensors, onboard computers, and various digital technologies are imperative for fuel efficiency and safe travel. These parts can vary significantly in price—some being as inexpensive as $20 and others reaching hundreds of dollars. Labor costs for their repair and replacement tend to be on the expensive side of the spectrum.

One of the best ways to ensure that they’re working correctly is to perform a diagnostics test at least once a year. A technician will be able to ascertain whether or not there’s anything that needs replacing or if anything might need attention in the foreseeable future.

Broken Clutch

When we mentioned a seized transmission earlier, we were, of course, referring to an automatic. However, if you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, you must be mindful of whether or not your clutch is in good condition. Luckily, the clutch only needs to be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles, but having it checked and looked over once a year can effectively extend its life span. A mechanic might examine the clutch and flywheel to ensure they are in relatively good working condition.

Routine Is the Key to Your Vehicle’s Longevity

While the cost of some of the various repairs we’ve mentioned here today might seem alarming, they’re also easily avoidable. By following a routine maintenance schedule, there’s a good chance that your vehicle will last well beyond the threshold of 100,000 miles. One of the basic principles of maintaining a vehicle is to “pay a little bit now or a lot later.” If you’re unsure how often you need certain services performed, consult your owner’s manual or make an appointment to see us at Loganville Ford.

At Loganville Ford, our parts and service center is here to lend our expertise and assistance in keeping your vehicle on the road and running. We have a team of experts here to diagnose and advise you on how to keep your vehicle in pristine shape, and we can perform all of the necessary tasks. From a basic oil change and tire rotation to transmission service, we’re the one place you can always count on. Purchasing a vehicle is an investment, and we’re here to ensure yours stays roadworthy.