Stop Your Engines! Common Auto Repairs You Should be Making

Neglecting vehicles costs the U.S. economy upwards of $2 billion annually, and it can cost you even more in time and frustration if you’re not careful. Auto repair might seem like it’s only necessary when a very serious problem presents itself, but preventative car maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your car.

If you’re unsure what kind of repairs should be made to prevent further problems, here’s a short list of the most common auto repairs you need to stay on top of in the new year.

Checking the Oil
This is especially important if your car is over 10 years old. Oil keeps parts in your engine properly lubricated, and without it your engine will have to work much harder than it needs to. In addition, you should be getting your oil changed as often as the manufacturer recommends to ensure that the oil lubricating your engine is clean.

Keep the Tire Pressure Up
Your car’s tires are the singular point of contact with the road, which means that without them, you’re not going anywhere fast. If you get a flat or lose tire pressure, you’re going to have less traction and probably end up needing towing services.

Service Your Brakes
It’s important to know when to go in for brake repair. If you need to hit the brakes extra hard just to slow down, then it’s probably time to get your brakes serviced. Likewise, strange noises when you hit the brakes should be a cause for concern. If your brakes go, then it poses a serious driving safety hazard not only to you, but to all of the drivers around you.

Pay Attention to the Check Engine Lights
If there’s one mistake all drivers make, it’s ignoring the check engine light and other emergency indicators when they come on. Believe it or not, your check engine light usually means it’s time to check your engine for an issue, so if it comes on, you should take some time to visit the mechanic and see what’s wrong with your vehicle. Don’t be the driver who ignores the check engine light and then loses a car because of a major issue that could have been prevented.

Don’t let your car get the best of you, pay attention to these simple things!