In typical fashion, our cars break down when we need them most. Whether it’s en route to work in the morning, days before an important event, or weeks before payday, an expensive car repair is the last thing we need.
We can avoid or quickly fix some repairs if we take care of our vehicles and service them regularly. But unfortunately, some of the most common car repairs are inescapable and come when we least expect them. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common car repairs and how we can prepare for the incurring costs and expenses.
- Fluid Change & Top-Ups
Your car guzzles a lot of fluid in its lifetime. Whether it’s engine oil, engine coolant, or hydraulic fluid, your vehicle depends on many fluids to keep it working correctly. Popular Mechanics recommends changing your car’s oil every 3,000 miles or roughly three months, depending on your vehicle’s age, type of oil, and driving conditions it endures.
The braking system, steering, engine cooling system, transmission, windscreen wipers, and many other car features rely on fluids for smooth operation. So, if you notice that any parts don’t function correctly or at total efficiency, take your car to a garage because they may need a fluid change, a clean, or a top-up.
- Tyre Changes
Have you ever been driving along the road and hearing your tyre popping? It’s a common thing that most drivers will encounter at some point on the road; however, that doesn’t make it any easier to prepare for. A flat tyre can be hazardous, causing damage to other parts of your vehicle the longer you leave it. Furthermore, it may even cause more extensive (and expensive) damage to your suspension and wheels!
- Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
As with age, cars begin to wear down, and the ignition coils and spark plugs may need to be replaced. You need both of them for starting a vehicle, as they provide the initial spark to ignite the engine. When the pair are faulty or malfunctioning, you’ll find it hard to start your engine and may experience jerking/ vibrating motions when you step on the accelerator. Take action quickly as failure to do so can severely damage the engine.
- Brake Pads
Brake pads wear thin over time, which means they cannot generate as much heat, decreasing their ability to stop the vehicle quickly and increasing the distances travelled. It could signify that your brake pads are beginning to wear out if you hear a squealing noise coming from your brakes or hear/feel a metal grinding sound vibrating underfoot.
- Battery Replacement
It shouldn’t happen often, but battery repair is a common occurrence in a car’s lifetime, and it isn’t the cheapest fix. If your car struggles to start up or takes longer than usual, or the illuminated battery symbol on your dashboard starts flashing at you, it can signify that your battery is about to die.
How to make car repairs more affordable?
You can save on the costs of your car repairs if you perform a few minor repairs. Simple maintenance such as fluid top-ups and changing the tyre can be performed at home as long as you have the necessary knowledge and spare equipment. You’ll also save on labour fees and even learn a new skill! Just remember to leave the extensive repairs to the mechanics, as some work requires a professional job.
You can also take preventative measures to ensure your car says in good knack. For example, you can regularly check your tyres for sharp objects or debris, keep your car battery clean and charged, or monitor your fluid levels frequently.
Manage your expenses
If the worst does happen and you find yourself out of pocket over your car repairs, there are some ways you can affordably manage your expenses. Bumper offers a Buy Now Pay Later payment scheme to help motorists pay for their repairs without enduring upfront costs. With Bumper, you can spread the costs of your repairs over several interest-free instalments, giving you time to sort your budget.