How often do you take your car to a mechanic? Even though auto repairs and routine maintenance are costly, these are mandatory for keeping your vehicle in optimal condition.

In order to avoid breakdowns, car owners are supposed to watch out for the most common auto issues and take immediate action upon noticing signs of malfunction. The oil, air filters, battery, tires, and brakes require regular replacement.

Unless these are changed when necessary, the overall functionality of vehicles becomes reduced. There is a variety of garages and shops handling car repairs in the UK, providing high-quality workmanship.

These are the most common types of car repairs and maintenance services.

Oil and filter change

The majority of vehicle owners in the UK pay a visit to their mechanic whenever they need to have their oil and oil filters replaced. Such a change has to be done regularly, every 7,500 miles, for the engine to function normally. In the event of oil deficiency, the engine parts fail to receive the necessary lubrication and manifest various low engine oil symptoms.

For instance, when low in oil, the oil pressure warning light switches on to warn the driver to take the auto to a mechanic. Upon ignoring the warning light, the vehicle will keep on showing other symptoms such as a burning oil smell, engine noise, weak car performance, overheating, etc. By replacing the oil and filter on time, the components of the engine won’t overheat, and the lifespan of your vehicle will be prolonged.

Moreover, the overall cost for such a service is determined by a variety of factors, such as the model of the auto, the location, and the reputation of the repair shop. Given this service falls under maintenance, the cost can be covered neither by an insurance policy nor a warranty.

Air filter replacement

Another mandatory type of car repair is the replacement of the air filter, whose job is to filter the outside air prior to entering the engine. Nevertheless, it’s common for the air filter to get clogged over time due to the dust, debris, and dirt passing through the filter. Once the filter becomes blocked, airflow is restricted, hence depriving the engine of the required amount of oxygen necessary for combustion. Click here to learn some tips for changing the air filter in your car.

When the engine receives a low amount of oxygen, it compensates for the deficiency by increasing the consumption of fuel. More fuel is needed in order for the engine to produce the same amount of power as when working with a clean filter. Air filters are supposed to be replaced between 15,000 and 30,000 miles to prevent them from becoming clogged.

Additionally, a wide range of symptoms indicates the filters require replacement, such as hearing strange noises coming from the engine, horsepower reduction, a strong fuel odour, black smoke originating from the exhaust pipe, etc. Whenever you notice some of these symptoms, make sure to take your auto to a car repair shop to have the air filter immediately replaced.

Tyre change

Another reason why vehicle owners visit the car repair shop is to have their tires replaced. The frequency of tire replacement is determined by multiple factors like the model and age of a car, the driving style, and speed, as well as the frequency of maintenance. It’s normal for the thread of tires to wear down as time goes by, thus reducing their effectiveness.

Furthermore, tires should be replaced between 25,000 and 50,000 miles so as to ensure the safety of the driver and the passengers. Drivers can practise different methods to prevent tires from flattening, such as checking tire pressure frequently, rotating the tires regularly, and not overloading the vehicle. Visit the following link, https://www.doityourself.com/stry/9-ways-to-prevent-a-flat-tire, to check out nine ways to prevent a flat tire.

Battery replacement

Battery replacement is yet another common type of car repair, as the battery is indispensable for a vehicle to run smoothly. These batteries are rechargeable, getting electric power from the alternator once the car is started. The capacity of auto batteries tends to diminish over time due to corrosion and cold weather.

Drivers receive multiple warning signs showing their battery is dying, such as dim lights, a rotten smell, slow-starting engine, corroded battery connectors, etc. Car repair shops have the necessary tools to read the capacity of auto batteries and check whether these need immediate replacement. Car batteries are supposed to get replaced every five years to a maximum of seven years.

Replacement of brakes

The brake system is of extreme importance in vehicles, which is why drivers need to be on the lookout for signs of wear and tear. For example, when the auto requires new brake pads, drivers are exposed to a clicking or squealing noise while driving. Also, you’ll probably need more time to stop the vehicle and feel vibrations when pressing the brake pedal.

By taking your auto to a car repair shop, the mechanic will inspect the condition of the brake pads and rotors. If their condition is damaged, the repairman will have them immediately replaced. In order to avoid issues with your brake system, make sure you have the brake pads, and rotors changed every 50,000 miles.

The bottom line

Have your vehicle regularly maintained and repaired.

It’s the only way to prevent a breakdown!