By Jose Hurtado, Guest Author from Cheap Car Insurance Experts
Drivers can prevent the most common car repairs by following proper maintenance guidelines. These maintenance guidelines can usually be found under vehicles’ owner manuals with comprehensive lists for drivers to keep cars in optimal working conditions. You can save a lot of money by knowing which are the most common car repairs and how to prevent them.
EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) Failure
The EGR is an emission control mechanism that lowers temperatures for the combustion chamber that controls the levels of Nitrogen gas derivatives. EGR systems are susceptible to deposit buildup, which can cause emission control problems. Usual EGR repairs deal with wiring, sensor, and valve replacements. EGR repairs vary per car brand, which can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the damage.
To maintain EGR systems working properly, get an expert to perform fuel system flushes every 30,000 miles. Fuel system cleanups prevent deposit buildup that can increase the life of EGR components.
Spark Plug Replacement
Spark plugs are needed to manage vehicles’ fuel/air ratio, which can cause many problems if not working correctly. Spark plug problems can lower mpg (miles per gallon) statistics and even cause engine misfire that can damage catalytic converters. You should replace spark plugs every 30,000 miles to avoid ignition issues. Here are main causes to replace spark plugs or related components:
• Worn out spark plug wires.
• Leaks in the vacuum system.
• Spark plugs filled with oil or carbon deposits. Spark plugs under such conditions are the result of other engine problems that should also be checked.
• Faulty fuel delivery. Costs for this issue vary depending on the cause like injector drives, ECM (Engine Control Module) issues, bad injectors, or damaged intake systems.
• Engine breakdowns. These could be caused by burnt valves, broken valve springs, blown cylinder gaskets, or burned piston rings.
Spark plug replacement instructions can be found at various DIY guides, if you wish to save money over certified mechanics’ fees.
Catalytic Converter Failure
Catalytic converters are devices that clean tailpipe emissions by burning any gas available in the engine’s exhaust system. Issues can arise when there is more gas available that can be handled by the catalytic converter. Catalytic converters can become clogged with too much gas. If a catalytic converter is clogged, it is more likely caused by gases turning into a type of carbon solid, which can limit the flow of gas exhaust.
Clogged catalytic converter systems can only be restored by performing a converter replacement. However, new catalytic converters might experience the same issue if the cause of the problem was not fixed initially. For example, uncontrolled fuel delivery is the main reason for catalytic converters to become clogged.
To prevent catalytic converters issues, maintain your car’s engine with regular tune-ups and maintenance based on manufacturer’s suggestions. Regular scheduled maintenance is the only way to keep catalytic converter systems free of issues.
Gas Cap Checks
A faulty, loose, or damaged gas cap is a common car repair that can be easily prevented and fixed. An unrepaired gas cap can lower your car’s mpg and cost you money. The best method to prevent gas cap issues is to lock or correctly tighten gas caps after every gas fill-up.
EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control System) Failures
EVAPs are designed to capture gas tanks fumes. EVAPs consist of vapor lines, fuel tanks, and liquid gas separators that keep liquid fuels from accessing the EVAP canister and purge valve. EVAP canisters capture fumes that react with the activated carbon inside. During engine operation, EVAP canister’s purge valve lets air into the canister and send trapped gases back inside the engine’s air intake systems to be burn in the engine. If the EVAP develops a leak from a corroding canister or lines, an EVAP failure code will be displayed in the car’s computer. To repair EVAP issues, leaks must be found and parts replaced accordingly. It could cost you hundreds of dollars to replace an EVAP issue.
To maintain EVAPs working properly, gas caps should be close tightly after each refueling. If the check engine light displays, seek immediate professional assistance to avoid major issues and higher costs.
Coolant Temperature Sensor Replacement
Faulty engine coolant temperature sensors can cause incorrect dashboard temperature readings. Coolant temperature sensors should be replaced, as soon as, signs appear to avoid damage to the engine caused by unchecked and unmanaged temperatures.
Manifold Gasket Replacement
Manifold gasket leaks can cause air and fuel to mix between engine car parts in wrong ratios, which can cause major issues to an engine’s performance, gas emissions, and fuel consumption. Follow regular maintenance as per the car owner’s manual to prevent issues with the intake manifold gasket.
The best way for you to prevent costly and common car repairs is to perform scheduled maintenance based on car manufacturer recommendations. You should try to maintain your car’s engine tuned based on factory specifications. Save hundreds or thousands of dollars in car repairs by properly maintaining your vehicle with regular check-ups and replacements as needed.
