While countless problems can arise with your car, some issues are more likely to occur than others. Understanding these problems can help you more quickly diagnose an issue when it happens and take measures to prevent a disaster in the first place. Here are nine of the most common car repair issues to look out for in 2018.
1. O2 Sensor
The oxygen sensor in your vehicle makes sure that the fuel mixture in your tank is balanced, but chances are you’ll need to have it replaced at some point in your car’s life. An O2 sensor problem is recognized as the most common issue related to the check engine light.
2. Small Part Replacements
While alone they might not cost much, the small parts that need to be periodically replaced can become costly, and they constitute a large portion of the vehicle repairs you can expect in 2018. These include lights, fuel caps, windshield wipers, and fuses.
3. Car Batteries
A car’s battery will last an average of four years, and that makes it consistently one of the most widely replaced parts for both car owners and mechanics. But you can extend the life of your battery by regularly cleaning it and not draining your car’s power for non-driving purposes.
4. Tires
Everything from regular wear and tear to unexpected obstacles in the road can make your tires a hazard to drive on, and the direct contact they have with the road means that they’re consistently one of the most commonly replaced parts on a car. Bringing them in for a regular rotation can help you extend their life.
5. Brakes
With how often most drivers stop and start, it’s no surprise that brakes get such a regular workout, and they’re one of the parts on cars most routinely in need of a check-up. Dealing with the problem as soon as it arises can prevent more serious and costly repairs.
6. Heating and A/C
Heating and air conditioning may not be critical to your vehicle’s performance, but most drivers come to expect both as a standard feature in their car or truck. Like many other issues, regular maintenance at a repair shop is the best method for preventing these problems in the first place.
7. Fuel Pump
The role of the fuel pump is simple but important: to make sure that fuel makes it from your gas tank to your engine. A fuel pump can be expected to last about 50,000 miles, but you can improve the performance of your pump by keeping your tank properly filled and making sure not to leave your car turned off for extended periods of time.
8. Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is a crucial component of your exhaust system, and it’s also related to a disproportionate number of check engine light readings. If you want to minimize the risk of you converter going bad, keeping an eye out for engine overheating and getting your oil changed on time is a great start.
9. Routine Maintenance
Perhaps most tellingly, the most commonly recorded repair work consists of standard maintenance procedures like checkups and oil changes. Making sure that you track your car’s mileage and bring it in for maintenance work when scheduled can prevent issues like those listed above from happening too frequently.