6 Cheap Overlooked Repairs That Could Be Wrecking Your Engine
Car owners have far more to worry about than just the initial purchase. You must stay on top of regular maintenance to keep your vehicle running smoothly. As a former mechanic, I know that there are several overlooked repairs that are relatively cheap. When these things go ignored, it often leads to much bigger problems with your car that you might not be able to afford to take care of. So, here’s a look at six such repairs and why you should get them taken care of as soon as possible.
1. Dirty Air Filter
One of the most overlooked yet inexpensive car repairs is replacing a dirty air filter. Over time, air filters can become clogged with dust, dirt, and debris, restricting airflow to the engine. This can cause the engine to work harder, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and performance. Surprisingly, replacing a simple air filter can increase your car’s fuel economy and improve acceleration. An engine starved of clean air will burn more fuel, so ignoring this issue can lead to higher running costs. Thankfully, air filter replacements are inexpensive and can be easily done at home or by a mechanic.
2. Low Coolant Levels
Coolant is essential for maintaining a safe engine temperature, but many drivers forget to check coolant levels regularly. If your coolant level drops too low, your engine can overheat, causing severe damage that could cost thousands to repair. Overheating engines can warp cylinder heads or crack engine blocks, both of which are expensive fixes. Regularly checking coolant levels and topping up when needed is a simple, cheap way to prevent major damage. You can often find coolant leaks in hoses or the radiator, which can be easily repaired by a mechanic without breaking the bank.
3. Worn-out Spark Plugs
Spark plugs play a crucial role in igniting the fuel-air mixture inside your engine, so if they’re worn out, your engine can misfire. Misfiring engines can reduce fuel efficiency, lower power output, and even damage the catalytic converter. Replacing spark plugs is a relatively cheap and quick fix that can prevent more expensive repairs in the future. If left unchecked, misfiring spark plugs can lead to costly engine damage or excessive fuel consumption. Regularly replacing spark plugs as part of your car’s maintenance schedule can keep your engine running smoothly. Fortunately, spark plug replacement is usually a low-cost repair that’s easy for most mechanics to handle.
4. Faulty Fuel Injectors
Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering the right amount of fuel to the engine, so a faulty injector can lead to poor engine performance, stalling, or rough idling. While replacing a fuel injector may sound expensive, small issues like clogged or dirty injectors can often be cleaned for a fraction of the cost. If ignored, however, dirty fuel injectors can cause poor combustion, leading to engine knocking or misfires. Regular maintenance, such as using fuel system cleaners, can help prevent injector clogging. Getting your fuel injectors cleaned is a quick and affordable repair that can save you from needing an entire fuel system replacement.
5. Faulty Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt powers essential engine components, including the alternator, air conditioning, and power steering. A worn-out or damaged serpentine belt can cause those components to fail, putting extra stress on the engine and leading to overheating or breakdowns. Replacing a worn belt is a simple, affordable fix that can prevent more expensive engine repairs. Most serpentine belts need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, so keep an eye on the condition of the belt during regular maintenance. A frayed or cracked serpentine belt can be easy to spot, and replacing it is much cheaper than dealing with engine failure caused by a broken belt.
6. Neglected Timing Belt
The timing belt controls the opening and closing of the engine’s valves, ensuring that the pistons and valves operate in sync. A damaged or worn timing belt can lead to severe engine damage, including bent valves and broken pistons. Though it might sound like an expensive repair, replacing a worn timing belt is relatively cheap compared to the cost of engine repair if the belt fails. Neglecting to replace a timing belt on schedule (typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles) can lead to catastrophic engine failure, requiring a full rebuild or replacement. Preventative maintenance on the timing belt can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Small Repairs, Big Savings
When it comes to car maintenance, it’s always better to be proactive than reactive. Don’t wait until there’s something wrong to take your vehicle to the shop. These overlooked repairs can help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent you from experiencing any major issues with your car. It’ll save you money and help extend the life of your vehicle in the long run.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.