5 Common Auto Repairs Your Car May Need

As a responsible car owner, you’re on the hook to make sure your car gets regular maintenance work and repairs done. Unfortunately, some of those repairs can be rather costly. If you can, setting a budget and saving money for these expenses in advance can provide great peace of mind. But if you’re in a bind, auto repair loans and other financing options may be available to help. Here are five of the most common auto repairs to plan for as a car owner.

1. Oil change

Oil changes are part of regular maintenance, and having them done can help improve your engine’s performance and longevity. While a broad recommendation is to change your oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, the exact time frame depends on your vehicle, the type of oil it requires, and the types of driving you do. For example, if you regularly tow a trailer behind your vehicle or drive in extreme conditions, you might need an oil change more frequently.

Some other common maintenance may be offered alongside an oil change, which might be wise to consider even though they’ll increase your bill. Speak with your local mechanic about replacing oil filters, air filters, and windshield wipers as part of your regular oil change.

2. Replacement brakes

The brakes on your vehicle wear over time and may require replacement to ensure safety. If you experience having to brake harder to stop, a grinding noise when you brake, or a high-pitched squeal from your wheels, you should take your vehicle in for an inspection. When brakes are replaced, many garages will also recommend new rotors, which work alongside brake pads to stop your vehicle.

The good news is replacing brakes may be something you do only a handful of times over a decade or more of owning a vehicle. However, since it’s a more intricate job, it has a higher price point. With brake replacement costing $1,000 or more, depending on your vehicle and labor costs, you may want to discuss options for auto repair financing before you have the repair done. The right financing may provide you an opportunity to have the repair completed when you need it while giving you a set term to repay the balance due at an interest rate that makes sense.

3. New battery

Unlike an oil change, which you might have done a few times a year, your car can often go 4 to 5 years between battery replacements. However, your car’s battery life depends on how often you drive, the climate where you live, and other factors. The good news about purchasing a new battery is that they typically come with a multi-year warranty, so you’re covered if anything happens to the battery while the warranty is active.

4. Alternator replacement

Your car’s alternator is responsible for powering your car’s electrical system and ensuring the battery has enough juice to start the engine. A faulty alternator could result in symptoms similar to those when you need a battery change. A trustworthy mechanic can inspect your vehicle and let you know if dim headlights or trouble starting your car are related to the battery, starter, or alternator. An alternator repair can run several hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle, so this might be another time when financing the repair makes sense.

5. Tire repair

Whether your car gets a sudden flat or it’s time to change out all four tires, getting new tires is one of the more costly repairs you’ll come across as a vehicle owner. While changing one tire may only run you a few hundred dollars, depending on your vehicle and the age of your tires, you may end up needing to replace all four at a much higher cost of up to $1,000 or more. After a tire change, you may also need to cover an alignment to ensure wheels are balanced, which can tack on another $100 or more.

The bottom line

Responsible car ownership means keeping up with the regular maintenance your car needs, no matter the cost. Since these repairs can add up, it makes sense to work with your local mechanic to prioritize repairs and ensure you can keep your car running well for as long as possible.

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