How to Prevent the Six Most Common Auto Repairs

By Ron Haugen

Paying for expensive car repairs is never fun, and they never occur when you are flush with cash. Most common problems that cause car breakdowns are preventable with good vehicle maintenance.

1. Engine Misfires

These occur when the spark plugs fire at the wrong times or do not fire at all. There are many reasons this can happen. Repairs range from cheap and easy to very expensive. Replace spark plugs every 60,000 miles and follow the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual of the car. Keep the engine tuned up according to schedule and have a yearly trouble-code scan to find potential problems before they become major issues.

2. Evaporative Emissions Systems Control (EVAP) Leaks and Failures

The EVAP system traps gas tank fumes to ensure the gas and the vapors stay separate. Corrosion often damages the lines in the system, and sometimes the EVAP canister fails. Always refasten the gas cap tightly after refueling. Turning the cap until it clicks at least three times is good practice. Have a good rust protection application to keep corrosion in the system lines minimized.

3. Problems with "System too Lean" Error Code

The "System Too Lean" warning light can appear for several reasons ranging from the car needing a software update to a major engine failure like broken gaskets or cracked cylinder heads. Bad vacuum lines, faulty sensors, problems with the injector driver and similar issues commonly cause this error code. If this error code appears, have the car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. Most regular maintenance and upkeep schedules help prevent these problems.

4. Catalytic Converter Failures

Catalytic converters fail due to leaks caused by rust and corrosion, or from carbon buildup or other problems causing internal plugs in the system. Uncontrolled fuel delivery causes the plugs, but many mechanics do not check this. They simply replace the catalytic converter, only to have the new one fail in a few months. Keep engines on schedule for maintenance and tune ups as recommended in the owner's manual, and make sure the mechanic checks the fuel delivery system if the catalytic converter is replaced.

5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Systems Breakdown

The EGR system lowers formation of harmful air pollutants inside the combustion chambers of the engine. Unburned gas builds up in the form of carbon, electrical controls fail, and the EGR valves experience wear and tear. Get a professional fuel system cleaning every 30,000 miles to prevent carbon buildup.

6. Brake Pads

Replacing brake pads before they completely wear out prevents costly brake rotor replacements. Listen for screeching or grinding sounds when stopping, as these noises indicate the pads need attention. Have a mechanic inspect the brake pads regularly, and replace them when they start to thin.
In summary, any time a "Check Engine" light or other alert appears on the dash display, get the engine checked as soon as possible. The warning indicators are there for a reason, so do not ignore them. Sometimes the problems are minor and easy to fix, and other times they indicate a pending disaster. Quick attention to the indicators lessens the chances of permanent vehicle damage and expensive mechanic bills.

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