To refresh your memory, last month we listed five of the 10 of the most expensive car repairs with possible solutions with good car maintenance (check out our August 18th blog). Again, we just want to remind vehicle owners of the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance to help avoid more costly car repairs. A small problem found early will avoid a much bigger one down the road!
Part II - #4-8: Continuing with the top 8 most expensive car maintenance and repairs needed to avoid them.
4. Replace Camshaft - Camshafts operate the valves within a vehicle's engine, pressing down and forcing them open, controlling how your engine takes in air. Normal wear and tear--buildup on valves that comes from not changing your oil often enough or using low-quality fuel--is frequently the cause of camshaft failure. The vehicle maintenance is simple: Change your oil often and get your valves adjusted.
5. Replace Cylinder Head Assembly and Spark Plugs- Spark-plug trouble usually causes misfires in your engine, which can also heat up the cylinder. A “check-engine light could be an indication that your engine is susceptible to a misfire, resulting in damage to the catalytic converter. This is an expensive repair, but don’t procrastinate, as it will cause even more damage.
6. Replace Transmission Assembly- The transmission takes the power from the engine and makes the wheels go. Because the engine is the most noticeable, a lot of people overlook the transmission, resulting in a transmission problem before you realize what’s happening. Watch for technical service bulletins from your vehicle’s manufacturer. You may be able to benefit from free transmission work.
7. Replace Hybrid Inverter Assembly - Because hybrids are still fairly scarce on the roads (compared to their gasoline-only counterparts), hybrid inverters are not very prevalent. The inverter, which changes direct-current power to alternating-current, doesn't fail frequently, but when it does, it is expensive to replace. Unfortunately, unless you pay close attention to your check-engine light and heed its warning, inverter failure isn't preventable. You may want to consider purchasing an additional warranty when purchasing a hybrid to keep up with the recommended car maintenance.
8. Repair/Replace Cylinder - Small problems can lead to bigger issues down the line. The biggest of all is cylinder failure, due to continued neglect of the motor. Without the proper mixture of air, fuel, and spark, the temperatures can get too hot in the cylinder. Cylinder parts are pricey, but because the mechanic has to disassemble the engine, the cost of labor makes it even more costly. Many car owners may decide to ditch their vehicle, rather than get it fixed.
For quality vehicle maintenance to protect your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
To refresh your memory, last month we listed five of the 10 of the most expensive car repairs with possible solutions with good car maintenance (check out our August 18th blog). Again, we just want to remind vehicle owners of the importance of preventative vehicle maintenance to help avoid more costly car repairs. A small problem found early will avoid a much bigger one down the road!
Part II - #4-8: Continuing with the top 8 most expensive car maintenance and repairs needed to avoid them.
4. Replace Camshaft - Camshafts operate the valves within a vehicle's engine, pressing down and forcing them open, controlling how your engine takes in air. Normal wear and tear--buildup on valves that comes from not changing your oil often enough or using low-quality fuel--is frequently the cause of camshaft failure. The vehicle maintenance is simple: Change your oil often and get your valves adjusted.
5. Replace Cylinder Head Assembly and Spark Plugs- Spark-plug trouble usually causes misfires in your engine, which can also heat up the cylinder. A “check-engine light could be an indication that your engine is susceptible to a misfire, resulting in damage to the catalytic converter. This is an expensive repair, but don’t procrastinate, as it will cause even more damage.
6. Replace Transmission Assembly- The transmission takes the power from the engine and makes the wheels go. Because the engine is the most noticeable, a lot of people overlook the transmission, resulting in a transmission problem before you realize what’s happening. Watch for technical service bulletins from your vehicle’s manufacturer. You may be able to benefit from free transmission work.
7. Replace Hybrid Inverter Assembly - Because hybrids are still fairly scarce on the roads (compared to their gasoline-only counterparts), hybrid inverters are not very prevalent. The inverter, which changes direct-current power to alternating-current, doesn't fail frequently, but when it does, it is expensive to replace. Unfortunately, unless you pay close attention to your check-engine light and heed its warning, inverter failure isn't preventable. You may want to consider purchasing an additional warranty when purchasing a hybrid to keep up with the recommended car maintenance.
8. Repair/Replace Cylinder - Small problems can lead to bigger issues down the line. The biggest of all is cylinder failure, due to continued neglect of the motor. Without the proper mixture of air, fuel, and spark, the temperatures can get too hot in the cylinder. Cylinder parts are pricey, but because the mechanic has to disassemble the engine, the cost of labor makes it even more costly. Many car owners may decide to ditch their vehicle, rather than get it fixed.
For quality vehicle maintenance to protect your vehicle, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at our Elk River auto center by calling (763) 441-2889 or go online to www.elkrivertireandauto.com for more information. Our auto shop in Elk River MN, also proudly serves residents in the areas of Zimmerman, MN, and Otsego, Minnesota.
