Common Auto Repairs That Aren’t That Hard to Avoid

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common auto repairsMany common auto repairs are, to a large extent, preventable. And since even common auto repairs can cost you hundreds of dollars at the repair shop, an ounce of prevention can certainly be preferable to a pound of cure. 
The most common auto repairs involve the complicated systems that keep your car’s engine running smoothly and cleanly. The problems that come up most often include:

  • Cylinder misfire – This occurs when the fuel in the cylinder either doesn’t combust or does so at the wrong time.
  • Running too rich or too lean – Fuel and air must be mixed together in the correct ratio within the engine. Too much fuel or not enough air means the engine is running too rich; too much air or not enough fuel means it’s running too lean.
  • Evaporative emissions leak – The so-called EVAP system captures gas fumes (evaporated gasoline) and directs them into the engine to be burned.
  • Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) failure – The EGR system helps prevent air pollutants (specifically, nitrogen oxide) by recirculating some of the exhaust back through the engine’s air intake.
  • Catalytic converter failure – Catalytic converters help clean up the car’s emissions. It can become clogged if it’s required to remove too much pollution.

Avoiding these common auto repairs requires keeping up with regular maintenance items. Specifically, you should:

  • Keep an eye on the check engine light. You can get the trouble codes read at most auto parts stores or by a mechanic. Fix the problems immediately, before they turn into expensive repairs.
  • Properly close the gas cap after fueling. This simple step can prevent costly EVAP system repairs.
  • Replace the air filter regularly. If your car uses an oiled filter, make sure it’s not over-oiled.
  • Have the fuel system cleaned every 30,000 miles or so.
  • Replace spark plugs and have the engine tuned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

All of these common auto repairs are usually associated with older, high-mileage automobiles. You can therefore avoid most problems by driving a vehicle with a short-term lease. To learn more about the short-term lease options available, contact us at Swapalease.com.

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