I Hate When That Happens

How would you like to never have an unexpected vehicle breakdown? Well, it is most likely impossible to never have an unexpected car problem, but it may be possible to all but eliminate many issues.

For many people, an unexpected car issue is a major event. Both in expense and inconvenience. Everyday we have people that are towed in or call with an undriveable vehicle. Of course they are somewhat freaked out because they are supposed to be somewhere and can’t get there. Usually the biggest problem is they can’t get to work. So not only are they facing and unexpected repair bill, but they are missing work or have to take a valuable vacation day. Along with the time issue is the fact that an unexpected breakdown is usually more expensive to repair. A simple problem now may have done damage to another component causing an increase in the cost of repair, or it may be the added expense of needing a tow.

Almost everyday we are amazed at the fact that many things we repair could have been avoided or have been a much smaller issue if the problem was detected earlier. A typical example are the brakes. We receive calls from people that say, “My brakes are grinding, it just started without warning.” Of course a simple brake replacement now may require the brake rotors to be replaced as well. Another problem that comes to mind is that a vehicle is towed in because it will not start. The diagnostic work is done and we find that the in-tank fuel pump has failed. We also always inspect the fuel filter, and in many cases we find a restricted fuel filter that makes the fuel pump work harder and shortens its life.

Of course the answer too many of these problems are a regular, methodical inspection and maintenance program. There are certain things that the manufacture recommends to be done at certain intervals. There are other items that based on driving conditions and habits that will need special attention. If a regular program is followed, there should be very few unexpected issues. We all know that certain items like brakes, tires, and steering components do indeed wear out. The main thing is to inspect regularly, identify the problem early, and schedule the repair before it completely fails and leaves you stranded. It is always better to schedule a repair than to have them schedule you. I Hate When That Happens!