5 costly repairs that can be avoided by regular maintenance
Written by: Simon Pavey, Last updated:15th February 2022
Taking your car to the garage and being told that you need to have hundreds (or even thousands) of pounds’ worth of repairs done will top the list of nightmare scenarios for most drivers.
One of the best things you can do to avoid paying out eye-watering sums for remedial work is conducting regular checks and servicing to keep your vehicle in good working order.
Here are some of the costliest repairs you can avoid with frequent maintenance:
Head gasket replacement
The head gasket sits between the cylinder head and the cylinders or engine block. It performs the important job of keeping the combustion chambers, oil and cooling systems separate, which is vital for the engine to run properly.
While a head gasket itself is not a hugely expensive part, the process of replacing it can be costly because of the labour involved. Regular servicing to change the engine coolant and check the cooling system is working efficiently will help you avoid a head gasket failure.
Timing belt repair
Failure of the timing belt (also known as the cambelt) is a problem that is most common in older cars, particularly those that haven’t had regular servicing. Frequent inspections can help you spot signs of wear and tear, reducing the risk of a full-blown failure that could spell the end for the engine and possibly the entire car.
A professional mechanic will be able to tell you when you should replace the timing belt.
Battery replacement
It’s true that switching your old battery for a new one isn’t the most expensive of jobs, but if you fail to look after the battery and have to replace it regularly, the cost can really add up over time.
There are various things you can do to look after the battery and preserve its long-term health, such as getting the terminals cleaned at regular intervals. You can also charge the battery by going on frequent long drives.
Clutch replacement
The clutch in your car will wear over time, and if you find yourself in a situation where it needs to be replaced, the bill is likely to be pretty steep.
Truth be told, there isn’t a lot you can do in terms of maintenance to stop the clutch from wearing out, but you can prolong the health of this vital component by adopting good driving habits like:
- Not ‘riding’ the clutch
- Changing gears smoothly and not grinding them
- Taking the car out of gear and using the handbrake when stationary
Turbo repair
If your car has a turbocharger, you might already know that this component is prone to failure because of problems linked to oil starvation, contamination and leaks. If you want to keep it in tip-top condition, it’s worth carrying out regular oil and filter changes to combat gradual damage and wear and tear.
With MyService.Expert from Fuel Card Services, you can keep on top of all the checks and maintenance your car needs with regular reminders and access to thousands of garages across the UK.
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