Have you ever heard a rattling sound coming from your car and just turned up your radio to pretend you couldn’t hear anything? I think we all have. But, we are here to tell you as to why you may not want to ignore all those weird noises coming from your car.
There are certain types of auto repairs that you can put off for a month or two if you really need to. Maybe the air conditioner isn’t blowing ice cold air as you want it to. Yeah, it is annoying, but you will still be able to use your vehicle during the meantime. However, there are some auto repairs you need to have fixed as soon as possible to prevent further problems with your car.
1. REASONS TO NOT IGNORE CAR REPAIRS
The three main reasons as to why waiting on a repair could work against you are:
- It could cause more damage.
- You could end up stranded on the side of the road.
- It could cost you more money.
Even if the issue seems small, it could be the beginning of an underlying issue that could cause your car to completely unravel. When you notice your car is acting up or making a noise, you should always contact a mechanic. This way you can bring your car in, have it looked at, and find out how much damage you will be doing to your car if you continue to drive it.
Car repairs can be a bit pricey, but waiting too long can cause even more issues, which can double the initial price. You never know when that small rattling noise can turn into you needing to replace your entire engine.
To help you in the long run, we have compiled a list of four serious issues that should never be ignored.
2. HIT THE BRAKES
While driving, are you noticing a loud screeching noise every time you tap on your brakes? Or are you noticing that it takes a lot more effort for you to come to a complete stop? If so, then you could be experiencing some serious brake issues. The last thing you need is to be driving 70mph down the highway with bad brakes.
When you start to notice screeching sounds, that should be your first indicator that your brake pads might be getting worn out. You should then call a mechanic and set up a time to get them replaced. If you ignore your brake pad repairs for too long, not only will you be putting yourself in danger, but you could also be destroying your whole brake system. This will result in you needing to replace everything, which will have a hefty cost at the end.
3. YOUR EXHAUST IS A LITTLE LOUD
A loud exhaust not only sounds bad, but it is an indicator for other serious problems with your vehicle. An exhaust leak or a bad muffler can alter the function of your exhaust system, which can affect your car’s computer and even affect your fuel, costing you more money at the gas station. A good indicator that your exhaust is having problems, beside the obvious loud noise, is you check engine light.
Yes, your gas cap might not be on the correct way and that is why the light came on, but it could also be on because your car is having other internal problems. For instance, the computer instructions of your car are based on a vehicle with a fully functioning exhaust system. When you experience exhaust issues, the efficiency and performance of your engine is compromised, resulting in serious internal problems. So yes, a check engine light may come on for many different reasons, but it is always a good idea to have it checked out.
However, putting off exhaust issues will not only damage your car, but it could also endanger your life as well. When your exhaust system is damaged, the exhaust fumes could start to enter into your car, causing a serious health risk for you and anyone in there. This is why you should always call your mechanic and have your vehicle looked at right away when your exhaust starts acting up.
4. ARE THOSE TIRES NEW?
Your tires see a lot of miles throughout their life, and depending on what kind of vehicle you drive, some tires may get a little worn out faster. That is why you should always go in and have your tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This will ensure that your front tires do not wear more quickly than your back tires. The last thing anyone needs is to be driving on worn out tires.
A quick way to tell if your tires are starting to get a little worn out is to check the treads and sidewalls for cracks and punctures. Doing this on a semi-regular basis will be a good way for you to notice any differences in your tires. Because when your tires start to get a little worn out, bad things start to happen. Like losing control of your vehicle due to poor traction, or worse, a dangerous blowout.
5. YOU NEED A BELT
When you hear “you need to have your timing belt replaced” you probably brush it off and go on with your day. A belt in your vehicle doesn’t sound too important, right? Wrong. Yes, you can continue to drive your vehicle, but you will be driving on borrowed time.
You know all those ticking sounds you hear? Or those engine misfires you start to experience? Those are all related to your timing belt. And when your timing belt finally breaks, your engine will stop working and you will experience some serious damage. Resulting in a very pricy trip to your local mechanic. So, don’t mess around with time when it comes to your timing belt, it could cost you in the end.
PAYMENT/FINANCING OPTIONS
Here at All Tune & Lube, not only do we have the experience to get your car back in tip-top shape, but we also have affordable options for you, too. We do not want cost to be a big issue that is keeping you from your auto repairs. So, we have a great financing option available.
If you are approved for the Synchrony Car Care Credit Card, you can use it towards:
- Routine maintenance
- Gas (accepted at over 200,000 gas stations nationwide)
- Car washes
- Tire purchases
- Brake repair
- Windshields
- Transmission repair
With the Synchrony Car Care Credit Card, you will be able to pay for scheduled maintenance and unexpected repairs over time with purchases of $199 or more at over 30,000 locations. Some of the other benefits you can look forward to are:
- $0 Fraud liability
- No annual fee
- 24/7 Secure online account access
- Free FICO credit score access
- Ability to request a credit limit increase
Don’t let the cost of your auto repairs be what’s holding you back.