5 Automotive Repairs You Should Never Wait to Get Done

5 Automotive Repairs

While some car problems may not require immediate attention, others need to be addressed right away. This is especially true for issues that can affect your personal safety. Here are five automotive repairs that drivers in Raleigh should never wait to get done. 

Exhaust Leak

A leaky exhaust can upset your vehicle’s air-fuel ratio, thus leading to reduced fuel economy and a loss of power. It can also jeopardize your health. When exhaust gases escape into the cabin, there’s always a serious risk of you experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. 

As soon as you begin to smell fumes inside your vehicle or noticed increased engine noise, immediately have it inspected by an automotive repair technician. There’s no need to take any chances. 

Windshield Wiper Replacement 

Most automotive repair experts recommend replacing your windshield wipers at least once a year. Over time, the rubber blades gradually start to degrade. If the wipers have begun to leave streaks or excessively squeak, they are likely no longer in good condition. Visibility during rainy weather will be far worse. 

New wipers will give you an increased sense of security. Fortunately, most units are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. 

Bad Tires

When getting an oil change service, it’s a good idea to have your tires inspected as well. An experienced mechanic can provide a good estimation of how much life the tires have left. If they notice abnormal tread wear, there’s a good chance your vehicle is in need of a wheel alignment. 

Worn-out tires should be replaced as soon as possible. Not only do old tires provide less traction, but they are also more prone to experiencing a blowout. 

Brake Problems 

There’s no overlooking the importance of your car’s braking system. During emergencies, you need maximum stopping power to avoid a crash. Far too many drivers tend to ignore the red flags of bad brakes. 

Most modern braking systems are designed with wear indicators, which produce a high-pitched squeal when the brake pads are low. At this point, you’ll need to schedule an appointment at the automotive repair shop right away. It’s only a matter of time before metal-on-metal contact occurs. 

Completely worn brake pads will eventually damage the brake rotors, which further hinders your ability to stop quickly. If the gauge cluster’s ABS light happens to turn on, there’s another underlying problem. Some of the potential issues include a low level of brake fluid, a damaged wheel speed sensor, and a blown fuse. 

Steering System Issues

When behind the wheel of a car, the performance of its steering system is critical. A problem with this system can cause you to experience a loss of control. If the steering becomes extremely stiff and or begins to whine, have your vehicle checked out by an automotive repair shop. 

A low amount of power steering fluid may be the culprit, which can be easily resolved by adding more fluid. If you need to frequently top off the power steering level, there’s likely a leak somewhere in the system. More serious problems include a failing steering rack mount and a worn-out serpentine belt.