6 Car Repairs You Shouldn’t Avoid

Car repairs are usually expensive; so many consumers seem content to skip them. But disregarding your car’s repairs or even putting them off for a while can prove to be more costly down the road.

The following six car repairs are common ones that people avoid only to discover that saving money on a repair wasn’t such a good idea after all.

1. Air Filter

Most people can change an air filter themselves. It’s easy maintenance. But what happens if you bypass changing your car’s air filter? According to the EPA, a dirty air filter can reduce fuel economy by up to 10 percent because your engine won't breathe as efficiently. Let’s examine the costs involved. An air filter costs about $15. But, let’s say your car gets 25 miles per gallon. and gas is $3.00 a gallon, those savings will have disappeared by the time your car has used about 50 gallons – 3-4 tanks of gas.

Now, spending $15 for a new air filter sounds like a good investment, right?

2. Oil Change

Do not put off this very important car maintenance service. Make sure to check your owner’s manual and follow it closely especially regarding oil changes. Like you’ve probably heard before, oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Sure, you can save $30 and up by skipping your next oil change, but you could also end up spending thousands on a replacement engine too.

3. Brake Pads

Many car owners neglect one of the most vital functions on their vehicles – the brakes. Many feel that as long as their car’s brakes stop “okay” they’ll put off any repairs. Their car’s brakes will not work as well, but they still work. This is not the right approach if saving money is your goal. Replacing brake pads is usually about $100-$130 repair, but if they are not changed when needed, your car’s rotors will get scraped by the brake calipers, which will lead to a costly $400 repair.

4. Clogged Fuel Filter

Don't skip changing the fuel filter. If you do, your car will have a tendency to stall or not even start at all. Even on a newer car where replacement is likely to be more complex, the cost to replace a fuel filter will be $200 or so. A delay in replacing your car’s fuel filter can not only lead to a car that runs poorly, but could also create dirt in your fuel injectors causing them to need replacing. The cost to replace a fuel filter can be over $500. However, should all of your engine’s fuel injectors need replacing, you’ll be spending around $1,000.

5. Transmission Fluid Leak

Transmission problems begin with the common leak of red fluid you’ll see where you usually park your car. If it's leaking, you need to fix it as soon as possible. Any transmission shop can repair the leak/s for $50-$200 depending on the type of transmission and vehicle model. Keep in mind that if you disregard the leak, your transmission can start skipping and even seize up, which means a transmission replacement --which usually cost $1,500-$2,000 and sometimes more.

6. Burned Out Lights

This may be the least expensive repair to make to a vehicle. Yet, it is overlooked all the time. For $3-$5, you can buy a replacement tail light bulb and make the repair yourself.

Not keeping your tail lights working can cost you. Broken or burnt out lights make it more difficult for the driver behind you to see your car, which can lead to a rear end collision. Second, if a police officer spots your vehicle with inoperative tail lights, you’re probably going to get a ticket. In some states, the fine for a broken tail light is $150, which makes paying for a new bulb an excellent investment.