In today’s difficult and worrisome economy, many families and individuals have decided to hang onto their “paid for” cars and trucks – to avoid taking on the added expense of a monthly car payment.

And this means, of course, you need to take extra special care of your current vehicle if you want to get more miles out of it and save money over the long run. Today’s newer cars and trucks are built to last well in excess of 100,000 miles, with many attaining a lifespan of more than 250,000. But this doesn’t happen without routine maintenance and the replacement periodically of certain vital components. 

Knowing which of your car’s components are likely to fail, and being aware of when to replace them before they leave you stranded can save you a lot of money and heartache. 

In general, there are 4 vital engine parts that will wear out long before your engine does. They are the following:

•    Water Pump
•    Alternator
•    Starter
•    Fuel Pump

The above parts will typically fail at some point before 150,000 miles. Their bearings, brushes and rubber parts are not made to last longer than this. And it’s likely, that before your car hits 10 years or 100,000 miles, one of these four important items will fail. 

In addition to the most obvious areas of concern like your brakes, tires, etc. - other parts on your car that you should be aware of and have checked on a regular basis includes:

•    Radiator Hoses
•    Heater Hose & Bypass Hose
•    Thermostat
•    Timing Belt
•    CV Joints

Also, it’s a good idea to check your car’s fluids once a month or every 1,000 miles. Transmission cooler lines can leak as well as vital seals and gaskets. It’s smart to determine the source of any leak you discover right away. If your Oil Pressure Light goes on, be sure to shut off your engine immediately. You’ll want to add oil and contact Steve’s Auto Repair right away. Also, if your Temperature Light comes on, stop somewhere, turn the engine off and allow your car to cool off before continuing. And again, bring the car to our facility or call us as soon as you can.

And finally, you’ll want to listen for any new taps, knocks, squeals or rattles that might be a warning sign of potential trouble. If you hear, smell or sense something on your car that doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll find out what is wrong or causing the problem.