Auto Talk

Avoid the top four auto-repair expenses

Auto talk

Research by AAA Colorado has identified four vehicle repairs as being the most costly. The good news is that each of these major problems can be easily avoided by simple, routine maintenance.

1. Engine replacement:
$2,800 to $6,000+

Most engines have a life expectancy of more than 200,000 miles. Engine failure before that time can usually be blamed on one thing—infrequent maintenance. The most common causes of total failure are running low on oil or a dirty oil filter.

How to avoid it: Follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. Proper servicing includes regular oil and filter changes, cooling system flush and air filter replacement. A clean air filter will also help improve the vehicle's gas mileage.

2. Automatic transmission rebuild:
$2,000 to $5,000

Transmission failure is most commonly caused by dirty or burnt automatic transmission fluid (ATF). ATF lubricates and cools the transmission's internal components. During normal use, metallic and fibrous material is deposited into the fluid. Over time, this diminishes the fluid's ability to lubricate and control heat. How to avoid it: Again, follow the manufacturer's recommendations found in your owner's manual under the heading for Transmission Service. Have the ATF and filter replaced regularly to prevent foreign materials being released into the transmission by a clogged filter. The fluid itself should be clear and red in color.

3. Cylinder head or head gasket replacement:
$250 to $4,000

Driving your vehicle while it is overheating is the most common reason for an expensive engine cylinder head or cylinder head gasket replacement. Vehicle overheating is usually caused by a poorly performing radiator, leaky water pump or hose, broken belt or a cooling fan not operating properly. How to avoid it: The cooling system should be flushed every 24 months or approximately every 30,000 miles. Belts and hoses should be inspected as part of every oil change. If the vehicle begins to overheat (indicated by the temperature gauge/light, or by steam coming out from under the hood), stop driving immediately. The overheating problem may be small at the onset, but if you continue driving, the damage is likely to become serious.

4. Brake problems:
$250 to $1,500

Problems with the brake system can easily escalate from minor to major. Brakes are made to wear out. If they're not replaced when necessary, damage can result to other components that are not made to wear out. Often vehicle owners wait too long and a simple brake pad or shoe replacement can turn into a costly repair. How to avoid it: At the first sign of noise from your brakes, have them checked at a reputable repair shop. Many manufacturers design their brakes with tabs that make a noise when the pads are worn, alerting the driver that it's time to have them replaced.

Servicing your vehicle before severe winter weather starts can potentially help avoid a breakdown and costly repairs. This year in Colorado, summer was unusually hot, and heat can be more damaging to vehicles than winter weather. A maintenance inspection now can identify problems caused by last summer's heat while also getting your vehicle prepared for the cold.