Don’t Wait – 5 Repairs That Can Cost More Later

We’ve all done it.  We hear an unusual noise coming from our vehicle and we choose to ignore it, hoping that it will right itself.  Does that ever happen?  Some small noises can be indicators that a part of our vehicle needs to be serviced or replaced.

You know the saying bad things come in threes?  Well, the same kind of logic can apply to vehicle parts.  All parts on a vehicle are connected in some way, and depending on the specific part, an issue with one can cause issues with others.

So how do you know if the noise you’re hearing is a small issue for now, but can become a large pricey repair if you wait too long to fix it?

Here is our handy list of 5 repairs that can cost more later on if you wait:

1. Squeaking/Squealing Brakes – Depending on a few environmental factors, squeaking brakes can mean a few things. If your brakes are squeaking first thing in the morning, especially after rain, snow, or frost, but then the noise goes away after a few braking applications, it’s likely just the pads taking the thin coating of rust off your rotors.  This is normal and actually good for the health of your brakes. However, if your brakes are squeaking all day with every application, or the squealing is especially loud, it’s a good idea to have them checked out.  Did you know that an issue with warn out pads can transfer to your rotors, and actually wear your rotors down faster too?
2. Vibrating/Pulsing Brakes – On the other hand, if you feel your vehicle vibrating/pulsing when you apply the brakes, this is an indication that the rotors are beginning to warp.  In this case it’s a good idea to have them checked out as this could lead to a braking safety concern.
3. Battery/Charging Light – If your battery/charging light comes on intermittently, it could indicate a problem with the alternator’s ability to charge the battery. This is important to have checked right away because if the alternator dies while you’re driving, the battery will soon follow.  You could be stranded while also adding a towing charge to your bill.
4. Low Coolant Level – Please don’t ignore the low coolant light. An engine that is low on coolant is at a much greater risk of overheating.  This can severely damage the engine.  Topping off the engine coolant is easy and inexpensive.  Keep in mind when the last time you had this service done was.  If it was recent and the coolant is low, you may have a leak.
5. Timing Belt – You can check your Owner’s Manual for the recommended interval of replacement for your belts. Having it replaced can be labour intensive, and therefore costly, but not so much as the belt breaking while you’re driving.  For one thing, you’ll be stranded and have added towing costs, and on some engines, a broken timing belt can cause sometimes severe engine damage.  Keep an ear out for squeaking belts as this is a sign they are starting to wear and crack.

It’s always a good idea to do a regular inspection of your vehicle, even just a walk-around while you’re parked in your driveway.  Remember that these are machines and as such require regular maintenance to keep them safe and performing their best.

Summer is a great time to have a Vehicle Maintenance Inspection to your Seasonal Tire Change or next Lube, Oil, Filter service.  It’s better to be proactive than reactive, especially when it could mean a smaller repair bill.

Hearing a noise?  Ask our front desk  service advisor’s about it, we’re here to help.

As always, we welcome your feedback.  Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter or by leaving a comment below.  You can also email us if you have any questions or book an appointment online.  Also, check out our YouTube Channel for all of these Talk Shop videos and more from Season 1 and Season 2 of our Roger’s Original Series DRIVE!

Enjoy your drive and stay safe this summer!

Vic Simone