Auto repair is an inevitable part of being a car owner. As automobiles are complex machines, there are a variety of different things that can become damaged, age or malfunction over time, and some problems are more prevalent than others. Of course, it's crucial to have scheduled maintenance done on a regular basis to avoid many of these issues. Still, some repairs will be unavoidable in the long run, depending on what vehicle you drive and how you take care of it. AutoMD.com recently released a list of the Top 10 Auto Repair Jobs for 2013, and its report revealed that standard wear and tear jobs were the most common. The list also draws attention to the main problems that car owners will want to avoid in 2014.
Cyclical jobs
Unsurprisingly, brake pads replacement came in at No. 1 on AutoMD.com's list. This brake service is something that all car owners will face at some point, even if the brakes are well-maintained, as the pads do wear down over time. Alternator replacement came in at No. 2, followed by water pump replacement and timing belt replacement. Spark plugs wear out about every 10,000 miles, and they're crucial to engine power and gas mileage. So it's no surprise that spark plugs replacement slid into the fifth slot. Fuel pump replacement and brake rotor replacement came in at No. 6 and No. 7, respectively, followed by radiator replacement at No. 8. Finishing off the list were engine mount replacement and catalytic converter replacement in ninth and 10th place.
Alternate issues
Interestingly, Autos.com drew up a slightly different list of the most common auto repairs. While the source also put brake work at No. 1, Autos.com chose oil change for the second most completed repair. The news outlet noted that oil changes are critical for extending the life of the car engine and also boosting the vehicle's resell value. Next, Autos.com cited coolant system repairs and tire patches or replacements as fairly common issues. Ignition system repairs came in at No. 5, including battery and starter replacements. The news outlet named electrical system problems like blown lamp bulbs and fuses as the next most typical problems. Fuel system repairs came in at No. 7, followed by transmission repairs and exhaust system repairs. Autos.com was adamant that each of these are complicated processes that should be completed only by specialists. Air conditioning system repairs took the final spot, which the source also advised should be done by professionals.