Are you curious as to what the most common car repairs are in the US? You can take comfort in knowing that it’s not just your vehicle that has experienced a particular problem, as many people can attest to having gone through the same thing.

Regular car maintenance goes beyond washing the exterior and making sure the water is topped up and the tires have air. The moment you notice anything wrong with your vehicle and the way it drives, you should immediately take it to a mechanic or car service company so they can diagnose and fix the problem.

Here are the top 10 most common car repairs according to mechanics (in no particular order):

1. Thermostat Replacement

Your car’s thermostat is mainly responsible for keeping the engine’s temperature in check. If it’s not working as it should, then your engine, which is one of the most important parts of a vehicle, will overheat and grind to a halt. If this occurs, you may need a complete engine repair. You probably won’t know that your thermostat is malfunctioning until you experience an overheated engine. Replacing it is the only option to get your car in running condition again.

2. Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment eventually wears out, sooner if you often drive on rough roads and don’t slow down at humps and potholes. However, it can happen even if you drive slowly and safely. Your vehicle’s shock absorbers and connected suspension parts can go out of whack, which equals a bumpy ride. When this happens then it’s time to take in your car for service.

3. Spark Plug and Wires Replacement

Spark plugs and their associated wires get frayed and damaged over time. The wires that deliver the voltage to start your car eventually corrode or break, and spark plugs themselves are quite notorious for conking out at inopportune times. The good news is that spark plug wire replacements are not that expensive and you can probably replace your spark plug with a bit of DIY work. However, you should let a certified mechanic or service company take care of the matter so you can enjoy peace of mind.

4. Battery Replacement

Remember that a car battery is a consumable commodity, which means you’ll have to replace it with a new one eventually. Even if you start your car regularly and drive sufficient distances, there will come a time when you have to say goodbye. If you turn the key in your car's ignition but nothing happens other than a clicking noise, you likely need a new battery.

5. Catalytic Converter Replacement

This piece of hardware is responsible for handling your vehicle’s emissions system. Maintaining it can mean the difference between passing or failing a state inspection. While this repair may sound very alien to non-gearheads, it’s actually a common repair in the US. The good news is that you may not have to experience a catalytic converter replacement with proper maintenance.

6. Fuel Cap Replacement

Sometimes the solution to a “check engine” light is as simple as tightening your car’s fuel cap or replacing it outright. It’s a relatively easy fix and one that you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on.

7. Oxygen Sensor Replacement

Oxygen sensors wear out over time and typically need to be switched once you hit the 50K mile mark. In layman’s terms, an oxygen sensor checks unburned oxygen levels in your car’s exhaust system and sends that to the computer. Your computer, in turn, adjusts its air-to-fuel ratio accordingly so you can drive without loss of power.

8. Fluid Top-Up

Fluid top-ups are among the most common vehicle repairs, mostly because they run out at some point. Topping off your brake fluid, coolant, and steering fluid is important if you want your car to operate smoothly on a daily basis. Wiper fluid top-ups may be included in this category too. It is always good to follow your specific vehicle's car maintenance schedule to ensure all services are up-to-date.

9. Evaporative Emissions Purge Solenoid and Control Valve Replacement

Your car’s EVAP system does a hero’s work in recycling unused fuel. When these components are malfunctioning, then you can expect issues with your car’s exhaust system as well as the vehicle’s fuel economy. Replacing the purging solenoid or the purge control valve will make your engine run better, and you’ll save more on gas as well.

10. Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement

The myth that you won’t ever need to replace your air filters will lead to a bigger problem — having to replace your mass air flow sensor. Unfortunately, this will be an expensive lesson that you’ll hopefully won’t repeat. This component stands as the air control to your engine, and if it doesn’t work then your engine will feel sluggish and underperform.

Get Your Vehicle Inspected at America’s Service Station of Alpharetta!

These are the 10 most common car repairs vehicle owners might have to deal with in their lifetimes. However, most of them can be prevented with regular checkups and by observing the proper maintenance. Don’t hesitate to contact us or bring in your vehicle for a professional inspection if you feel that something’s wrong.

FAQs

What is the most difficult thing to fix on a car?

Replacing the engine stands as the most challenging and difficult endeavor in any car repair or service. It’s not as simple as buying and dropping in the new component, though. Most of the time, mechanics need to check and replace connecting parts that experience wear and tear, such as the transmission. The labor needed to reconstruct all the parts of the engine in the correct places makes an engine replacement one of the most difficult jobs.

What car repairs take the longest?

The distinction goes to the powertrain and transmission. Rebuilding an engine ranks as a close second (or third), as is getting a complete paint respray.

What are the most expensive car repairs?

The top 5 most expensive car repairs are the following:

• Head gasket, which costs anywhere between $1,500 to $2,000
• Camshaft, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000
• Suspension, which can cost you anywhere between $2,500 to $3,500
• Transmissions that can cost upwards of $4,000
• A critical engine or cylinder failure, which costs $7,000 minimum