Today’s vehicles are extremely reliable, so it’s easy to forget that they’re carefully engineered out of thousands of moving parts, some of which are designed to wear out. Eventually, even the most dependable car will break down or require routine maintenance to prevent more serious, expensive auto repairs later on. Below are just a few of the most common reasons your car might need to go to the shop.

5 Common Auto Repairs

1. New Brake Pads

Brake pads are composed of tough carbon that wears down over time, so they need to be replaced regularly. Get them checked when you have your tires rotated, which should be about every six months. Good brake pads give you the ability to stop when you need to, avoiding potential accidents and maintaining control of your vehicle in bad weather.

2. Replacing Oxygen Sensors

The O2 sensor allows your vehicle to adjust the fuel mixture for maximum performance and efficiency. Contaminants from inside the engine or just old age can cause these sensors to fail, which will usually trigger the check engine light.

3. Changing & Flushing Engine Coolant

Over time, gunk and debris build up inside the radiator, which can block the flow of coolant through the engine. Flushing out the system removes these contaminants, helping keep the engine cool and extending the life of your entire vehicle.

4. Swapping Out Spark Plugs

The spark plug provides the spark that ignites the gas. When they start to wear out, your engine idle will sound rough, and your fuel efficiency will suffer. Fortunately, changing out the spark plugs is a fairly simple auto repair that can keep your motor running smoothly.

5. Tire Replacements

As the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the ground, it’s critical to keep your tires in good shape. If the tread is worn down or the tire has been damaged, you will have less traction, which is especially dangerous in inclement weather. You can test tread depth with a penny. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head after inserting the penny upside down into the tire tread, you need a replacement.

If you drive an imported vehicle, you can depend on Bennett Motor Werks, LLC to keep your car running perfectly. They’ve been serving Litchfield, CT, drivers for over 30 years, offering everything from routine maintenance to major auto repairs on Audis®, Volkswagens®, Porsches®, and almost any other imported vehicle. Visit their website for a closer look at their services, or call (860) 567-9290 to make an appointment today.