In a report compiled by the SMMT, British motorists spend the most in the world on car maintenance and repairs. On average, a Briton spends around £3,500 on their cars every year. Although the lion’s share of that expenditure goes towards fuel, car maintenance and repairs also take up quite a bit.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common car repair in Pickering and how much they typically cost.
Wheel alignment
Wheel alignment is an essential part of a car’s periodic maintenance schedule. Misaligned wheels may result in a plethora of problems ranging from higher fuel consumption to rapid and uneven tyre wear.
The most significant problem with wheel misalignment is that it’s hard to discern for a regular motorist. The symptoms are quite generic, which is why it is crucial that you get it checked periodically at a reputable garage like Add Tyres and Exhausts. You can also let them help you with your MOT test in Pickering.
Frequency: 6 months
Cost: £30 (approx.)
Valve change
You will be surprised by the massive role that tyre valves play in the operation of a car, given its small size. It has become all the more critical with the introduction of TPMS. The TPMS sensor is typically located at the junction of the valve stem.
Damaged or leaking valves will make your car tyres deplete much faster. It may also lead to impurities and road debris getting inside the tyres. In such instances, you will be left with no option but to replace the entire unit as valves are not repairable.
Frequency: As required
Cost: <£5 for standard valves, £15-20 for TPMS compatible valves
Exhaust repair
At 26%, vehicular emissions alone top the list of contributions to air pollution. A major reason behind that is malfunctioning exhaust. The exhaust system of your car is made up of various smaller parts connected through an extensive network of pipes.
Any malfunction in any one of the various parts (exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, oxygen sensor, and muffler) may lead to severe performance and environmental consequences. A car repair in Pickering can be the only way forward if you overlook such issues when they first crop up.
Frequency: Whenever there is any visible smoke from the tailpipe or hissing sound from your car’s underbelly.
Cost: Varies according to the severity.
Wheel balancing
Wheel balance is another critical maintenance point that is often overlooked because it’s not easy to diagnose. Unbalanced wheels have an uneven mass distribution which affects the fuel economy and handling characteristics of a vehicle.
Wheel imbalance also causes uneven tread wear, which eventually leads to a reduced lifespan of the tyres.
Frequency: 6 months
Cost: £30 (approx.)
AC service
The air conditioning system is arguably the most satisfying addition to automobiles, at least from the comfort point of view. AC malfunction is relatively common, and in most instances, easily fixable with a simple re-gas procedure.
Fungus and mould formation inside the AC vents is another common phenomenon, especially after the system has been in disuse for a long time.
Frequency: Yearly
Cost: £40 (approx.)
These are some of the most common repairs that you might need for your car. Individually, they are not all that costly, but the expenses add up throughout the year. Being proactive and getting them repaired at the first hint of trouble will help you save quite a bit on your car repair in Pickering.