Car trouble can be hard to face, especially when it catches you by surprise. We’ve all been there. We take our car to the shop for one thing, and the shop finds something completely different. Then, we receive the bad news along with the price tag that comes with that bad news. It’s understandable to feel attacked, singled out, or even like the shop is trying to take advantage of you.

Since 1982, the team at Christian Brothers Automotive has been helping car owners from all corners of the country keep up on their regularly scheduled maintenance as well as recover from other unexpected problems through reliable, trustworthy, and professional repair.

Due to our decades of experience, it’s safe to say that we’ve seen our fair share of problems and have developed knowledge of the most common repairs.

Routine Maintenance and Repairs Are Important

Whether you’re trying to understand why your vehicle isn’t driving as smoothly as it used to or why your check engine light has popped on, knowing the most common automotive repairs performed can give you some reassurance that it truly does happen to everyone. Nearly every single one of us can expect to face these four common repairs, and it will probably happen sooner than later.

Common Repair #1 - Oil Change & Filter Replacement

Your oil is used every time your car is driven and will become dirty over time. Replacing the oil and filter every six months will help your vehicle avoid damage, keep things lubricated, and ensure peak performance wherever you need to go! This is number one because it’s the most common preventive maintenance and repair there is.

Waiting too long past your windshield’s oil change sticker reminder, ignoring that yellow wrench icon on your dashboard, or until your engine begins knocking or smoking is always a bad idea. If you do, you’ll need a number of other not-so-common repairs done to your car – a truly sad day for your wallet.

Common Repair #2 - Wheel Alignment

Sometimes your car might feel like it’s tugging to one side, leaving you fighting to drive it in a straight line. If this sounds familiar, something in your car is misaligned. Lucky for you, this is a very easy fix. Bringing your car into our local auto repair shop is your best bet for a wheel alignment service.

While this may be a minor inconvenience now and something you don’t think is worth bringing your car in for, the problem will not simply go away. If left unattended, alignment problems can cause significant damage to your tires, suspension system, and other vital parts, which, again, are expensive, not-so-common repairs.

Common Repair #3 - Tire Service

It doesn’t take long for tires to get worn down or need repairs—after all, they’re the main contact to the road. Tire services, including tire rotation, patching, or replacing, are common auto shop repairs that are quick and easy to find.

To help prevent damage to your tires, ensure even wear, and promote efficient driving, tire rotation is crucial, so it's vital to know when you should be servicing your tires.

Common Repair #4 - Brake Service

Your brakes are obviously a very important part of your car. Without them, you probably wouldn’t want to drive anywhere – because you couldn’t stop! It’s possibly the highest ranking safety aspect of your car.

Having brake services performed, such as brake repair, a fluid flush, and brake pad and rotor replacement, is critical. Additionally, scheduling regular tests to double-check the performance of your car’s brake system can save you from having trouble down the road. Our vehicle maintenance experts will gladly give your car a test drive and evaluate the condition of your braking system.

Where Should I Go to Get My Car Repaired?

Now that you are aware of the most common auto repairs you’ll face, where do you go to have them done? While you may be considering dropping by your dealership, DIY, or trusting your not-so-certified neighborhood auto shop, turn to Christian Brothers Automotive instead.

Always Turn to a Professional Auto Mechanic

At Christian Brothers Automotive, our skilled technicians can service every part of your car. From everything on this list to other routine maintenance your car needs to stay safe and reliable, we can find a solution for the car issue you’re experiencing.

We offer a wide range of maintenance and repair services at hundreds of locations across the United States, coupled by our commitment to deliver honest, accurate repairs and world-class customer service, and backed by our industry leading Nice Difference® Warranty.

Need help finding your car’s problem? Locate your local auto repair shop and give them a call to schedule your courtesy vehicle inspection appointment today!

This blog was written in October 2012 and updated August 2023 to reflect current industry standards and best practices.