Car trouble is never easy. However, sometimes it’s good to know that the problem you’re having isn’t unique to you.

While proper maintenance can go a long way towards keeping your car healthy, the reality is that you will need to repair things along the way. Knowing the problems you might face in advance could help you troubleshoot.

CarMD compiled data from a million repair shops based on OBD2 code readings. This is a list of the top 10 most common car repairs in America.

1. Replace Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor in your vehicle reads the levels of unburned oxygen in your exhaust. It sends this information to the car’s computer.

Your car’s computer uses this information to adjust the air to fuel ratio to increase performance.

Oxygen sensors typically need to be replaced every 50,000 miles.

2. Replace Catalytic Converter

Your car’s catalytic converter is essentially it’s emissions management system. This is an important part and is necessary to pass any state inspection.

Replacing a catalytic converter is one of the most common repairs in the country. Unfortunately it is also a very expensive repair.

However, with proper preventative maintenance your catalytic converter can last the entire lifetime of your vehicle.

3. Replace Ignition Coil

The ignition coils in your car are responsible for telling your spark plugs when to fire. They are a crucial component in the ignition system, but are prone to wearing out due to constant use.

If a bad ignition coil gets left unattended, it can cause major damage to the entire ignition system. However, a simple diagnostic test will reveal whether or not there is an ignition coil problem.

4. Tighten or Replace Fuel Cap

Sometimes, a loose or missing fuel cap can trigger a “check engine” light. In addition, a missing fuel cap can cost you as much as 0.5% of your fuel economy.

Thankfully, this is a very quick and easy fix.

5. Replace Thermostat

The thermostat in your vehicle is necessary for it to regulate the engine temperature. A bad thermostat can cause an engine to overheat very quickly.

Therefore, it is essential to replace this part immediately when there is a problem.

6. Replace Spark Plug

Spark plugs just wear out. That means they will need replacing from time to time.

Replacing a spark plug is a common DIY job. However, a faulty spark plug can reduce your car’s gas mileage. Even worse, it could melt your very expensive catalytic converter.

Letting an ASE Certified mechanic replace your spark plug will ensure that it functions properly.

7. Replace Mass Air Flow Sensor

Many people think replacing an air filter in their car is optional. However, it most certainly is not.

Failure to replace your air filters will result in a need to replace your mass air flow sensor–a far more expensive component.

Your mass air flow sensor determines how much air is going to the engine. If it isn’t functioning well, your engine performance will suffer.

8. Replace Spark Plug Wires

It is not uncommon for the wires that deliver the voltage to your spark plugs break, corrode, or otherwise get destroyed.

While small and inexpensive, their job is essential to your car functioning at all.

9. Replace Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Purge Control Valve

The EVAP system in your car collects unburned hydrocarbons that are produced inside your car’s fuel cell. It then recirculates them back into the fuel cycle. That’s a fancy way of saying it recycles your unused fuel.

This system employs a purge control valve that controls the flow of this evaporative emission. If it malfunctions, it needs to be replaced. Otherwise, your car’s fuel economy and engine efficiency will suffer.

10. Replace Evaporate Emissions (EVAP) Purging Solenoid

Another component in the EVAP system, the solenoid is an electromagnet that tells the EVAP system when to purge.

It is critical to the proper functioning of the EVAP system. If it is not replaced, it can severely impact the fuel economy and the emissions system.

StrutDaddy’s can Do it All and Do it Right

At StrutDaddy’s, there’s nothing our ASE Certified technicians can’t handle.

We don’t just fix what appears to be wrong. With StrutDaddy’s signature diagnostics, we take an in-depth look at what’s going on inside your vehicle.

Then, our experienced professionals use that information to get to the root of your car’s issue. They’ll also be able to look for anything else that might cause problems down the road.

Whether it’s preventative maintenance or repairs, our motto is and always will be “Fix it once, fix it right.” It’s the only way we know how.

Bring your car in for testing and preventative maintenance before you end up with a huge repair bill! Use our handy online service request form or call us at (336) 599-4911 to schedule an appointment.