Euromaster highlights five parts that can cause breakdowns costing thousands of euros.
Windshield wipers, the oil pan plug, tire valves, spark plugs, or the temperature sensor cost less than 20 euros. If any of them break down, a quick trip to the repair shop will prevent “bigger problems.”.
Lisbon, June 15 – Euromaster, a network specializing in comprehensive vehicle maintenance, emphasizes the importance of attention and prevention, since various breakdowns can occur throughout a car’s lifespan. Some are more troublesome, others less costly, and sometimes the cause lies in a small part that costs less than 20 euros but, without proper and timely maintenance, can lead to a very serious breakdown with high repair costs. Putting off regular maintenance can also have much more serious consequences than one might think, in addition to compromising safety.
The first example is the crankshaft seal washer. Costing between 50 cents and one (1) euro, it should be replaced with every oil change. However, if this replacement is performed by an untrained individual, it can lead to a serious problem: the washer may not be tightened properly, which could cause the oil pan to crack and result in partial or total oil loss. If not corrected, the engine may suffer from lubrication problems and, in extreme cases, may need to be replaced. We must also not forget the enormous environmental damage caused by oil spilling onto the roads. These tasks should always be performed by a professional with proper training.
Maintaining your car’s engine in good condition is extremely important. Therefore, if you notice an unusual rise in engine temperature, it’s important to take your car to a repair shop immediately. In many cases, the problem may be with the water pump or radiator, and fixing these can be about 7 to 8 times cheaper than repairing the engine.
In gasoline-powered vehicles, spark plugs are a key component of preventive maintenance. The average cost is 10 to 20 euros per unit. Although a faulty spark plug does not typically cause a serious breakdown, it can often lead to a call for a tow truck, since the engine may begin to run unevenly, sometimes resulting in constant jerking. Depending on the manufacturer, replacement is recommended between 50,000 and 90,000 kilometers.
Pay close attention to tire valves as well—not only for maintenance but also for road safety. At Euromaster, they are always replaced during every tire change. Otherwise, their deterioration can lead to a loss of tire pressure, causing premature tire wear. In more serious cases, it can even cause a tire to blow out and, consequently, lead to an accident. The cost is about 2.5 euros per valve if they are conventional valves.
Finally, one “overlooked” component is the windshield wipers. In addition to being an item to check during a vehicle inspection, windshield wipers in poor condition pose an extreme risk in rainy, snowy, or dusty conditions. For as little as 15 euros, it’s essential to replace them whenever the blades are cracked or the first signs of wear are visible. Nothing is more expensive than getting into an accident.
About Euromaster
A Euromaster is the network of workshops specializing in comprehensive maintenance of vehicles throughout their useful life. Its more than 80 workshops in Portugal contribute to the road health of the vehicle fleet, both passenger cars and commercial vehicles, as well as new forms of mobility and fleets, providing a quality service and capillarity to adapt to your needs. Its services cover not only preventive maintenance, but also predictive maintenance through the analysis of data and critical points. Part of the Michelin Group, Euromaster is present in 19 European countries, with more than 2,500 workshops, 10,000 professionals and 1,600 mobile units. More information at www.euromaster.pt.