Mid-County Chrysler Dodge Jeep

Auto Repairs You Can Actually Wait On

I was in a mechanical repair shop the other day and I saw a sign on the wall that said there were three types of repair-Red Light, Yellow Light and Green Light. Red light repairs mean they have to happen right now otherwise your car will break down and/or become unsafe. Yellow light repairs can wait 3-4 months and green light repairs can go on the back burner for eight months to a full year before they will require your attention.

At Mid-County Chrysler Dodge Jeep, safety is always at the very top of our list and keeping your vehicle in good working order is our priority for all of our customers in Port Arthur, TX. That is why we always tell people that scheduled maintenance and periodic checks are the best way to prevent costly repairs down the road.

But even with regular maintenance and frequent checks, there are times when something will go awry with any vehicle. So, when this happens, two things normally come to mind: How bad is the problem and how much it’s going to set you back financially to fix it? While having a safe car is of course a priority, there are a few repairs that don’t require immediate attention and here is our list of the basic five:

Hoses

Hoses and belts will deteriorate over time, due to age, weather and basic normal wear and tear. While a split, crack, hole or tear needs to be repaired pronto, the visible signs of dryness and/or the potential for severe cracking are signs that these items will need to be replaced in the near future, but not immediately.  

Tires

In many cases, a tire will lose air due to a small puncture. Getting the tire patched promptly is an easy way to steer clear of the cost of a new replacement tire, especially if it is in question. But make sure it  still has a lot of useful tread, because if so, that repair can also wait.

Horn

Since your horn is your way of alerting other drivers or pedestrians, if it's inoperable, it’s in your best interests to have it repaired the first chance you can. But the fact that it isn’t working does not affect the functionality of the car’s inner workings, so it too can wait

Air Conditioner

Everyone wants to ride in complete comfort, but should your air conditioning unit fail, you can hold off on those repairs until the summer comes around.

Heater

A heating system failure is on the same level as your air conditioner, and another type of repair that you can wait on.

Always be diligent about your car's maintenance and repair and you will be safe on the roads and highways of this great country. Schedule repairs and stick to your plan and your car will serve you well year-round!

Sources: AAA, Parts & People and MSN