How Long Can You Delay Repair Service?07.20.2022 | Okan Sengullu

At Bucaro Brothers we know that for a lot of folks right now, money is a bit tight, and for some, making ends meet might involve putting off needed vehicle repairs. True, doing that may save a few dollars in the short run, but in the long run, delaying needed repair work on your car can potentially cost you a lot of money.

So, how long can you delay repair service? Our answer, in a nutshell, is you shouldn’t delay at all. The sooner the repairs are done, the better off you’re going to be.

Reasons not to delay repairs

Here, for example, are some of the most important reasons why you should not put off getting needed auto body and repair work done by your favorite repair shop.

• Putting off needed repairs is a type of “false economy.” As we said, by delaying the work, you may be saving a little money right now, but down the road, as the mechanical situation gets worse, it’s probably going to cost a lot more money to get it fixed.
• Maintaining your vehicle in good running order is one of the best ways to extend its life and get the maximum service in return for your initial investment.
• Maintaining your vehicle means you’ll get more money for it if you decide to sell it or trade it in for another vehicle. Really, no one wants to buy a vehicle that’s broken down and rusted, unless they’re parts dealers who buy junk cars. So, it just makes good sense to maximize your sale or trade in value by maintaining your vehicle.

The cost of delayed repairs

In case we haven’t convinced you of the need to get your vehicle repaired in a timely manner, here are a few examples of the estimated cost of delayed repairs.

• Delayed oil change, over $3,000 – Oil is the life blood of any engine, and if you’re running your vehicle with dirty oil filled with sludge, that can damage vital engine components beyond repair. When you start replacing parts like intake manifold gaskets, cam shafts, and crank shafts, you can easily run up a tab in excess of $3,000.
• Delayed wheel alignment, over $2,000 – Failing to get your wheels aligned periodically can easily lead to high fuel costs and prematurely worn-out tires that must be replaced.
• Delayed response to Check Engine light, over $1,700 – When that light comes on, the problem may be something minor, like tightening your gas cap. But it might also be something far more serious, like a bad oxygen sensor, which if not replaced can ruin your catalytic converter and lead to a repair bill in the $2,000 range.

Bucaro Brothers at Your Service

We hope that what we’ve shared with you helps you realize that when problems start to develop with your vehicle, it’s far better to put out a little money now to fix the problem. Fixing a mechanical issue now is a lot better than delaying and shelling out a lot more money in the future.

For those much-needed maintenance and repairs, we hope that you’ll make Bucaro Brothers your first stop. We’re conveniently located in Lincoln Park, and our ASE-certified technicians can repair all makes and models, both foreign and domestic. For good measure, we also provide services including expert body work and collision repair, again no matter the make or model.

At Bucaro Brothers, we’ve been serving motorists in Chicago, IL and surrounding communities for over 35 years, and we would like the opportunity to serve you as well. So, when looking for repair centers for either mechanical repairs or body work, come see us at Bucaro Brothers Auto Care. We’ll be glad to get to know you and give you a free estimate on the cost of the work you need to have done. Come see us, we’re waiting for you!