Car repairs are an inevitable part of a driver’s life. Own a car or a truck long enough, and something is bound to happen where your car needs care. The amount of time it takes to fix your vehicle depends on the extent of the repairs. We’ll look at some reasons why car repair is necessary and why there may be delays.
Why Do You Need A Car Repair?
Car repairs are necessary for many reasons. Collisions occur, sometimes causing immediate and catastrophic damage. Or accidents happen when a tree or other object falls on the vehicle.
However, the most common reasons for car repairs are age and worn-out pieces. Common vehicle repairs include:
Oxygen Sensor
The oxygen sensor in a vehicle reads levels of unburned oxygen in the exhaust. This information goes to the vehicle’s computer, where the car uses this data to adjust the air to fuel ratio. Adjusting the fuel ratio helps to increase vehicle performance. Oxygen sensors usually need replacement every 50,000 miles.
Catalytic Converter
The catalytic converter is a vehicle’s emissions management system. A working catalytic converter is necessary to pass state emission inspections. While an expensive repair, the catalytic converter is an essential one. With this major of a repair, how long does it take to fix a car? For a catalytic converter replacement, one to two hours.
Ignition Coil
Ignition coils in your vehicle tell spark plugs when to fire. With frequent use, the ignition coil wears out. Not fixing the ignition coil can cause damage to the entire ignition system. An ignition coil replacement might take a few days to repair.
Spark Plug Wire
Often the wires that deliver voltage to your spark plugs corrode or break. Repairing spark plug wires is crucial because, while these are small and seem insignificant, broken or corroded spark plug wires can prevent your vehicle from functioning. This is a relatively quick repair.
Mass Air Flow Sensor
A mass air flow (MAF) sensor determines how much air goes to the engine. Without the right amount of air flowing to the engine, performance suffers. It takes about an hour to replace a mass air flow sensor.
How Long Do Car Repairs Take After Collisions
Repairs needed after a collision can be devastating and extensive. Frequent car crash repairs include fixing dents, paint, bumpers, glass, etc. If the crash caused the vehicle’s body to bend, the repair professional could straighten the body of the car with hydraulics and chains for framework realignment.
For minor bumper repair, a professional will use dent removal techniques. However, a significant impact on the bumper might cause enough damage to require bumper replacement. An easy enough repair is headlight replacement, where the professional replaces the vehicle headlights.
Unfortunately, repairs after collisions can take weeks to complete. However, the car shop will usually give you regular updates and expected timelines.
Does Paint Refinishing Make Repairs Take Longer?
How your car looks is important to its value. Paint refinishing after a collision can revitalize your vehicle. However, paint refinishing may add more time to repairs depending on how much is necessary.
At Valley Collision, we understand how much your car means to you. As a professional repair shop, we pride ourselves on being efficient and knowledgeable. Our repair shop is I-CAR certified. What does this mean? For I-CAR certification, our professionals have taken courses from I-CAR, an organization that teaches such disciplines as auto physical damage appraisal, electrical and diagnostics technology, and refinishing technology.
For more information about our services and how we can help you, please contact us at Valley Collision.
