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.