No one likes the feeling of pulling into a shop after an unexpected breakdown. Car repairs can throw off your schedule, put a dent in your wallet, and—most importantly—jeopardize your safety if left unaddressed. But here’s the good news: most common car repairs can actually be prevented with regular maintenance and a little proactive care.
At Burt Brothers, we’ve been helping Utah drivers keep their vehicles safe and reliable for decades. From quick oil changes to major repairs, our team has seen it all—and we know which problems show up most often. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 10 most common car repairs and give you practical tips on how to prevent them so you can spend less time in the shop and more time on the road.
1. Brake Pad Replacement
Symptoms: Squeaking or grinding noises, longer stopping distances, or a brake pedal that feels “spongy.”
Causes: Aggressive braking, worn rotors, or simply mileage and wear over time.
Prevention:
Your brakes are one of the most critical safety systems on your car. To keep them in good shape, schedule regular brake inspections—at least once a year. Smooth driving habits, like coasting before stopping instead of slamming on the brakes, can also extend brake pad life. At Burt Brothers, our ASE-certified technicians can check your brakes during routine service to catch issues before they become costly repairs.
2. Battery Failure
Symptoms: Slow starts, dim headlights, dashboard warning lights, or complete failure to crank.
Causes: Extreme hot or cold temperatures, battery age, or parasitic drains from electronics.
Prevention:
Most car batteries last 3–5 years, but harsh Utah winters and hot summers can shorten their lifespan. Keep terminals clean, schedule routine voltage checks, and don’t ignore sluggish starts. If your battery is near the end of its life, replace it before it leaves you stranded. Burt Brothers offers free battery checks, so you can always know where you stand.
3. Engine Overheating
Symptoms: Rising temperature gauge, steam from under the hood, or visible coolant leaks.
Causes: Low coolant levels, faulty thermostats, broken water pumps, or radiator issues.
Prevention:
Check coolant levels regularly and top off as needed. Seasonal coolant flushes keep your system clean and efficient, preventing rust buildup and clogs. If your engine temperature starts climbing, don’t ignore it—pull over safely and get your car inspected right away. Burt Brothers can handle everything from coolant flushes to radiator replacements to keep your engine running cool.
4. Transmission Problems
Symptoms: Slipping gears, delayed shifting, strange noises when changing gears, or leaking red transmission fluid.
Causes: Low fluid levels, overheating, or general wear and tear.
Prevention:
Transmission repairs can be expensive, but you can avoid major problems with simple maintenance. Check fluid levels regularly and follow manufacturer guidelines for transmission fluid changes. Avoid towing loads that exceed your vehicle’s rating.
5. Tire Wear and Alignment Issues
Symptoms: Uneven tread wear, vibrations while driving, or your car pulling to one side.
Causes: Poor alignment, underinflated tires, worn suspension components.
Prevention:
Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road—so take care of them. Rotate your tires every 5,000–6,000 miles, check air pressure monthly, and schedule alignments if you notice pulling or uneven wear. Burt Brothers specializes in tires and offers free tire inspections, so you can catch problems early and maximize tread life.
6. Oil Leaks
Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning smells, or low oil levels on the dipstick.
Causes: Worn gaskets, damaged seals, or loose drain plugs.
Prevention:
Regular oil changes are key. During a routine oil change, technicians can also spot small leaks before they become major issues. At Burt Brothers, we not only replace your oil and filter, but we also check for signs of leaks, so you don’t end up with low oil levels or costly engine damage.
7. Check Engine Light
Symptoms: A glowing dashboard light that ranges from steady to flashing, often with reduced performance.
Causes: Faulty sensors, engine misfires, emissions issues, or loose gas caps.
Prevention:
The check engine light can feel vague, but it’s your car’s way of saying “something’s not right.” Get diagnostics done as soon as it comes on. Routine tune-ups—spark plugs, filters, and fuel system cleaning—help prevent many causes of check engine warnings.
8. Suspension Repairs
Symptoms: A bouncy or rough ride, clunking noises over bumps, or poor handling.
Causes: Worn shocks, struts, or bushings, often from rough roads or hitting potholes.
Prevention:
Avoid potholes and rough terrain when possible, and have your suspension inspected during tire rotations. Good suspension not only makes your ride comfortable but also protects your tires and improves safety. Burt Brothers can inspect shocks, struts, and other components to ensure everything is working smoothly.
9. Alternator Failure
Symptoms: Dim headlights, dead battery, stalling, or unusual electrical issues.
Causes: Worn bearings, faulty voltage regulators, or broken drive belts.
Prevention:
Your alternator charges your battery and powers electrical systems. Keep an eye on belt condition and schedule inspections if you notice flickering lights or battery drain. At Burt Brothers, we test your alternator and electrical system to make sure your car stays powered up and reliable.
10. Exhaust System Repairs
Symptoms: Loud engine noise, reduced fuel efficiency, rattling under the car, or fumes inside the cabin.
Causes: Rust, leaks, or damaged mufflers and catalytic converters.
Prevention:
Utah’s winter road salt can accelerate rust, making exhaust issues common. Have your undercarriage inspected regularly, especially in older vehicles. Avoid frequent short trips in cold weather, which can trap moisture in the exhaust system. Burt Brothers’ technicians can spot early signs of corrosion and fix problems before they affect performance or safety.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Repairs with Smart Maintenance
Car repairs don’t have to catch you off guard. By understanding the 10 most common vehicle issues—from brakes and batteries to suspension and exhaust—you can take small, proactive steps that make a big difference in your car’s reliability and safety.
At Burt Brothers, we believe maintenance should be easy, convenient, and trustworthy. That’s why our team is here to help you with regular inspections, preventive maintenance, and expert repairs across all our Utah locations.
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a big repair bill. Schedule your next vehicle inspection with Burt Brothers today and keep your car running like new.
