It shouldn’t be much of a surprise to anyone that as we still struggle through post pandemic inflation that more and more drivers are ignoring routine but essential vehicle maintenance habits. Fixing a car is an expensive proposition today, with the typical garage visit running between $50 and $180 per hour — plus whatever you need for parts.
You don’t have to look too far on Island roads to see the same issues. Burned out headlights, faulty tail lights , bald tires and loud burned out mufflers are an everyday experience on the local streets. • Check your headlights and taillights frequently. It’s easy to do a walk around at least a couple of times a month to ensure all lights are on. Having no tail lights and or brake lights is one of the most dangerous scenarios for other drivers. Lights are also among the cheapest repairs you can make.
• Replace noisy or defective brake pads as quickly as possible. Brake jobs are expensive — full stop. But whatever the cost, the cost of not being able to stop quickly or properly will be way worse. Don’t mess around with brake problems.