How Long Can I Put Off Repairs For?

Continuing to drive when your car needs repairs will only exacerbate the damage. Exactly how long can you continue to drive until your car completely croaks? Learn how long your car can operate between trips to our Mazda repair shop.

Oil Change and Engine Repairs

Most modern vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. If you ignore the intervals outlined in your user manual, the oil will become stale and greatly erode vehicle performance. If you continuously skip oil changes, this could damage your engine and lead to costly repairs. Signs you may have engine damage include:

• Knocking sounds
• Burning oil smell
• Illuminated engine light

If you are experiencing any of these signs, we recommend bringing your car to our repair shop immediately. The longer you put off engine repairs, the more damaged your engine will become, which increases the likelihood of your car breaking down.

Brakes

For the safety of you and your passengers, you should never put off brake repairs, because a faulty system could lead to a serious accident. Signs that you need brake repair include:

• Illuminated brake light
• Grinding or screeching noises when you brake
• Vibrating steering wheel when you brake
• Burning smells with a chemical odor

Additionally, brake pads should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. It’s very risky to go for any length of time without replacing the pads when recommended by a technician. Worn brake pads decrease brake responsiveness, thereby increasing total stopping distance. This can be dangerous if you need to come to a sudden stop in an emergency.

Schedule your next repairs or routine maintenance at Superior Mazda. If your repair requires replacement Mazda parts, you can get what you need on our website using our simple online order form!