Your vehicle is one of the most valuable assets you own, and yet many car owners unknowingly shorten its life with avoidable mistakes. At Bret’s Auto Repair in Lynnwood, we regularly see damage that could have been prevented with simple care.
Here are the 7 most common mistakes that wear down your vehicle faster than necessary and what to do instead.
1. Ignoring Warning Lights
That little check engine light isn’t just a suggestion, it’s your car’s way of saying, “Help me!”
Delaying diagnostics can turn a $100 fix into a $1,000 repair.
Do this instead:
Visit a certified shop (like Bret’s!) for a quick code scan as soon as a light appears.
2. Skipping Oil Changes
Old oil turns to sludge. And sludge suffocates your engine.
Quick Tip:
Stick to your manufacturer’s oil change schedule (typically every 5,000–7,500 miles) and use high-quality oil suited for your vehicle.
3. Neglecting Tire Pressure & Rotation
Driving with low tire pressure or worn tread strains your suspension and reduces gas mileage.
Avoid this by:
- Checking tire pressure monthly
- Rotating tires every 5,000–7,000 miles
- Replacing tires before they go bald
4. Driving With Low or Dirty Fluids
Transmission, brake, coolant, power steering, differential; all of these fluids need to stay clean and topped off. Dirty or low fluid = long-term damage.
Pro tip:
Have your fluids checked during routine maintenance, especially before summer and winter driving.
5. Overloading Your Vehicle
Towing more than your vehicle can handle or hauling excessive weight wears out the brakes, transmission, and suspension fast.
If you tow regularly:
Ask us about installing a transmission cooler or load-rated tires for better protection.
6. Postponing Small Repairs
A squealing belt or small oil leak might not seem urgent, until it fails completely and strands you on the freeway.
Rule of thumb:
Small problems grow bigger. Early repairs save time, money, and headaches.
7. Using the Wrong Fuel or Oil
Using lower-octane gas or off-spec oil to save a few bucks? Your engine pays the price.
Check your owner’s manual or ask our techs what fuel and oil grades are best for your make and model.
Let Bret’s Auto Repair Help You Avoid These Mistakes
At Bret’s, we believe preventive care is smarter than reactive repair. We’ll inspect, inform, and prioritize what your car really needs without the upsell.
Serving Lynnwood and surrounding areas with trusted, honest automotive care.