You may be wondering how long automotive repairs take. Knowing how long common repairs and maintenance take to accomplish will help you plan your day and see whether you can wait on the maintenance or if you need to find a way to drop your vehicle off and get a ride home or to work. In this blog, we will cover five common repairs and general maintenance items and how long they should take at the auto repair shop. It’s never an exact number because people work at different paces and may encounter unique situations while working on your car or truck.
Air Conditioning Repairs: 3 to 5 hours
The air conditioning compressor in a car is, without a doubt, one of the most used components of your vehicle. As your car ages, the demand for your AC compressor increases. If it is properly maintained, the AC compressor in your car should last at least 5 to 8 years. We often see vehicles that need repairs to the AC in this time span. So, how long does car AC repair take? It will take an auto technician around 3 to 5 hours to diagnose and repair an AC malfunction.
Routine Maintenance: 1 to 2 hours
Routine maintenance can include oil changes, tire rotations and balancing, engine air and cabin air filters checked and possibly replaced, and fluid top-offs, in addition to other regular checks of your brakes, windshield wipers, and tires. These automotive preventative and general maintenance tasks take between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, once started.
Changing your engine oil is the most important aspect of routine maintenance. This one regular upkeep will keep your engine running for the longest time possible. Other engine care is also essential, but not as often: air filter replacement, replacing spark plugs, etc. Always choose a quality oil for your engine when getting routine auto maintenance completed.
Installing New tires: 1 hour
In order for a tire to comply with U.S. legal safety standards, its tread depth must be at least 2/32″. You should replace your tires if they don’t meet the 2/32″ criteria or are getting close to not meeting it. If you bring your vehicle to Belton Transmission for routine maintenance, we will check your tread depth and advise you when you are close to needing a new set of tires.
How much time does it take to install tires? The installation process will take 45 to an hour if all four tires need to be changed. This will vary depending on several factors, including the tires’ quality, balance, and experience of your mechanic. It takes ten to fifteen minutes to install a single tire.
Battery replacement: 15 min to 1 hour
Battery life for cars is three to five years. It’s probably time for a battery replacement if it hasn’t been done recently. We at Belton Transmission will examine the voltage level of your battery to determine its age. A voltage of 12.6 volts or greater is indicative of a good battery. You should get a new battery if it gets any lower than this. Other signs that you may need to replace your battery include the engine not starting in cooler temperatures, jumping-starting your car’s engine to get it running, or noticing significant corrosion around the battery terminals.
Depending on where your car’s battery is located, it can take between 15 min and an hour to replace it. Some batteries are located under floor panels and, therefore, are more complicated to reach. This is why replacing this battery could take up to an hour.
Brake work: 30 min to 1 hour
One method to assess the brake pad condition of your car is to inspect them visually. They are pressed up against the metal rotors and visible between the spokes of the wheels. It could be time to have the pads evaluated or replaced if you notice they are thinner than a quarter of an inch.
There’s no need to panic if you hear a high-pitched sound as you press the brake pedal. It doesn’t mean that your brakes will fail on your way home. It’s meant to alert you to the fact that your brake pads are becoming thin and will soon need to be replaced. So, schedule a quick appointment with an auto service center near me if you hear high-pitched grating or whining sounds from your wheels.
An expert automotive technician takes 30 minutes to an hour or more to replace some vehicles’ brake pads and rotors. For someone with little to no experience who wants to tackle the job on their own, brake pad replacement could take several hours or more.
Conclusion
When you become a vehicle owner, maintaining your vehicle is crucial to ensuring road safety. It can be a lot of responsibility, but Belton Transmission & Complete Auto Care is here to help. You’ll want to follow a maintenance schedule to give your vehicle timely maintenance and servicing. Neglecting car maintenance raises the possibility of expensive repairs and mechanical breakdowns.