When You Can Wait to Repair Your Car

There is never a good time to have your vehicle be in need of a repair, but sometimes the issues seem to come at the worst possible moment. Whether you cannot afford the repair or simply do not have the time to deal with it, they are a burden. And while there are many repairs that need to be taken care of immediately, regardless of how it fits into your schedule, there are some that can be put off until a more convenient time. Here are five repairs that can wait.

1. Oil leaks. Oil leaks will eventually need to be repaired, but there are some things you can do yourself to put off that hassle. Many leaks can be temporarily fixed by tightening up the mounting bolts on a gasket. Be sure not to over-tighten though, as this can cause a larger problem. If tightening the bolts does not work, you can still delay the repair by keeping an eye on the oil level and filling up as necessary, for a period of time.

2. Body repairs. Of course, if the damage to the car causes a safety issue, then you definitely need to get it fixed immediately. However, most body damage can wait for a more convenient time.

3. Engine knocks. Like body repairs, some engine knocks do need to be fixed immediately, so before letting this go, get a proper diagnosis as to how serious the damage is. However, some engine knocks can go for a long time before needing to be fixed. Just make sure to get the engine fixed before it goes completely, which will set you back even more.

4. Damaged seats. Damaged seats are more of a cosmetic problem, and therefore, do not put your car in any danger when they go without maintenance. Replacing seats can also be expensive, so try some alternatives before paying for new ones. Seat covers will hide the damage, and are now made to be tightly form fitting. Another option would be to have the torn seat re-upholstered.

5. Paint jobs. Again, this is really more of a cosmetic issue. And, like new seats, a new paint job can be costly, so before you shell out thousands of dollars for one, try waxing your vehicle to restore the luster.