What are the effects after a major car repair?
3 Answers
For older vehicles that have run over 150,000 kilometers, major repairs are a possibility. A major car repair mainly refers to an engine overhaul, which involves extensive disassembly of the engine for maintenance. The engine determines a significant portion of the car's performance, and its precision requirements are quite stringent. If the repair process disrupts the engine's precision alignment, a series of issues can naturally arise. Here is additional information: Severe oil burning due to wear and tear will definitely affect normal driving and lead to a vicious cycle of worsening engine carbon buildup. Oil burning is primarily caused by aging valve stem seals and engine wear, such as piston ring wear, cylinder liner wear, and piston wear, which result in poor sealing. In such cases, a major repair is necessary.
After last year's major overhaul, my car really feels like a brand-new one—the acceleration is noticeably stronger, and fuel consumption has returned to normal levels. It's an absolute joy to drive. However, I must remind you that a major overhaul isn't a cure-all—especially if the engine disassembly and reassembly aren't done properly. During the break-in period for new parts, you might encounter various minor issues like slight abnormal noises or oil seepage, which are quite common. I once had the oil warning light come on just a month later, which gave me a scare, and I had to rush back to the shop for a redo. The quality of the repair shop's work is crucial—don't cut corners by choosing a small workshop to save money, or you'll be dealing with endless headaches later. Also, a major overhaul costs tens of thousands, and it definitely depreciates the car's resale value. Buyers tend to haggle aggressively once they hear the engine has been worked on. After driving it for over half a year now, I've learned my lesson—I regularly check the oil lines and wiring to prevent secondary failures. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. As long as you ensure the repair quality, the car can easily run for several more years without issues.
After years of serving as a family car, my old vehicle underwent significant changes following a major overhaul. The engine noise quieted down, and my kids in the back seat said it felt much more comfortable. However, there are negative aspects to be mindful of, such as reduced reliability—before long highway trips, I always feel uneasy and check the oil level and belt condition, fearing a breakdown midway. The new parts replaced during the repair require a break-in period; avoid stomping on the accelerator within the first 500 kilometers, or else the parts will wear out faster, necessitating shorter maintenance intervals. The cost wasn’t cheap, but if you want to save money, you have to accept some risks. I recommend testing the car’s condition more on urban roads after a major repair and addressing any issues early by returning to the 4S shop for checks. My car has been running stably for over a year since the repair, but psychologically, there’s still a bit of lingering concern. I’ve become more meticulous with regular maintenance—safety first, after all.