Why Repairs Get Harder as Your Car Gets Older
As your vehicle ages, regular maintenance and repairs can start to take a little longer — and sometimes cost a little more. It’s not because technicians are taking their time; it’s because older parts don’t always cooperate like they used to. Over the years, exposure to the elements and everyday driving conditions can take a toll on even the best-maintained vehicles.
Corrosion and Rust: The Silent Culprits
One of the biggest challenges with aging vehicles is corrosion. Moisture, humidity, and oxygen cause metal components to slowly rust. Add in Utah’s winter road salt, and corrosion can happen even faster. That white crusty buildup you sometimes see on bolts or undercarriage parts? That’s oxidation — and it can make simple repairs much more difficult.
When metal parts fuse together with rust, bolts seize, brackets break, and lines can become fragile. A job that might take an hour on a newer vehicle can take several on an older one just to free up stubborn fasteners without causing more damage.
Seized Parts and Stubborn Hardware
Heat cycles, vibration, and time all work against your car’s components. Exhaust bolts, suspension parts, brake lines, and even spark plugs can become seized in place after years of expansion, contraction, and exposure. Sometimes special tools, penetrating oils, or even heat are needed just to loosen things up.
It’s not uncommon for a simple repair — like replacing a control arm or a sensor — to require additional time to safely remove rusted hardware. Technicians must take care to avoid snapping bolts or damaging threads, which could turn a small fix into a much larger repair.
The Impact of Wet Weather and Road Salt
In climates with snow and ice, road salt and de-icing agents help keep drivers safe — but they’re tough on vehicles. Salt accelerates corrosion and works its way into hidden areas like brake lines, subframes, and suspension mounts. Over time, these parts weaken, rust through, or become so fused that they can’t be separated without replacement.
Even vehicles that are washed regularly can experience corrosion underneath where it’s harder to reach. That’s why undercarriage washes and rust protection treatments can be so valuable in prolonging your vehicle’s lifespan.
Why Labor Time May Increase with Age
When you bring in an older vehicle for service, most of the time the labor itself doesn’t change — some challenges just come with the job. However, there are occasions when a repair can take longer than expected, and your service writer will always keep you informed. It’s not just about the repair being performed, but about the condition of the parts being worked on. Our team takes the time to ensure every repair is completed the right way.
Corrosion, wear, and brittle materials often mean our technicians must work slowly and carefully to avoid causing additional damage.
For example:
- Brake jobs may require freeing or replacing seized caliper pins or corroded lines.
- Suspension repairs sometimes involve cutting through rusted bolts that refuse to come loose.
- Exhaust work often includes dealing with rusted flanges or welded sections.
These extra steps take both time and skill — but they’re what ensure your repair is done safely, thoroughly, and correctly.
How to Help Your Vehicle Age Gracefully
You can’t stop time, but you can slow down its effects on your car. Here are a few ways to help reduce corrosion and future repair headaches:
- Wash regularly, especially after driving on salted roads.
- Request undercarriage washes in the winter months.
- Keep up on maintenance — fresh fluids and filters help prevent internal corrosion.
- Address small issues early before they lead to seized or damaged components.
- Consider rustproofing treatments or protective coatings if you plan to keep your vehicle long-term.
In the Hands of a Skilled Technician
Working on older vehicles takes experience, patience, and the right tools. At Dickerson Automotive, our technicians are familiar with the challenges that come with aging cars and trucks. Whether it’s a seized bolt, a rusted brake line, or a corroded sensor, we take the time to do it right — ensuring your vehicle is safe and reliable for years to come.