Regular service and maintenance are important to ensure that your vehicle is running smoothly at all times. Car troubles are common. One of the factors affecting how vehicles perform is due to wear and tear. Shakes, noises, faulty air-con, and bumps are just a few of the common problems car owners face.
And like people, our vehicles also need some health check ups and extra care to have them back on track. If you do not have car insurance, you might end up spending a lot of money to fix common problems. Taking precautions and identifying these common car problems will help you reduce expensive repairs and the possibility of a breakdown.
Uneven or worn tires
While it may not be obvious if your car has uneven or worn tires, it can be dangerous as they will have a loose grip on the road. Have a quick check for this problem. Inspect each tire and take note of any bald spots on the inside or outside of the tires. Check if there are any dents and dips in the tire tread.
To fix it, rotate and re-align the wheels regularly. A good rule of thumb is to rotate them every time an oil change is done. You may also check with the manufacturer regarding specific timeframes. It is also equally important to check for alignment and balance when you have the tires rotated.
Dead starter
There are times when you have problems starting the engine – either the car will take a long time to start or worse, will not start at all. This problem is normally caused by two things: a dead battery or a starter failure. Listen carefully to the sounds your car makes when you turn the key in the ignition. If the vehicle is completely silent, then it’s an issue with the battery terminal cable connections. If it is just a click, it could be a dead starter. Does your car crank over but will not start? If so, it could be the fuel supply or the spark plugs.
If you are on the road, try to jumpstart the car and then do a thorough check when you have arrived safely home. Also, it is advisable to do a periodic check on the starter motor’s main components. Check if there is anything that needs to be fixed or replaced.
Spark plugs
Normally a dead starter means a problem with the spark plug. Wear and tear will cause the spark plugs to fail over time. If you are having problems with the spark plugs, your car may run slower than usual and consume more fuel. Spark plug replacement should be done every 5-10 months and tune-ups every other 6 months.
Oil leaks
If you notice dark stains on the parking slot or in the driveway, it is an indicator that the oil is leaking. It could just be a small problem at the start but can become uncontrollable if not fixed immediately. Check if the oil filter is working well, or if there is a plug missing or misaligned.
Battery failure
Another reason why a car won’t start is a dead battery. This happens when the power is drained or if the battery is old. Ideally, batteries are meant to last between 3-5 years. Sometimes it could also be just faulty connectors. If that is the case, tighten and hook them back up again. The most suitable way to prevent this issue is to mark the battery with the date of purchase and get a new one before it expires.
Air-conditioner not functioning
If you notice that your air-con will switch on but will only blow room-temperature air instead of cool air, then it could mean that the refrigerant is empty. There could be a leak in the system and it needs to be fixed before the refrigerant is refilled.
Radiator leak
If you notice that your car is leaving traces of coolant on the driveway and the air-conditioning system starts to fail, then it could indicate a possible radiator leak. If the problem continues, it can lead to overheating and will leave you stranded in the middle of the road. Check the connectors and ensure that they are still in place. If there is damage, replace it as soon as possible.
Overheating
There are different factors that can cause the engine to overheat. One of which is that your car probably requires more coolant. But remember that leaking coolant could also mean bigger problems like faulty hoses. So always check for any underlying issues before simply filling up the coolant.
Faulty radiator fan
Another reason why your car overheats could be because of a faulty radiator fan. Check the fan thermostat and fan motor connection to know if this needs to be replaced or fixed.
Brakes grinding or squeaking
Brakes are important for safe stopping. However, they are also subject to wear and tear. If there are issues with the brakes, such as squeaking, grinding, or a soft brake pedal, visit a mechanic immediately.
Car troubles will happen even if you constantly stay on top of support services, such as tire rotations or oil changes. Also, remember that different car models or driving styles may make your car more prone to various problems and issues. Check out Carfect to identify other common car problems and how to fix them.
