Automotive: Top 5 Common Car Problems and What to Do About Them
The car is your second most prized possession and as such you must take proper care of it in order to keep it fully functioning at all times. The best way to do so is to perform routine service and maintenance to ensure it stays in the best condition.
Unfortunately, even with regular maintenance, car issues can still arise. If left unchecked or untreated, these issues can easily turn into bigger problems that may require costly repairs.
An effective way of staying on top of your vehicle is to watch out for warning signs and noises which can be a real indication that something is wrong with your car. And, if you know your way around cars, you may even be able to do the repairs yourself. If not, you will have to go to the nearest auto repair shop for a quick fix-up.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn about the most common car problems and what you can do about them.
The engine won’t start
Like every other car part, the engine can also experience some issues, one being its inability to start. Some reasons for this include a discharged battery, starter problems, or a broken ignition switch.
If the problem is the battery, all you have to do is get a jumper cable and try jump-starting the vehicle. However, for more complicated engine issues, you will need to visit a mechanic. Search for a local auto repair shop near you that offers excellent services for the best rate.
For instance, if you live in Edmonton, Alberta, shop around for the best auto body Edmonton-based repair services where you can fix your engine fast and for a good price.
Car pulling on one side
If you notice that your car is throwing itself to the guardrail and you have to put in extra effort to keep your vehicle going in a straight line, then the problem is alignment. This means all four wheels aren’t pointing in a linear manner, causing them to stay off their usual angle with the road when moving.
Although this is not a terrible car issue, it still needs to be fixed properly. To do so, you need to get your car’s alignment done using a computer-aided system to align your car tires back in no time. Most car experts recommend doing this practice after 6,000-8,000 km to avoid any major tire issues.
Brake issues
The car brakes are one of the most important parts of the vehicle which must be in excellent working condition at all times. Unfortunately, they are often the source of various unnerving sounds and usually indicate that maintenance is required. Some common sounds, smells, and sensations you should be on the lookout for include:
- Screeching, grinding, squealing, and rubbing noises;
- Vibration in the pedal or your steering wheel;
- Pressing down farther to complete braking functions;
- Pungent burning smell near your tires;
- Brake warning light.
For example, any of the ear-drum piercing noises are common indicators that your brake pads and shows require an inspection which you must attend to immediately to avoid expensive repairs later on.
Exhaust system problems
Exhaust system problems such as a worn-out oxygen sensor or a catalytic converter, also require immediate inspection and repair. For instance, the oxygen sensor, whose job is to detect oxygen levels in your car’s exhaust, usually gets worn out in older vehicles and needs to be repaired as soon as possible before it becomes a serious expense.
Also, watch out for any unusual smoke coming out of your car’s tailpipe as different colors of smoke indicate different problems.
- White or gray smoke means the coolant is being combusted along with the fuel and there is a leakage somewhere in the engine block.
- Black smoke means that excessive fuel is being burnt in the combustion chambers as a result of a leak in the fuel injector.
For any exhaust system problems your car experiences, pay a visit to your mechanic for a quick and proper fix-up.
Photo by Malte Luk from Pexels
Final thoughts
No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, issues can still arise and you need to attend to them immediately. While some of these problems are minor and can be easily fixed, others may require the expertise of a professional mechanic to repair them properly.
However, it is still important to be able to recognize the most common car problems and know what you can do about them. For more information, refer to our post and learn when is the right time to call a mechanic to repair your vehicle.