Your car is one of the most convenient and indispensable commodities in your life. Without a car, you will be left running for the bus or booking expensive Uber rides. Therefore, it is important that you take good care of your car and do not ignore any warning signs which indicate that not all is well with your car.
Here are some common problems that your car can face. If you don’t nip them in the bud, don’t be surprised if your car refuses to start or if you meet with a nasty accident on the road. So before that happens, we hope you read this guide and avoid any potential car problems down the road.
Starting Issues
Many of us are not morning people and it takes us a while to get up and running. However, your car should never suffer from this issue.
If everything is right with your car, it should start without any hesitation. If it doesn’t start when you turn the key, it means there is an issue. If it takes more than one try to start your car or it won’t keep running, then it could be a sign of a weak battery or something else.
This would require a trip to the automotive repair and services company.
Stalling
Have you ever had the misfortune of stopping at a red light and having your car suddenly stall? Sometimes your engine can also sputter out if you push on the accelerator pedal. This kind of issue can point to a more serious problem, and if your car stops in the middle of a busy intersection, it can be a recipe for disaster.
So whenever you experience difficulty in starting your car, never take it out on the road as it may betray you at any time.
Blinking Check Engine Light
If your “check engine” light is flashing, it means there is a problem with the many systems in your car and it should be fixed before you take your car out on the road. When your check engine light blinks, you may also feel like you are driving differently.
You can only diagnose this issue yourself if you are a certified mechanic so it is best to take your car to an auto repair service to get it fixed.
Smoke Issuing From the Hood
One of the first signs of a vehicle that has been neglected is if there is smoke coming out from under the hood. In some cases, you may detect a burning smell before you see the smoke. This is a sign that something in the engine or the electronics around it needs attention.
A lot of times, smoke can also be a sign of an overheated and parched radiator, so make sure you always keep an eye on the temperature gauge and keep a bottle of coolant in your car.
In a few cases, the burning of some excess oil can issue some smoke. However, the rule of thumb is that you should never see any smoke coming out of the engine.
Excessive Exhaust Smoke
Heavy exhaust smoke may be accompanied by a burning odor and is often a result of an oil leak. Sometimes, when it is cold, you may see white smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe. This is normal since this is the vapor from the moisture condensed in your exhaust system. This smoke will disappear after a while and should not be cause for concern.
However, if the smoke is black and acrid smelling, it is time to visit the mechanic.
Transmission Issues
If you are a seasoned driver, you will notice any tiny changes that your car makes when you are driving it. This can be particularly helpful if your car is suffering from transmission issues. Some signs of transmission issues include hearing funny noises and a delay in your car accelerating.
The only way to be certain about what is causing these issues is to take your car to an auto repair service.
Leaks
Leaks can be pretty easy to spot since they will be present where you park your car — and make a long trail if you have been driving your car. In the summer seasons, you may notice small clear puddles of water beneath your car because of the AC and that is no cause for concern.
However, if you notice green or black liquid dripping from your car, this could be the coolant, transmission fluid, or engine oil. If this happens, there may be a problem with your radiator or engine and you need to take your car to the auto repair service.
Bad Gas Mileage
With the fuel prices always going up and down, you may have to pay more for your fuel sometimes. That’s why it is important to keep track of how many liters of fuel your car consumes per mile.
If you detect a noticeable increase that cannot be explained away by the increase in fuel price, it means your car is losing efficiency. This can be due to many reasons, including low tire pressure, clogged air filters, or some more serious issues.
If you can’t detect the root of the problem from your home you need to call an auto service to fix it.
Strange Noises
If you are driving your car and hear unusual noises like groans, humming, creaks, pops, and squeals, it could be a problem with any one or multiple components of your car. The first thing that you should determine is the source.
For example, if you press down on your brake pedal, it should go down smoothly without making any noise. However, if you hear a squealing noise when your brakes are pressed, it may be because of wear and tear of the braking pads or rotors or changing of your brake fluid. Whatever is causing the noise needs to be replaced before you can drive your car.
Other things that can result in strange noises are broken components, low fluid level, or worn belt. If you hear these sounds, listen carefully to where they are coming from and what you are doing that causes these noises. This can be very useful in diagnosing what is wrong with your car when you take it to the auto repair service.
Jerky Shifting
Even though you don’t have to manually change gears in an automatic car, it still shifts gear when you speed up or slow down. In a perfectly functioning car, the shift will be smooth and barely noticeable. However, if you hear any clunks or grating noise, there may be an issue with the gear mechanism.
Also, check out if you experience any problems when reversing your car. Your vehicle’s gears rely on transmission fluids, screens, and filters to operate with maximum efficiency. If you don’t keep them maintained, they may result in rough shifting and strange noises.
Shaky Car
Does your car shake when you are driving it? You may also hear unusual noises when this happens. This may be an issue with the suspension of your car. A bad tie rod end can impact the wheels of your car, while a worn-out shock absorber can result in a bumpy ride.
Remember, your car is only as good as you keep it maintained. Even vehicles built for off-roads will suffer from mechanical issues if they are neglected.
Fortunately, most issues can be detected in their early stages and a lot of them can be fixed at home, as well. If you are unsure about your mechanical ability, taking your car to an auto service outlet can get rid of any issues that may develop into larger problems in the long run.
