You’re ready to get your motor running and head out on the highway—but something’s wrong.
Cruising the open road in your car and planning road trips can be a lot of fun, but if you’re struggling with car troubles, that can quickly put an end to your vacation.
As a car owner, you know you need to look after your car to keep it running well, but are you aware of the most common car problems? Understanding what can go wrong can help you look out for potential issues.
To learn more, keep reading to find nine of the most common car problems—plus, how to fix them.
- Flat Tires Are One of the Most Common Car Problems
It’s one of the biggest hassles of driving a car—getting delayed by a flat tire. Although tires are rugged, flats always seem to occur at the worst times, due to nails, potholes, broken glass, or nails on the road.
Responsible drivers should always know how to safely change a tire and should keep a spare tire and a jack in the car. Or, if you have roadside assistance, you can put in a call to get assistance with changing a tire.
Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles and making sure they’re never too full or not full enough of air can help prevent damage.
- Overheating
Overheating is another car problem to keep an eye out for. It tends to happen more frequently in older cars, as their cooling systems aren’t as advanced as newer models.
You’ll know your car is overheating when the dashboard engine temperature light rises. Your car may smoke from the engine or it may stop running altogether.
Hot climates can cause overheating, but more commonly it’s due to leaks in your cooling fluid tank, blocked hoses, or issues with water pumps or your radiator. The best way to prevent overheating is with regular oil changes and service checks for your car.
- Dead Battery
A dead battery is another car issue that no one wants to deal with, but it does happen. If your car has a dead battery, your ignition won’t switch over when you try to start the car.
This can be caused by accidentally leaving headlights on, long periods without use, or simple battery failure. To fix it, you’ll need to find another car with cables who can give you a jumpstart, or you may need to replace your battery.
- Leaky Transmission
If something is dripping underneath your car, there’s a chance it could be a leaky transmission. Your automatic transmission helps your car shift gears, but it depends on transmission fluid to work effectively.
You’ll most likely need a mechanic to fix your leaky transmission. They can pinpoint the source of the leak and repair or replace the seals or gasket to stop it from leaking any further.
If you’ve recently purchased a car and it’s already leaking, you may find yourself wondering ‘is my car a lemon?’ Should you find that you’ve been sold a dud car, you may be eligible for legal compensation.
- Squeaky Brakes
Squeaky brakes can be a nuisance while driving, but they can also be a sign of a serious problem. You can’t risk brake failure while driving, so you should always have a mechanic check out your brakes if they are squeaking or grinding.
Generally, the solution to this problem is to replace your brake pads, as they can wear out over time.
- Electrical Failure
Newer cars depend on electrical systems for snazzy features such as Bluetooth, GPS, climate control, and motorized windows.
However, the more complex your car is, there’s more that can go wrong with it. If some of the electrical features on your car aren’t working, you’re best off finding a mechanic who specializes in the make and model of your car so they can fix it.
- Shaky Steering Wheel
Have you ever noticed your steering wheel shaking or vibrating? While most common when traveling at high speeds, a shaky steering wheel can technically happen at any time.
This issue can be caused by several factors, including an issue with your wheels, wheel bearings, or with your suspension. A trip to the mechanic is the best solution for a shaky wheel.
- Air-Conditioner Not Working
Driving in a car on a hot day can be a nightmare if your air conditioning stops working. If your aircon isn’t blowing out any air, or if the air coming out isn’t cold, it could be caused by a wide range of factors.
Damaged aircon could be caused by a refrigerant leak, a damaged compressor, or a blocked condenser. If your air conditioning isn’t working properly, there may be other problems hiding under the hood, so get an expert to look it over.
- Your Car Is Burning Through Fuel
If you find yourself filling up more often than normal, then your car may be having some problems with the fuel tank. Gas seems to get more expensive each year, so you could be losing serious amounts of money if you don’t address this issue.
As with air conditioning, fuel problems can be complex and have multiple causes. They can include fuel leaks, a clogged air filter, or worn-out spark plugs.
Look Out for These Most Common Car Problems
Owning a car can be one of life’s great pleasures, but it also means responsibility and maintenance. The best way to avoid these common car problems is by looking after your car with regular tune-ups and oil changes.
It’s best to find a reliable mechanic that you can trust, then use them for all your automotive needs. The small cost of regular servicing is the best way to avoid expensive car troubles down the track.
Look after your car and it will treat you well for years to come!
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