If you drive regularly—or alternatively, only occasionally—you’re bound to encounter issues with your vehicle. And often, people simply ignore them and go about their day, only to end up being stranded in the middle of the road with a much worse problem.
From engine failure to flickering lights in your car, every issue should be dealt with as soon as possible. These are the signs that there is a bigger problem that might cost you expensive trips to the repair shop. So, keep reading to know more about five car problems that should be addressed immediately.
- Sputtering Engine
Your engine is made up of multiple parts that keep it running. A simple issue such as misplacement or misfiring is common but hazardous.
For a smooth functioning engine, the right amounts of gas and fuel must enter the combustion chamber at the right time. Your ignition systems, constituting spark plugs, must work perfectly too for the engine to continue running smoothly. A simple misfire can stop the engine immediately.
Repairing a small part of the engine can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 based on where you live, and repairing your entire engine may cost you more. Thankfully, you can claim a cover if you’ve got car insurance in Frederick, MD.
- Blinking Warning Lights
Warning lights are the most common issue most vehicle owners face. However, it’s an alarming issue because there are over 200 warning codes that the sensors detect as errors and cause the lights to blink. If you continue to ignore this issue, it might cost you a lot of money.
Get a professional to check your vehicle if your car’s warning lights are blinking to get a correct assessment. They can even help you understand the required repairs your car needs.
- Squeaking Brakes
It is only natural for your braking system to take a hit over time. But it’s one of the essential systems in your vehicle. If it is malfunctioning, you must get it inspected immediately. After all, any brake-related issues can put your and your loved ones’ lives at risk.
If your brake is making an unusual or loud sound or your car is failing to break on the first try, there might be a blockage issue with your car’s braking system, and you must get it repaired by a professional. Once it starts grinding, you should replace it immediately.
- Increasing Fuel Consumption
If your car’s fuel light blinks on too soon after constantly topping up your oil level, then your vehicle might have a problem. It is a sign that your engine is corroded. You may even have some form of blockage in your oil filter.
You must get a routine check on your car’s engine to ensure you don’t face such a problem.
Dead Battery
One of the most common issues drivers will come across is a dead battery. If your battery has died and you have another vehicle with a functioning battery, jump-starting your car is an easy do-it-yourself solution. With the help of a friend or relative, connect one end of the red jumper cable to the positive terminal on your discharged battery and then connect the other end of the jumper cable to your running vehicle’s good battery.
Flat Tires
A flat tire is when your tire loses pressure and becomes flattened. This can happen for a number of reasons, including driving over something sharp, running over a nail, or low air pressure.
You may not even notice the flat until your car starts wobbling and you feel the steering wheel vibrate. If you have a spare tire in the trunk of your vehicle, then you should be able to get help quickly and easily. If not, then pull over as soon as possible and call roadside assistance.
Alternator Failure
If your battery light comes on, or you experience a loss of power, an alternator failure may be the cause. To find out for sure, turn off all accessories and see if the battery light goes out. If not, then it’s time to replace your alternator. Replacing an alternator is a relatively simple job that can be done by doing some research online and following the instructions.
Broken Starter Motor
A starter motor is responsible for cranking the engine. If your car won’t start, it’s possible that the starter motor is broken. In this case, you can remove and replace the starter yourself.
First check if your battery has enough power. You can do this by starting your engine with a jump start or using a charger. If the battery has enough power, then it’s likely that the problem lies with other components such as cables or fuses.
Steering Wheel Shaking
Vehicle shaking or shimmying is usually a sign of worn tie rods. This is a relatively easy repair, but it can be time-consuming if you have to take the entire front end apart.
If you notice that your steering wheel is shaking at low speeds, then this could be a sign of worn ball joints. This repair will also require the disassembly and replacement of the ball joints on both sides of the vehicle.
Failed Emissions Test
If your car fails an emissions test, it means that your vehicle is not performing up to the standards of the environmental protection agency. This could be a result of a faulty gas cap, dirty air filter, too much gasoline diluting the engine oil, or any other number of reasons. The first step in fixing this problem is checking for leaks and if none are found then replacing the gas cap and/or air filter should do the trick.
Overheating
If your car overheats, it is because the engine is not getting enough coolant. If this happens, be sure to pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. This will stop any further damage and save you from being stranded. To solve this problem, you can either add more coolant or replace your thermostat.
Slipping Automatic Transmission
Many times, the automatic transmission will slip when it is cold outside. This usually happens when the driver presses on the gas pedal but there is no response in the vehicle. The best way to remedy this problem is by pushing on the clutch pedal and then continuing with driving.
A routine maintenance check for your vehicle can help keep your car on track. Not only does it keep your vehicle performing well constantly, but it also saves you time, effort, and money by avoiding any heavy-duty damage. Check out any Maryland insurance agency when looking for insurance policies and plans for your vehicle.
Conclusion
Car problems are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer without your vehicle. And now, you don’t have to! The list of the most common car troubleshooting solutions has been given to you in this post so that you can get back on the road as soon as possible.