The sky is blue, cats are the best pets, and if you drive your car long enough, some problems are bound to pop up. Veteran car owners often ignore and underestimate the seriousness of car problems while first-time car owners may go on the opposite extreme, pitching a tent at their preferred mechanic. Here is a range of problems not to ignore.
Noise or vibration when braking
Because of constant use, brakes wear out over time. Brakes are designed with a wear indicator that grinds or squeals when it comes into contact with the rotor when the brake pads wear out. If there’s such a noise or vibrations whenever you brake, your brake pads are dangerously worn out and you should get them replaced. Brake is one of the most common car problems and it should never be ignored.
Fluid leaks
Nothing should be leaking from your car. Ever. If you spot any leaks, visit your mechanic for proper diagnostics. Leaks may indicate a variety of car problems including engine oil leaks, transmission leaks, and may lead to major engine damage if not fixed.
Check engine light is on
Many people ignore the check engine light assuming they can still buy some time. That’s a bad idea because the problem only gets worse the longer you take and considerably more expensive. It could be a variety of car problems including a misfiring spark plug, a problem with the ignition, or a malfunction in the engine. You should also take the rest of the maintenance lights on your dashboard seriously. The check engine light is just the most common of them. Use your owner’s manual to know what the rest of the dashboard lights are indicative of.
Squeaking under the hood
This is another of the most commonly ignored car problems with most drivers just getting accustomed to the sound and moving on. That sound may signal the wearing down of the belt which if it remains unfixed will eventually make the car unusable until you fix it. It’s best to get it checked as soon as you hear a sound because it may just require minor adjustments to get rid of the noise.
Coloured exhaust smoke
Coloured smoke may indicate impending engine trouble. Blue smoke means oil is burning and white smoke means coolant is leaking. One of the most common car problems is black smoke which means too much fuel is being used.
Slower starting
If your car is taking longer to start and it’s not that old and not that cold outside, you may be on the brink of car failure. There are many car problems that could lead to slow starting including a failing solenoid, worn-out ignition, failing carburettor, and more. If you ignore it for too long, eventually your car may not start altogether.
Paying attention to your car’s performance and signs of car problems is the best way to keep it in good condition.
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