Car Repair Guide: The Common Problems That Happen to Your Car

Key points

  1. Warning lights
  2. Dead Battery
  3. A Sputtering Engine
  4. Poor Fuel Economy
  5. Shaking of the steering wheel
  6. Overheating
  7. Alternator Failure
  8. Rusting
  9. Flat Tires
  10. Cracked Windshields

Buying a car is an exciting experience, especially when you buy your first car. However, do you know that sooner or later your car will have some common problem and the cost to fix it might surprise you? But, this is a common problem that will happen to your car if you do not send it to a car maintenance or repair shop quickly if the problem occurs.

That is why, when you own a car, you will also need some knowledge about the common problems that are going to arise in your car later. So, when you are in a situation where your car is having a problem, you will know what the cause is and how to address the problem to the mechanic. It is best if you can have the skills to repair your own car, as this will save you money and, at the same time, you can learn new skills.

1. Warning lights

Source: Car Tyres
I think most of us might have noticed the symbol on our car dashboard, but did you know it is important to stay alert if red or orange lights start to show up? There are two common warning lights that indicate different problems that may occur. If the red light starts to appear, it indicates a serious issue with your car, and it could be an overheating engine, low engine oil pressure, or a braking system problem. Meanwhile, orange lights start to appear, indicating the engine management system, whereby the computer that runs the engine has detected a fault.

If this happens to your car one day, don’t delay and quickly take your car to the nearest workshop for diagnosis and repair, as this will prevent any problem or accident from happening.

2. Dead Battery

Source: AutoZone Auto Parts
The majority of us have had to pull our cars off the road because of a sudden failure of the vehicle battery.

Your car’s battery can quickly discharge for a variety of reasons, including parasitic drain, a broken charging system, harsh weather, an outdated battery, and more.

Additionally, keep in mind that the typical lifespan of a car battery is between four and five years, depending on usage and general performance. The best time is, if you can change your vehicle battery every three to four years. Highly recommended!

3. A Sputtering Engine

Source: Oceanworks Berkeley
A sputtering engine will happen when your engine does not achieve full combustion and several reasons lead to it, such as being out of gas, failing spark plugs, bad fuel filter, exhaust leak, and others. To avoid these sputtering issues, you can replace fuel and ignition system components as recommended by your manufacturer.

Remember, for your engine to run smoothly, it is best if your engine has the right amount of air and fuel, which must mix and then burn within the combustion chamber.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

Source: reddit.com
Bad fuel economy can be a serious problem and can cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual. The common reasons why your car has poor fuel economy are defective fuel injectors, air filters, mass air flow sensors, use of the wrong oil, faulty spark plugs, and others. These reasons can cause your engine to become dirty or wear out. Always remember to do routine maintenance in order to avoid this problem from happening.

5. Steering Wheel Shaking

Source: CarTreaments.com
There are multiple reasons why suddenly your steering wheel is shaking while driving. The common reasons are due to unbalanced wheels, bad bearings, suspension issues, or even brake issues. To simply notice, when you are driving and you notice your steering wheel starting to shake suddenly, we suggest you take action and send your car to the nearest car workshop to seek a professional mechanic to diagnose and resolve the issue, as this will ensure you and your car’s safety. Steering wheel shaking can be either a minor or major issue.

6. Overheating

Source: Tires Plus
Did you notice on the road side, there are cars that stop by the road and see smoke coming out from the front of the car? If so, that is one of the overheating issues. Overheating can be caused by several reasons, like radiator issues, cooling system leaks, faulty belts or hoses, failing water pumps, and more.

What you need to do is stop, call the mechanic, and let them inspect your engine to figure out the source of the overheating and restore your vehicle’s temperature. Please don’t drive your car when it is overheating, as this will make your car’s engine become even worse!

7. Alternator Failure

Source: howstuffworks
The main function of an alternator is to charge a car battery so that other electrical components in the car can be powered. If the alternator fails to function properly, your car won’t be able to start for sure, or if it does, your car may start for a few minutes. Thus, watch for these signs that your car might have alternator failure.

  • Dim / Overly bright lights
  • Dead battery
  • Your car running slow or there are malfunctioning accessories occur
  • Troubles starting or frequent stalling
  • There is whining noises
  • Smell of burning rubber or wires
  • Battery warning light start to appear

8. Rusting

Source: RepairSmith
You might wonder how my car can even be rusty. Well, if you did not clean your car and left it just like that, some of the parts might rust over time, such as your brakes and engine. It would be really dangerous if the rust was underneath the car. That is why you need to take care of your car just like you take care of yourself. However, if a car part suffers from extensive rust, then you should replace it as this will prevent any accidents and ensure your safety.

9. Flat tires

Source: RAC
Flat tires can occur at any time, but they usually do so when we unintentionally hit a pothole or something else on the road. If this occurs, it could be dangerous for both you and your car. Therefore, it is advised that you rotate your tyres properly as instructed by the manufacturer of your car. Accordingly, it is advised that tyre rotations occur every 12,000 kilometres (km) or six months, depending on the model of the vehicle.

10. Cracked on your windscreen

Source: GoMechanic
Typically, our windscreen will crack if something hits it, such as a stone or factory production flaws, or it may be caused by our wipers. Although it is just a small crack, believe me when I say the small crack can spread rapidly and turn it into a big crack! Hence, take a look at your windscreen to ensure your windscreen has not cracked. It is dangerous if you drive with a cracked windscreen!

Verdict

These are the common issues that affect not just your car but also each and every one of us. Because of this, you must take care of your car as you would care for yourself when you own one. An automobile is a complex mechanism with many moving parts and components that need maintenance, not just a means of transportation. When the time is right, make sure to perform routine auto maintenance. Regular maintenance will guarantee that everything is replaced with a new one and will also guarantee your safety while driving on the road.

Related: Car Workshop Red Flags

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