Modern cars are very complicated. The number of things that can go wrong is almost mind-boggling. Below are some of the most common problems you may experience. You may be able to avoid these if you are proactive.
Warning Lights
A vehicle built in the past 20 years may have several warning lights on the instrument panel. Some indicate problems you can fix yourself.
Tire Pressure
A Tire Pressure light lets you know one or more of your tires is low on air. Check the pressure of each tire. Air up those that are low on pressure. Also, check those tires for nails, screws, or other forms of damage. If there is damage, you will need to take the car to a tire shop for repairs. If there is no damage, it may take two or three start-ups for the light to go out. If the light does not go out after a few trips, you will need to get to a shop.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or Check Engine
These lights can be tough. There are over 100 electronic sensors on new cars. Without the proper equipment and training, diagnosing what these lights are telling us is difficult. Even if the car is running fine, get to a shop or parts store as soon as you can. A mechanic can use a code reader to determine the cause of the warning light. The problem may be as simple as low coolant, a loose fuel cap, or a battery that is getting low on power. Getting simple problems fixed quickly will help avoid bigger troubles.
Brake Problems
Squeaks and Squeals
Brakes are a regular wear item. If your brakes start to make noise, they need an inspection. If there is a small squeak, the brakes may need a simple adjustment or cleaning. This is an easy fix. If not addressed, it will get worse and more expensive. Don’t ignore it. A louder, more persistent squeal may indicate the brake pads are worn out. Ignoring worn pads can lead to disc damage. Avoid further problems. Get brakes checked at the first sign of trouble.
Grinding and Vibrations
Grinding when braking indicates damaged brake pads. Vibration in the brake pedal is usually due to warped discs. Immediate action is required in both of these cases. If you are not a good mechanic, take brake issues to a shop. Brake trouble should be addressed by a trained professional.
Rough Running Engine
Fuel system components, internal engine parts, and dozens of electronic sensors must work in concert for an engine to run properly. If any of these parts fail to work as designed, it can result in poor engine performance. Advanced diagnostic equipment is required to pinpoint such issues. It is safest to get a rough-running engine to a shop as soon as possible. Failure to do so may lead to serious engine damage.
Rough Ride or Poor Handling
As every car ages, ride and handling will degrade. Two reasons for this are tire wear and aging struts. Regular tire wear will result in increased road noise and a rough ride. Poor wheel alignment and worn struts can result in irregular tire wear. Pulling in the steering indicates alignment issues. Vibration in the steering can result from irregular tire wear due to worn struts. These conditions are both comfort and safety issues. Having them addressed by a shop will improve your ride. It will also make the car more stable and safe on the road.
Other Components That Need Regular Maintenance
Each of these items needs regular inspection to maintain proper and safe vehicle operation. Check these as often as possible. They can degrade with little notice. Repair of these items is quick and inexpensive.
- Headlights
- Brake and Tail Lights
- Directional Lights
- Windshield Wiper Blades
- Battery Performance
- Glass Condition
How to Prevent Car Issues From Becoming Problems.
Regular vehicle inspections can help you avoid being inconvenienced by any of these issues. Check the items you can see at least monthly. Items you cannot inspect yourself should be checked at each oil change. A full, detailed diagnostic inspection should be performed by a certified mechanic at least once a year. Regular inspections will reveal minor issues before they become major problems.