13 More Common Car Problems

Owning a car comes with many responsibilities including caring for your car when maintenance issues arise. To prevent future issues, make sure you have your car checked and serviced on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer.

Too many car owners overlook simple maintenance checks. Not following the recommendations set down by the manufacturer can lead to unnecessary headaches and cost more than regular maintenance costs. Instead, they wait for issues to surface then pay over the top for repairs or simply sell the car.

The most common problems found in cars involve brakes or defective car engine sensors. Another leading problem is electrical parts that light up warning indicators or signals on the dashboard.

Here are a few common car problems you may have experienced or will possibly experience at a later date:

A Loud Or Noisy Engine

An engine should run quietly but if you hear strange noises such as rattling, knocking, or splattering, you probably have an issue with the engine.

Your car’s engine runs on high oil pressure so that no metal parts are coming in contact with each other. A car that has not been well-maintained or is getting on in years may start making noises when running. On investigating the issue further you could be looking at expensive repairs. Even if the noise is coming from an inexpensive part, problems with an engine and engine repairs are among the most expensive.

A Bad Wheel Bearing

Wheel bearings that are not performing properly are a common issue, especially in newer cars. You will know if the wheel bearings are not right by driving slowly and listening to the road. Slowly turn left and right, if the noise changes, the car definitely has bad wheel bearings.

Excessive Smoke Coming From The Exhaust

A well-running vehicle has a certain amount of smoke coming from the exhaust. This often happens during colder weather and the smoke is colourless.

On the other hand, if you experience excessive smoke from the exhaust, the car has an issue with the engine. The colour and smell of the smoke should give you a hint that something is seriously wrong.

Here are some hints:

If the smoke is white it could mean your coolant is leaking. If the smoke is thick blue, oil could be getting into the combustion chambers. On the other hand, if the smoke is black, the engine is running too rich in fuel.

Poor Fuel Usage

Engines that have been poorly serviced use more fuel. Mass airflow sensors, fuel filters, air filters, and O2 sensors contribute to inefficient usage of fuel. In turn, as time moves on, the components will become clogged with dirt forcing the components to force the use of more fuel. Good, regular servicing of these components will bring your engine back to great condition

Punctures In Tyres

Fact is, tyres wear out over time and when they wear out, they are prone to punctures. Car owners should pay close attention to the recommendations of the manufacturer and do not drive your car beyond the recommended tread wear.

The manufacturers recommend tyres should be changed out every 50,000 miles. Also, you should have the tyres rotated every 10,000 miles to balance wear.

Worn-Out Brake Pads

Brake pads wear out due to constant friction. When they wear out, you will hear a squealing or squeaking sound. Keep in mind, it is extremely dangerous to drive on worn-out brake pads.

If you have to continually press on the brakes to stop the vehicle, this is very dangerous and can lead to a major accident. Never overlook having your brakes checked. Go to your mechanic and have them look over your brake pads if you are constantly applying pressure to the pads or just believe there is something going on that’s not right get them checked.

Failing Starter Motor

The starter motor and battery work hand-in-hand to turn over the engine. Sometimes, there are components such as the starter relay, solenoid, and motor that will stop operating due to wear and tear. When this happens, you will hear a rattling sound every time you turn on the ignition and start the engine.

Starter motors must be replaced from time to time but they are also very expensive. A starter motor should last for approximately 10 years. Depending on the make of the car and how often you start the car.

Stalling

There are few things scarier to a driver than driving along and all of a sudden the car just stalls and you happen to be in the middle of the road or motorway!

If this happens on a highway, you could cause a number of accidents and put yourself in a great deal of harm. The main reasons for stalling include fuel lines, faulty filters, or a defective crankshaft position sensor.

Overheating

When your car overheats, this is a sign that you have serious engine problems. The internal combustion system gives off a great deal of heat. A coolant plays a major role in cooling off the engine block by dissipating excess heat to the radiator.

Unfortunately, coolant leaks will cause less coolant from getting to the engine block. When that happens, it leads to overheating which, if not contained, will lead to engine problems.

A Shaky Steering Wheel

A steering wheel should always remain stable and easy to turn. If your steering wheel bearings or suspension are worn out, the steering wheel will start to shake even when driving on smooth roads. Traveling at higher speeds can be very dangerous, causing accidents.

You should have your mechanic inspect the wheels and suspension. Also, get your tyres aligned and make sure they are all inflated to the same pressure.

Oil Pressure Issues

Oil is an important part of lubricating all the moving parts in your car. When the oil starts aging, it will turn to sludge making it very difficult to operate efficiently. This can lead to unnecessary friction among the movable parts causing overheating and wear.

If you have oil pressure issues, you will be facing expensive repairs including the engine.

Another added protection is getting the right type of oil that delivers good viscosity. In this day and age most car owners are using synthetic oils.

Squeaking Or Grinding Brakes

Brakes that are squealing or grinding are often caused by worn-out brake pads or worn-out brake discs. Sometimes, a stone can get lodged between the brake rotor and the brake pads. Keep in mind, worn brake pads are an indicator of a car not getting a regular maintenance service.

Low Charge From The Alternator

As a car starts to age, the effect from the alternator worsens. This is often due to the brushes inside the alternator wearing out. In some cases, you can replace the brushes but in other cases, you have to replace the entire alternator.

You can easily check the alternator using a multimeter. It should read around 13.5-14 5 volts on idle if it’s working correctly.

If you believe your vehicle may be experiencing any of the above problems you can get it check by booking online today and receive a free vehicle service check or for further information on our services you can browse the site or get in touch with us by calling 019253 30468 or alternatively, you can email us at service@lowtonmotorcompany.co.uk.