Avoid Car Trouble By Checking For These 13 Symptoms
Most car owners are familiar with that sinking feeling when you encounter strange noises, vibrations or smells while driving. While it may be tempting to ignore bad car symptoms, doing so could leave you stranded on the side of the road or put you and other road users in significant danger. Some car troubles could also result in more expensive damage in the long term unless you intervene and get them looked at by a professional. In this article, we highlight 13 important car symptoms that you should never overlook.
1. Dashboard Warning Lights
Modern cars come equipped with a variety of warning lights on the dashboard. These lights can indicate anything from low oil pressure to a problem with the engine or brakes. If you see a warning light, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible as ignoring warning lights can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
2. Strange Noises
Cars make a variety of noises, but if you hear a sound that is out of the ordinary, it’s important to investigate. Squeaking or squealing brakes, grinding gears, or rattling sounds can all indicate an underlying problem. Don’t ignore strange noises – they could be a sign of a serious issue.
3. Difficulty Starting the Engine
If you struggle to start your car, it could be a sign of a fault with the battery, alternator, or starter motor. Ignoring this could leave you stranded on the side of the road with nothing to do except wait for a tow truck or the AA to assist.
4. Bad Vibrations
If you feel a vibration while driving, it could be a sign of a problem with the tyres, suspension, wheel alignment or steering system. Ignoring “bad” vibrations can lead to uneven tyre wear which could impact your fuel economy among other issues. If you experience vibrations that are out of the ordinary, be sure to visit a mechanic as soon as you can.
5. Premature And Uneven Tyre Wear
Although some blowouts and flat tyres are caused by external forces, you can proactively take some measures to avoid a catastrophe. It is expected that tyre tread wears over time but be on the lookout for any signs of premature tyre wear as this could be indicative of an underlying issue.
Be sure to examine your tyres and look out for the following:
- A sawtooth pattern on the edges is a telltale sign that your wheels require either toe-in or toe-out alignment.
- Tyres are showing rapid wear along their outer edges could be a sign that they are under-inflated.
- If the front and rear tyres of your front-wheel drive vehicle are wearing down rapidly, rotation is necessary.
- If you experience uneven tire wear, it is likely a result of improper toe-in or camber alignment.
- When you observe dips or cups in the tread, it is an indication of a problematic suspension system or misalignment.
- Any unusual vibration while driving could indicate a potential suspension problem.
6. Poor Fuel Economy
If you notice a sudden drop in fuel economy, it could be a sign of a problem with the engine, fuel system, wheel alignment or tyres. Ignoring poor fuel economy can lead to more expensive repairs down the road and certainly warrants the attention of an experienced auto technician.
7. Overheating
If your car is overheating, it could be a sign that something is wrong with the cooling system or radiator. Ignoring overheating, in particular, can cause significant damage to your engine. If your car is overheating, pull over immediately, turn off your engine and get it towed and seen to by a mechanic.
8. Smoke Or Foul Odours
If you notice smoke or foul odours coming from your car, it could be a sign of a serious issue. Burning smells can indicate a problem with the engine or electrical system, while musty odours can indicate mould or mildew. If it’s only the air conditioning, a simple clean and regas should do the trick but you won’t know until you have it seen to.
9. Brakes Not Performing Properly
If your brakes aren’t performing as they should, it may be time for a brake inspection as your brake system could be faulty. Squeaking or squealing brakes, a soft brake pedal, or a vibrating steering wheel are all indicators of potential problems with the brakes. Considering they are the only parts that can make your car stop, it’s important to perform regular brake inspections and replace them when needed.
10. Transmission Issues
If you’re having trouble changing gears or notice a delay in acceleration, there may be an issue with your transmission. Ignoring early symptoms can cause serious damage to your vehicle so we highly recommend asking a professional to do a thorough inspection.
11. Electrical Problems
If you’re experiencing electrical issues, such as a dead battery or problems with the lights, it could be a sign of a problem with the electrical system. Ignoring electrical issues can cause your car to break down or even catch fire. Have your electrical system inspected as soon as you experience any issues.
12. Suspension Issues
If your car feels bumpy even when driving on a smooth surface, it could be a sign of suspension problems. When this goes unchecked, it could result in uneven tyre wear, difficulty steering, and poor handling.
13. Fluid Leaks
If you notice any fluid leaks underneath your car, it’s important to have it inspected as soon as possible. Leaking fluids can indicate a problem with the engine, transmission, or cooling system. As with most parts on a car, ignoring fluid leaks can cause severe damage to your vehicle over time.
Conclusion
In summary, these are 13 of the most prominent bad car symptoms you should never ignore as they can lead to more expensive repairs later on and put your safety at risk. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your car to a mechanic for inspection as soon as possible. Being proactive about maintaining your vehicle can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
To ensure your car stays in excellent condition, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance such as oil changes, tyre rotation and brake inspections. Taking good care of your vehicle will prevent a variety of bad scenarios in the future. We hope this article has offered you with useful information about vehicle upkeep and which bad car symptoms to keep a close eye on!
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