7 Common Car Problems and How to Fix Them.

Introduction

When a car lasts their service, it is one of the worst feelings that a person can experience. As any driver could confirm, car troubles are not a random occurrence, rather they always come at the most inconvenient time as this list will show. 

Alas, there are times when your car simply decides that it doesn’t want to start or perform some other mundane function, necessitating a visit to your mechanic – or garage man, as they used to be called in the UK. 

The four common car problems explained above are areas one needs to know to avoid additional expensive charges in the future. 

In this article, we would discuss seven of what we consider to be the most prevalent automotive faults amongst motorists and how you can diagnose these problems and get your car back on the road again. 

From batteries to ignition, leaks to overheating, we will arm you with the information that can help you diagnose some of the common problems that your car has. 

Equip yourself with some of the data provided below and a few fundamental tools so that small automobile issues do not bother you.

1. Car Won't Start

A vehicle that will not start is perhaps one of the most typical problems faced by car owners. You might wonder what could be the reason as to why your car is not starting, well, there are numerous different possibilities. 

Begin, first, by making sure that your battery terminals are clean and properly connected. Broken or corroded loose cables are often the leading cause of no-start situations. 

You will also have to make sure that you have fuel on your side. If the car states that your fuel is empty then refill the tank with fuel and attempt to start the car again. 

Other fuel connected problems could be that of a faulty fuel filter or the fuel pump. 

Starting up problems can also be caused by problems with the ignition system. This ranges from fouled, worn out spark plugs right to failed starter motors. 

Although the cause is at the heart chamber, checking and replacing ignition related modules and taking a closer look at the starter may help turn your engine over.

2. Strange Noises From Engine

Some of the common symptoms which suggest that something is wrong with your engine include unusual sounds. 

In considering what could be the cause, one needs to refer to the frequency at which the sound appears and at what time they appear. 

For instance, rattling noise while accelerating is suggestive of a worn out timing chain, shrieking or squealing is suggestive of accessory and pulley trouble such as the alternator, water pump or the power steering pump. 

Any knocking, pinging or ticking is usually a manifestation of a serious internal mechanical problem like low oil supply, fuel delivery problem or engine timing. 

Identify whether this is the particular sound and if so, treat the possible causes before operation resumes or more harm will be done. It is important to seek mechanical help with continuous engine noises.  

3. Leaks (Oil, Coolant, Fuel) 

Seeing an accumulation of a pool of liquid at the ground or underneath your car indicates that something is leaking. There are common auto fluid leaks inclusive of oil leaks, coolant leaks and fuel leaks commonly referred to as gasoline leaks. 

Depending on the situation the colour and the smell of the leakage can tell whether it is the car fluid that is leaking. 

Any leakage may have arisen from either a cracked hose or a loose fitted one. Look at houses, seals, gaskets, connections associated with dripping fluid. For oil leakage also check the gasket, axles and the plug provided at the oil pan. 

Change bad or damaged parts in the car and check hose clamps so that they do not leak before taking the vehicle for a spin. Bigger leaks may call for repair work which should best be done by a mechanic.

4. Overheating Engine  

A sign that needs attention when using your car is when your temperature gauge starts rising towards the high end. 

Overheating of the engine is dangerous and can hamper the vehicle by causing harm to many elements including cylinder head, pistons as well as gaskets . 

Heating problems of the cooling system are often the cause of engines running too hot. Low coolant level, malfunctioning water pump, stubborn thermostat or clogged radiator or, or hoses are among the most frequent failures. 

Top off your coolant if low. Thermostats, water pumps and hoses must be replaced when necessary. 

Overheating is not related to the cooling system. You should flush the radiator and you need to check the fan operation of your automobile. 

5. Dropping Oil Pressure  

It is extremely important for the health of your engine that oil pressure is kept optimum. Low level mechanical problems are caused when the oil pressure is below standard or fluctuates during the trip. 

These possible causes include low quantity of oil, damaged bearings, bad oil pump systems, blocked oil passages.

For instance, you begin with basic checks like checking your engine oil level and putting more if you found it was low. 

But, low oil pressure usually needs expertise to evaluate its cause and other engine services as a result of deteriorated components as well as blocked passages. Carrying on to drive with low oil pressure can only cause major harm to parts that may not receive enough lubrication.

6. Strange Smells

There is always something wrong under the hood when a vehicle produces strange smells. Most burning smells are due to drips from fluids spilling on to hot parts of the engine. 

For instance, whether it has the smell of maple syrup, it can be as a result of leakage of coolant. 

On the other hand, oil leaks emit bad combustion smells similar to hydrogen sulphide when falling on other parts of the exhaust system. Smell any odours that are different from the usual and follow that smell in order to find the source of any leakage.   

However, very high levels of gasoline vapours within the car cabin may indicate a leakage in the EVAP emissions control system. Information on the leakage of EVAP systems means that fuel vapours can be released from either the gas tank or fuel lines. 

Last of all, a smell of sulphur or something like that coming from the vents of the ventilation system means a broken cabin air filter. It is possible to deal with dangerous odours during a trip by changing the filters and checking for leaks.

7. Dashboard Warning Lights  

In the current cars, there are in-car diagnoses that inform drivers about faults through LEDs on the dashboard. 

If you obtain symbols related to emissions system, ABS brake system, TPMS and traction control, chicanes usually mean quite straightforward to resolve. You must read your owner’s manual and follow the tips and tricks for resolving the issues related with each warning indicator light. 

The best way to deal with these problems is to reset, fill with fluids according to the manufacturer or replace the worn parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

However, the check engine light remains a little more complex as most car owners fear. Getting the engine light codes with an OBD2 scanner makes it easier to discover the underlying reason. 

Complicated issues related to an engine can make the check engine lights flicker if the problems are as simple as misfires or catalytic converter failures among other complications. 

Consult with your chosen mechanic over the codes and get an understanding of further repairs required.

Fixing Common Car Problems

Was your car one of the ones described above? Having established some, although not all, of the common issues that drivers face, it is now high time to diagnose vehicle issues correctly with your knowledge of automobiles and repair guides. 

Approach potential problems logically and fix them with leaks, unusual noises, warning lights, and other complications as quickly as possible so that it won’t get worse and cause the vehicle to break down.  

Some simple fixes can be very easily conducted if you have a basic toolbox and some of the key replacement parts to hand. 

However, never think that you should be doing this all on your own when things become more complicated and essential is when you should get a reputable professional mechanic to do it for you. 

Tending with developing issues, replacement of fluids at an appropriate time and solving glitches effectively can prevent a car from a breakdown and can run safely for years.