Owning a vehicle means you’ve got to be concerned about car maintenance issues that might pop up from time to time. Here are a few of the most common.
Your vehicle requires maintenance, and if you don’t have a modern model, you’ve got to be aware of what should be done and when. It’s important that you drive safely on the road, and a car that isn’t cared for properly isn’t safe.
With that in mind, these are a few of the most common car maintenance issues you could face.
Warning lights on your dashboard
It seems pretty obvious that if the check engine light or any other warning light is on, you need to have some type of maintenance performed. Unfortunately, there are more drivers like Penny from The Big Bang Theory out there than you might want to admit. If a warning light comes on, that’s a sign that you need to take the car in and have it checked out. At least take the car in and have diagnostics run so you know what’s wrong with the car.
Fuel economy decreases
A sure sign that you have a car maintenance issue that must be addressed is poor fuel economy compared to your normal driving. This could mean your fuel filter needs to be replaced, the mass airflow sensors are blocked, the O2 sensors are clogged, or your air filter needs to be replaced. Check the air filter (it’s the easiest of these issues), and if it’s still pretty clean, you’ll need to have your car serviced to check the other issues. By driving with poor fuel mileage, you’re literally burning money in your car.
Dead or low battery
If your battery begins to fail, it could be a sign of a few issues. Sometimes, all you need is a jump start because you left the lights on and the battery drained, but sometimes, it means something more serious. Your battery might need to be replaced, or your alternator might not charge the battery while you are driving. If you have a dead or low battery after you’ve had a jump start, take your car to a local service center and have the battery and alternator checked out.
Squeaking and grinding brakes
One of the most common car maintenance issues that tends to get ignored is squeaking brakes. If your brakes begin to make noise or have a grinding sound and feeling to them, it’s time for new brake pads. Don’t allow this issue to continue long enough that you need to replace the rotors as well. When you must replace the rotors and the brake pads, you’ll spend a lot more than you would if you had simply changed the pads when the brakes began squeaking.
Shaking steering wheel
When your steering wheel begins to shake, its typically caused by your wheel alignment or uneven tire wear. This could happen shortly after you’ve hit a pothole that send the wheels out of alignment. This could also be a sign of a worn-out suspension system, which could lead to bigger problems if you ignore the issue. Take your vehicle in for service if the steering wheel begins shaking; your car has a serious problem that must be fixed.
Overheating
If you drive an older model vehicle, overheating is one of the most common car maintenance issues you might face. It often happens in the heat of the summer and could mean there’s an issue with your water pump or radiator. If your car overheats, it’s important to pull off to the side of the road, allow the car to cool, and add some coolant to the radiator. Make sure your next stop is at a service center where your car can be fixed, and you can get back on the road.
What are some of the most common car maintenance issues you’ve faced during your time behind the wheel?
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