8 Common Car Problems and How To Solve Them
Highlights
You buy a brand-new car for yourself and resolve to take good care of it. You follow your vehicle's maintenance schedule diligently in accordance with the number of kilometres travelled and number of months driven and this keeps your four-wheeler running like a charm. Yet, there are times when your well-maintained vehicle exhibits issues, and you do not even have the slightest clue what is causing the mishap. Here is a list of common car problems and how you to solve them:
MISFIRING OF ENGINE
The sudden ‘pop' sound that you hear when you turn on the ignition is caused by the engine misfiring. Internal combustion in an engine occurs in a cycle where air-fuel mixture is bIed into the chamber and ignited by a spark plug. The mixture burns, creating pressure and pushing the piston causing engine revolutions. Simultaneously, some of the mixture that does not fully combust is released out via the exhaust pipe. If something happens to interfere with this process, the misfire occurs.
Solution – Inspect your spark plug and change it if necessary or consult an experienced car mechanic.
DEAD BATTERY
The ‘dead battery' issue leaves your vehicle undrivable for a whole day. The primary sign of a dead battery is a not-so-quick engine ignition. The causes include – corrosion of battery terminals, system failure, over-aged battery, etc.
Solution – Check and Replace the Battery if required or try jumpstarting or checking the charging system.
TIGHTENED CLUTCH PEDAL
A well-maintained and new clutch pedal is smooth, convenient, and easy-to-operate. It does not stutter or jam in between driving sessions. Whenever you feel that you have to exert extra pressure, there is something wrong with the pedal.
Solution – Check whether the pedal is blocked by something beneath it. Inspect the cable of the pedal or adjust the clutch.
SQUEAKY BRAKES
If you hit your brakes and they make a loud, squeaky noise, it is time for you to seek help. Sometimes a wet brake causes this sound and if this is the case, it should go away as soon as the water dries. If it does not, then there is something wrong with them.
Solution – Replace the worn-out brake pads/brake shoes.
NOISY ENGINE SHRIEK
The shrieking engine is undoubtedly scary, the reason is generally a fairly simple worn-out drive belt.
Solution – Go to the nearest garage and get the drive belt replaced as it is responsible for various car functions.
OVERHEATED ENGINE
Considering the number of moving parts in an engine and also the combustion of fuel mixture, it is bound to get heated. But the radiator and coolants usually keep its temperature regulated. So, if your car´s temperature rise suddenly starts to rise, there is a cause for concern.
Solution – Open the hood and inspect the coolant levels and the radiator. Also, look for defective water pumps and malfunctioning thermostats.
NON-RESPONSIVE STEERING
Most modern-day cars come with power steering which facilitates easy steering and movement. If the wheel becomes unresponsive, it could lead to mishaps and accidents.
Solution – Get the steering fluid refilled. If the electric motor is not functioning, get the car checked at the garage.
RATTLED SUSPENSION
This is an easily-identifiable problem and is generally caused by loose bearings. These can easily be fixed.
Solution – If the bearings are loose, fix them yourself or take the car to a mechanic. If rusted, a replacement will be required.
Most of these problems have simple solutions. The rest require professional care. If the latter is the case, make sure you go to a professional mechanic for rectification.