Cars today are computers on wheels and can sometimes immediately warn you of problems through dashboard warning lights. One of the most well known is the Check Engine light, which can signal issues of varying degrees of severity.
Other warning signs include a shaking or vibrating vehicle. This could be caused by a number of issues, including misalignment and loose lug nuts.
1. Dead Battery
When a car battery goes bad, it always seems to happen at the most inconvenient times. This is mainly because your vehicle’s electrical systems will not function without a fully charged battery.
Fortunately, you can avoid having to deal with this problem by regularly checking the condition of your car’s battery. Look for corrosion around the terminals, as this is a sign that your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Also, if you notice that your headlights are dim or won’t turn on at all, this is another sign that your battery isn’t holding a charge. In this case, you can use a solution of baking soda and distilled water to revive your battery. Alternatively, you can jumpstart your battery using jumper cables from a neighbor’s running car or a portable battery booster.
2. Flat Tire
Having a flat tire is one of the most frustrating car problems you can run into. It’s almost impossible to prevent a flat tire, but there are some things you can do to help minimize your chances of getting one.
For example, be careful when driving on roads with potholes or uneven paving. This can cause damage to your tires, leading to a flat. It’s also important to regularly inspect your tires for signs of wear and tear, such as uneven wear or a flat spot.
If you do get a flat tire, pump some air into the old tube and look for a leak. A frothy patch of bubbles indicates the location of a leak. Be sure to inspect the inside of your tire and rim for any sharp objects that may have caused the puncture.
3. Fuel System
No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, there are things that will always happen over time. A common car problem is a fuel system issue.
Your car’s fuel injectors pump a steady stream of fuel into your engine to create combustion, but when they go bad you will experience problems like hard starts, lack of power and rough driving. The injectors can either be clogged and not open or stuck partially open, which will result in a loss of fuel pressure and a leak of raw gas into the cylinder.
If you notice a cluster of dark stains on your driveway or parking slot it’s likely the fuel system is having problems. Another sign is if your car stalls when you accelerate or during warm temperatures.
4. Electrical Issues
Modern cars are more advanced than ever and their ultra-modern gadgets are prone to malfunction. Whether it’s the car’s GPS that is acting up, or the weather and climate device that won’t function – they can all be frustrating to deal with.
If you have a car that is showing signs of electrical issues it is important to get professional help as soon as possible. Failing to repair a problem like this could cost you hundreds of dollars or more depending on the problem and the car.
Your vehicle drops plenty of hints that something is amiss, but if the check engine light comes on it’s time to act quickly. This warning light can be tripped by many different things so it’s a good idea to read your owner’s manual.
5. Check Engine Light
There are a lot of electrical systems in your car and any one of them failing can throw off the engine. This is why it’s so important to pay attention to the warning lights and gauges. They’re the best way to stay informed about problems that may be brewing under the hood.
However, a check engine light shouldn’t be ignored, because it can indicate serious problems in the emissions and ignition system. But the good news is that the problems that set off a check engine light are usually very basic and easy to fix. Mazor suggests starting with the most obvious culprit: the gas cap, which can trigger the warning light if it’s loose or damaged. Luckily, tightening the cap is free and a quick fix.
