The average American spent around $2000 on vehicle maintenance over the last five years. This is quite a hefty sum. Yet, considering how much most of us rely on our cars, this is the cost of doing business.
Automobiles are intricate machines. Any number of issues can occur. However, some car problems are more common than others.
If you understand what is wrong, you’ll know how to proceed. Some car issues may require a mechanic while others are DIY. Read on as this guide examines some common car problems to look out for.
Dead Battery
Depending on the quality, batteries last about 3-5 years. A dead battery doesn’t always mean it’s bad. It may have drained from leaving lights on.
Keep jumper cables or a trickle charger on hand to get you out of a pinch. If the issues keep up, a new battery is in order. Auto shops will test the amps of your battery for free.
Squeaking Brakes
If you hear squeaking from the brake, that’s the pads letting you know it’s time for a replacement. There is a metal shim in the pads that squeaks on the rotors when they are bare.
On average, pads last about 30,000 miles. Installing new pads is a couple of hours of DIY work.
Flat Tire
This is among the most common of all car repairs. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest DIY fixes.
Forget about calling a tow truck. It’s as simple as keeping a patch kit in your car.
The self-vulcanizing rubber will melt. The hole is now sealed from the inside. Fill the tire back up with air and you are on the road again. The process takes only a few minutes.
Leaking Coolant
Coolant or antifreeze is designed to transfer heat away from the engine. If you notice a green liquid puddling below the car or smell a sweet aroma, your coolant is leaking. Remember, if your car brand is BMW, when choosing a BMW antifreeze for your M3 E46, consider all your options because the concentration of the antifreeze is also crucial for your engine.
The coolant can leak from a number of hoses. Worse still, you may need radiator repair. This is not an issue you can ignore.
Shaking Steering Wheel
It’s scary when you hit cruising speeds and the steering wheel starts to shake, but don’t panic. You are likely experiencing a balance or alignment issue.
Alignments are among the most common auto repairs. In fact, even if you don’t experience this shaking, it’s recommended to have your car balanced every few thousand miles.
Headlights Out
There is no reason to ever get pulled over for a burnt-out light. Replacing them is almost as easy as screwing a lightbulb in a lamp.
Use your owner’s manual or the catalog at the auto parts store to source your bulb size. You’ll have easy access from under the hood. Simply twist it out and click in the new bulb.
Keep in mind, high and low beams are different sizes of bulbs.
Bad Starter
If your starter is going bad, it’s going to seem like your car keeps breaking down. This is because the starter is in charge of turning over the engine.
Loose connections and worn-out solenoids are routine offenders. Unfortunately, you can’t tell the starter going bad until it starts happening. If you are worried, a mechanic can give your car a starter inspection.
Car Problems Solved
If your vehicle is not running properly, there is a good chance you are experiencing one of these car problems. Keep an eye out for these signs and issues.
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