If you’re a car owner, you’re bound to run into a problem or two with your vehicle. There are several car problems out there, ranging from flat tires, or your engine overheating and conking out on you in the middle of a busy highway, or even broken windows and noisy windshield wipers. Some of these are easy to fix by replacing faulty parts, but that can be very expensive.
Here are just some of the more common car problems, and how you can prevent them:
Problem #1: Dead Starter
Prevention tips: When your car won’t start–or if it suddenly stops in the middle of traffic on a rainy rush hour evening, it’s either your starter has failed, or your battery is dead. You turn the key in the ignition, and it doesn’t start. Do periodic checks on the main components of your starter motor to see if anything needs some fixing.
Problem #2: Alternator Problems
Prevention tips: The alternator keeps your battery in check, and keeps it charged. Your car won’t be able to start, or your car can break down in the middle of the road, since it isn’t charging your battery. Age might be one reason why your alternator is problematic, so keep track of how old your alternator is, and have it replaced if it’s been in service for years.
Problem #3: Dead Battery
Prevention tips: This is another reason your car is not starting. A dead battery happens when something drains the power of your car battery, or if your car battery is old. To prevent your car battery from dying on you, keep track of the age of your battery. If it’s more than five years old, you might want to replace it of a new one. Check the battery connectors if they’re properly connected, if your battery is new or old. If it’s due to a drain, bring your car to a professional and have your alternator tested and changed.
Problem #4: Spark Plugs
Prevention tips: Spark plugs have a wear and tear problem. The more you use your car, and the harder you make it work, the bigger chances your spark plugs will fail you. A failed spark plug can cause your car to run at a very low top speed, consume more gasoline than usual, and sound like it’s wheezing and close to death. To prevent this, regularly have your car tuned up. This includes having spark plugs replaced at regular intervals.
Problem #5: Radiator Leaks
Prevention tips: If your air conditioning starts failing you, and your car is leaving a trail of coolant on the street and driveway, then you have a radiator leak. Don’t panic: just check all the connectors of your car to make sure that they’re in place, and not loose or cut. If there’s damage, replace immediately. Also work out a coolant maintenance schedule by regularly “cleaning up” your radiator by putting in fresh fluid with anti-corrosive agents.
Problem #6: Oil Leaks
Prevention tips: A tell-tale sign that your oil is leaking would be ugly dark stains on your driveway and your parking slot. It starts off small and gets uncontrollable. Your oil filter might not be working well, or a plug is missing or misaligned. Oil leaks are easily remedied if you maintain or tune up your car regularly, and change your oil filter at regular intervals.
Problem #7: Flat Tire
Prevention tips: Flat tires happen when sharp objects puncture your tire, or your tires are tired from all the wear and tear of being driven over various terrains. To prevent flat tires, you have to be careful where you drive your car. You also have to regularly check your tire’s air pressure, so it’s not over- or under-inflated, which can cause too much friction on your tires and rip its treads. Also be wary of the roads you drive on!
Final Thoughts
Your car problems can be solved by giving your car a regular maintenance schedule and always cleaning it– inside and out! Also, understand the terms of your manufacturer or car insurance provider with regard to repairs and maintenance. It would also be a good idea to know which centers you can get discounts on, so you’re prepared for any emergency.
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