Dealing with car breakdowns can be inconveniencing and frustrating, especially if your car breaks down when you least expect it. To avoid surprises, you need to check your car regularly for any tell-tale signs. Periodically inspecting your car can also help you catch minor issues before they escalate and cause serious problems.
If The Check Engine Light Is On
When you start driving, you first need to check your dashboard for warning lights. If you notice the check engine light is on, it is an indication that your car is about to break down. However, that may not be the case at all times. Other factors that may cause your check engine light to turn on include:
- Broken or loose engine cap
- Defective or faulty spark plugs
- Malfunctioning engine sensors
- congested or malfunctioning catalytic convertor
- Your vehicle battery needs replacement or charge
- Faulty Mass Airflow sensors
Nevertheless, you need to take your vehicle to a certified mechanic to identify and fix the problem to avoid surprises. Also, ensure you take your car to the auto repair shop for regular maintenance.
Low Power When Accelerating
The transmission system is one of the most critical components in your vehicle. This system transfers power from the engine to other parts of your car to keep your vehicle moving. However, some parts of the transmission system will wear out naturally as you continue using your car. When this happens, your car’s performance will be reduced. Even when you try to accelerate your car, it will struggle to move.
If you notice your car’s performance has reduced, you need to take it to an auto repair shop for a tune-up. When you take your vehicle to the mechanic, they may use an OBD scanner to identify the issue. Sometimes, the mechanic may use the best OBD scanner to tune up your car and improve its performance.
However, you can easily protect your car’s transmission from failing. First, you need to avoid overloading your vehicle. You should also switch your gears properly when driving and allow your car to warm up properly before you start driving. Finally, check your car’s transmission fluid regularly and fill it to the required level if it has reduced. Also, ensure you change the transmission fluid regularly if it needs to be changed.
Your Engine’s Temperature Is High
Your car features an internal cooling system that helps to cool the engine. However, as your car ages, the cooling system also wears out, making it difficult to control your car’s internal temperatures. With time, you will notice that your engine’s temperature gets higher than usual.
Once you notice your car’s engine is overheating, you must stop driving and park your car safely. If you continue driving, you risk damaging other parts of the engine, causing more problems. Additionally, an overheated engine can start a fire and destroy your car.
You can easily prevent your car’s engine from overheating by regularly checking the engine coolant level and refilling it if necessary. Also, avoid overloading your vehicle and take it to the mechanic for regular maintenance.
Your Car is Making Funny Noises
It is normal for your car to produce some noise when driving. However, your vehicle may start making strange sounds with time. When your car starts producing strange noises, it means that something is wrong with your vehicle.
Some unusual noises your car may produce include clicking, hissing, squealing, clanking, and ticking. Each of these noises usually indicates different types of problems. For instance, a hissing sound means that your engine’s coolant level is low, clanking suggests a problem with your brakes, while squealing indicates a problem with your fan belts. Therefore, you need to listen keenly to identify the type of noise your car produces and where it comes from.
To prevent your car from producing strange noises, ensure you take it to a mechanic for Regular maintenance even when operating on a tight budget. The mechanic will inspect your vehicle using the best OBD scanner to identify the issue and replace the necessary parts.
Oil Spots Under Your Car
If you notice oil spots under your car when driving or where you parked it, there is something wrong with your car. Oil marks under your car usually indicate that your car’s engine oil is leaking. Ignoring this issue can result in low oil levels, causing further damage to your engine. Additionally, oil leaks can jeopardize your safety and that of other road users. In case your engine overheats, it can set your car on fire.
Preventing engine oil leaks is relatively easy. First, ensure you use the recommended engine oil to avoid damaging your car’s engine. Also, ensure you change the oil and filters regularly.
Conclusion
Before setting out for a long journey, ensure you check the condition of your car to prevent ugly situations. If you notice any of the signs above, your car may break down at any time, and you should take it to the auto repair shop for repair. Fortunately, most issues are preventable, especially if you maintain your car regularly.