If you own a car, you are likely to experience at least one or two problems on the road. So it’s good to be prepared and be aware of warning signs that your car is displaying. Here’s a list of the 10 most common car problems that you might experience on the road and how to fix them on your own, in case help is not available right away.
1. Dead Battery
Starting a car with a malfunctioning starter is one of the difficulties that vehicle owners experience over time. For this reason, knowing how to restart a car with a malfunctioning starter will be beneficial. A dead starter indicates that your vehicle will not be able to start. It’s generally due to one of two things: a defective starter or a dead battery. When you turn the key in the ignition, nothing happens – all you hear is a click.
Check the primary components of your starting motor on a regular basis to determine if anything needs to be repaired or replaced. A dead starter can easily be caused by a problem with the spark plug or that the starter relay needs to be adjusted.
SOLUTION
If you are in the middle of the road and this happens, here are some ways that might help you.
- Examine your connections. Ensure that there are no loose connections between the battery and the starter since the electric current controls the ignition. If you noticed that this connections were loosened, fasten the terminals of the battery with a ratchet. However, if that connection looks good examine the positive cable that connects the battery. This cable divides into two separate chords with one going to the alternator and the other to the starter. Take a look at the cable line and see where the connection is slack. If you still don’t see anything, you should attempt the bypass. For a jump start, connect the positive wire directly to the battery terminal via the link and turn on the ignition.
- Push your car to start. Push-starting is another simple yet effective conventional method of dealing vehicles that has a bad starter. Push-starting works even when the battery is dead and the starter is broken. The sole constraint is that push-starting only works in automobiles with manual transmissions.
- Check for Corrosion. Cable failure might be caused by corrosion, which hinders the engine’s electrical conductivity. Ensure that there are no droplets of acid that may cause corrosion. That indicates that preventive measures must be taken as soon as possible in order to address the problem effectively. In a small bowl, combine water and an equal amount of sodium bicarbonate, then wash the terminal head with the mixture. Clean the terminals and connectors for a short period of time before washing them with clean hot water. This implies that you should examine around the engine box for any filth or corrosive deposit and wash it off as well. The engine’s solenoid connector, positive connecting cable, and ground cable should all be inspected and cleaned.
If you’ve tried these solutions yet your engine won’t start, you might need to check your battery or request roadside assistance or a car removal service.
2. Flat Tires
Most tires can become flat after striking an object or being punctured, it’s possible for simple wear and tear to be the main source. Flat tires can also happen when tires lose air pressure due to continued use.
Extend your tire’s lifespan by keeping them properly rotated, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Generally, rotating tires every 5,000 miles or during a routine oil change is advised. Careful driving is usually a good idea to avoid flat tires. You should also check your tire’s air pressure on a regular basis to ensure that it is not over- or under-inflated, which can generate excessive friction on your tires and shred the treads.
SOLUTION
When you need to change your car tire, the first thing you should do is bring your automobile to a safe spot. Slow down and find a level, well-lit stretch of road or the next vacant parking lot for your safety. If you do end up pulling over to the side of the road, switch on your hazard lights, turn off your car, and apply the parking brake. Change your flat tire once you are in a safe spot. If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation while on the road you can always call roadside assistance or a car removal service for a quick response.
3. Brakes Squeaking or Grinding
Like any other moving part on your car, the brake system is intended to wear out over a period of time. Brakes are vital for safe stopping, so when they display any issues, like squealing, squeaking, or a soft brake pedal – it should be inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Minor problems can cause squeaking or squealing noises, once the brakes start grinding, it’s a definite sign they need to be replaced.
SOLUTION
If you heard a grinding, thumping, or squeaking breaking noise, here are the things that you need to do:
- Fixing a Grinding Noise – Stop driving and contact a towing company if your brakes are grinding. Towing cost will be worthwhile in the long term. If you’re lucky, you’ll only need to replace your brake pads. You’re intended to repair the pads so that they don’t crush your rotors to a pulp. You may generally maintain your rotors if you change your pads on time. If you’ve been driving and braking despite the grinding noise for a time, you should anticipate to replace your rotors as well as maybe some other parts.
- Fixing a Thumping Noise – You have several ways to fix this noise. The first one is to replace the rear drums. A second, less harsh method is to remove the drums, mount them on a lathe, and use coarse sandpaper to sand the crap out of the mating surface.
- Fixing a Squeaking Noise – Don’t ignore the noise for too long as it indicated that the brake pads are worn and must be replaced soon for your safety and the protection of the rest of the braking system.
If you are caught up in this situation in the middle of the road, you can still drive slowly but it’s best to call a car removal service near you since this can prevent accidents once the brakes malfunction.
4. Steering Wheel Shaking
Multiple issues can cause the steering wheel to shake while driving. A shaking steering wheel is usually caused by tire/wheel issues, suspension and steering issues, brake issues, or a combination of the three. If your steering wheel is shaky, your car most certainly has one or more of the following problems.
- Tires out of Balance. If this is the case, you are less likely to perceive shaking at lower speeds than you are at higher speeds. Shaking from out-of-balance tires is likely to begin while you’re traveling at 50 miles per hour or faster, though it may become less evident at greater speeds.
- Problems With Brake Rotors. If your steering wheel shakes a lot when braking, it might be because your rotors are out of round. Even if you have new brakes, vibrations during braking indicate a significant problem. It’s likely that the rotors were not properly mounted, and that the inability of the brake pads to clamp together effectively is causing the car to shake.
- Worn Suspension Components. Suspension and alignment issues might sometimes cause your steering wheel to shake when driving. Shaking caused by a worn ball joint or tie rod is more typical in older automobiles than in newer ones, so take this into account if you’ve been driving the same car for a long.
SOLUTION
Seek immediate help when your steering wheel starts shaking. The symptoms you’re observing might indicate a serious problem that jeopardizes safety of your car. Take it to a trained technician so they can tell you what’s wrong and how to fix it. If this happens it’s best to ask for help from an emergency towing service.
5. Overheating
You might suspect overheating to be higher on this list, but in reality, it occurs rarely. In most modern cars, the cooling system is very complex, containing multiple sensors that monitor coolant temperature, flow, and other components. Staying on top of radiator flush services and changing the water pump before it breaks are two easy ways to reduce the potential for overheating issues.
SOLUTION
If you heard a grinding, thumping, or squeaking breaking noise, here are the things that you need to do:
- Turn On The Heater. Turning on the heater takes heat away from the engine and into the passenger compartment, relieving the cooling system of the engine. In certain cases, this may be sufficient to reverse the overheating. When the warning light goes off or th
- Pull Over. When the heater is turned on yet your car continues to overheat after a few minutes of driving, pull over and turn off the engine—this is the safest and most effective approach to cool the engine. It is the good time to contact a roadside assistance too, if you have one, as you may require a tow.
- Be Patient. However, if you don’t have roadside assistance, you need to be patient as it will take at least 15 minutes for your engine to cool off. Your personal is the most crucial thing so always keep in mind, do not attempt to open the hood; the coolant in an overheated automobile may be over 230 degrees. When you open the hood, you also risk being sprayed with hot water or steam.
- Add Coolant. After 15 minutes of waiting and the hood is already cool to touch, put your gloves then open the hood and find the radiator cap. When the hood is cold to the touch and you’ve waited at least 15 minutes, put on gloves, open the hood, and find the radiator cap (check the owner’s handbook if required), advises Reina. Cover the cap with a towel and slowly push down and loosen it a quarter turn to release pressure caused by the coolant expanding when heated. When the radiator cap is fully opened, gently add coolant—half water, half antifreeze—until the liquid reaches the full level. It is also recommended to add a coolant to a small and clear plastic overflow reservoir located on the side of the radiator. Replace the cap and start the engine then proceed with caution when the temperature gauge or red warning light returns to normal.
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