Cars are equipped with complex systems. Each component connects to another helping the car to work properly. However, car components may go through certain problems and malfunctions in their lifetime. That said, these common car problems can cause other systems to fail and cost more. However, detecting these common car issues at an early stage can save you a fortune.
Therefore, here we have listed some common car problems that may exist when a car runs old or one may detect these problems when buying a preowned car.
COMMON CAR PROBLEMS
Car owners can find issues during the lifetime of their vehicles. However, ignoring these common car issues is never a good idea; avoiding timely repair and maintenance can cost more later as a single malfunctioning part may affect other parts of your car.
Here are some of the most common car problems and their causes to help fix your vehicle timely.
MOST COMMON MECHANICAL PROBLEMS IN CARS
When a car reaches a certain mileage and life, some parts start to malfunction. These common car failures will require proper repair or replacement to function properly. And, since mechanical components are subjected to wear and tear, here are some common mechanical problems in cars that will require your timely attention.
ENGINE MISFIRING
If your engine misfires, there may be multiple reasons behind it. Besides, it is one of the common problems in cars when they are maintained timely. The following are causes of engine misfiring.
- The improper mixture of air and fuel due to a bad fuel filter or pump
- Bad spark plugs or ignition coil
- Vacuum leaks
- Bad MAF sensor
When there is an engine misfire, there are multiple parts and components to look for. Besides, drivers can see the check engine light when the sensors are problematic. Therefore, car owners should take their vehicles to a professional mechanic or technician to resolve this problem.
BRAKE PROBLEMS
Car brakes are important for driver and passengers’ safety. The following are a few signs that your brakes require repairing:
- Squeaking or squealing noises from brakes
- Bad brake pads
- A problem with brake calliper guide pins
- Failed brake discs
- Brake pads and discs have completed their lifespan
It is important to get the brakes inspected regularly to avoid brake failure when driving. Alongside the aforementioned signs, there may be overheating of car brakes if the brakes are not maintained regularly.
TYRE WEAR AND TEAR
Auto manufacturers follow high safety standards for tyres. However, it is one of the common car problems that tyres may wear out due to over or under-inflated tyres. Moreover, a tyre may be subjected to a nail or screw. Therefore, you will need to take the screw out of the tyres to avoid a tyre blowout.
Other reasons a tyre may wear and tear are as follows:
- A bad tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Unbalanced car tyres
- Tyre lifespan is over
- Improper wheel alignment
The solution for the causes is simple. You will need to get a new TPMS sensor or get your tyres balanced and wheel alignment at the same time. Or, you can replace the old tyres with new ones to avoid any mishap.
STEERING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS
A steering and suspension system will exist mainly due to bad ball joints or bushings. Here are the signs of a failed suspension or steering system:
- The vehicle will pull toward one side
- Uneven and uncomfortable ride
- Loose or hard steering
- Increased steering vibrations
- Knocking or clunking sounds when driving over bumps
- Noises when turning the steering wheel
The causes of bad steering or suspension are the following:
- Low levels of power steering fluid
- Failed power steering pump
- Leaking power steering rack
- Worn out control arm bushings.
- Bad shock absorbers or struts
- Damaged ball joints
TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS
Transmission is an important system to transmit power to the wheels. However, a manual or automatic transmission is subject to failure. The following are some of the common signs that will require automatic transmission service:
- Gearbox overheating
- Car jerks when shifting gears
- Dashboard warning light
- Scratching noise when shifting gears
The cause of a transmission problem may be a bad torque converter. Alongside that, there may be the following causes of a bad transmission:
- Low levels of automatic transmission fluid
- Contaminated transmission fluid
- Slipping components inside the transmission
A transmission lasts longer if well-maintained. Therefore, you can avoid transmission problems by getting it serviced regularly when you buy a new or used car in the UAE.
FUEL SYSTEM
The basic function of a fuel system is to supply the right amount of fuel to the engine. However, it is one of the most common car problems that the fuel filters might get clogged or the fuel pump malfunctions. Here are the signs that your car has fuel system problems:
- Low fuel economy
- Sluggish acceleration
- Car stuttering at high speed
- Rough idling
- The car will crank but won’t start
The fuel filters will need to be replaced timely to avoid any problems. Furthermore, you will need to schedule car maintenance to avoid fuel system problems.
MOST COMMON ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS IN CARS
Modern cars consist of many electrical components and systems. These electric parts may fail and decrease the efficiency of cars. Here are some common electrical problems in cars:
CAR BATTERY
When your car has a dead battery, it won’t start and other systems won’t function too. There may be dim headlights or the car horn won’t work properly. Therefore, you will need to replace the battery when it gets old or the fluid from the battery starts leaking. Replacing battery on time is necessary, as it can lead to multiple other issues like dim car headlights.
LIGHTING SYSTEM
The car lighting system may have blown out fuses or bulbs requiring replacement. Similar to car horn repairing, you can check fuses, batteries, and bulbs to get your car headlights, tail lights, and interior lighting system working properly.
ALTERNATORS
A bad alternator has following symptoms that need to be addressed:
- Problems in acceleration or starting the car
- Dim headlights or brake lights
- Battery warning light on the dashboard
Before repairing or replacing car alternators, check the car battery and starter motor. If the battery and starter motor are working properly, take your car to the mechanic to get this common car problem repaired timely.
ENGINE CRANKING
Alongside bad spark plugs, a drained battery may cause a failure to crank the engine. The engine check light and battery warning light may turn on when the engine doesn’t crank. Therefore, you will have to take your car to a professional.
FAULTY FUSE BOX
A car fuse box has many different connections. For instance, the lighting system, car horn, windows, and door locking. When a certain car fuse fails such as a car horn fuse fails, it will require replacement. Therefore, always check the fuse with a multimeter before jumping to battery check.
These were some of the common car problems and costs to solve these problems can become much higher if timely attention isn’t paid. Therefore, when you own a car, ensure that you use your five senses to check certain car problems and get them repaired timely. That said, if you don’t schedule car maintenance timely, a single failing part can cause other systems to fail.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s leading auto blog to find out more about different car problems and their repair solutions.
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