Unfortunately, cars — especially the older ones! — have their fair share of problems. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the following common car issues so you’ll know what to do the next time your car has an issue.
Tire Problems
A flat or under-inflated tire is a very common issue. You might notice a funny noise when you’re driving, or the car might pull to one side. Get the tire inflated, and take it to an auto or tire shop so they can either repair or replace the tire. If a tire is completely flat, you’ll have to install the spare, which you should be able to do with the right equipment. Make sure you regularly check your tire pressure in all your tires, spare included.
Another common issue is uneven wear and poor alignment. This can affect both your safety and the way the car drives. When you buy a new set of tires, you should also pay for an alignment so your tires will wear more evenly and you’ll be a lot safer on the road.
Dead Battery
If your car won’t start no matter how many times you try turning the key, this is the sign of a dead battery. Try and find a friend with another car to jumpstart the vehicle so you can make it to the repair shop and have the battery replaced or recharged.
If your car’s battery tends to die often there could be an electrical problem in your vehicle that drains power.
Overheating Engine
When the temperature gauge on your dashboard creeps up to red, your engine is too hot. This can happen for several reasons. You might be able to fix this issue by filling your radiator with coolant and having any coolant system leaks taken care of. Check your coolant level regularly and top it off when it’s low.
There may also be an issue with the belts in your car. A loose belt may also attribute to overheating. Another sign of a worn belt is a squealing noise under the hood. This is an issue that you should have a mechanic look at right away. If a belt breaks, it can damage other components under the hood, which could lead to costly repairs.
Transmission Issues
If your car slips between gears, if the shifting is rough, or if the transmission is leaking fluid, there could be a major problem.
Because automatic transmissions can cost a lot of money to fix, you might want to start searching for a new vehicle. Standard transmissions may need clutch adjustments, but will otherwise last longer without major repairs.
You need a reliable vehicle so you can get around without worrying if your car is going to break down. Be familiar with common car problems so you can take appropriate actions to fix them.
MAIF Insurance is a local top area provider of Maryland Auto Insurance Fund policies. Contact one of our convenient locations for more information. MAIF is available to ALL Maryland residents.