Common car troubles that can lead to serious breakdowns
Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to the performance and efficiency of your car. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for drivers to neglect maintaining their cars until it’s too late. Although there are many early signs, engine failures aren’t always easy to spot, which can make troubleshooting even more difficult. It’s important to keep an eye on your car’s overall performance and see if you notice any declines in efficiency or overall driving experience, which could be a sign of an engine problem. Here is an overview of common engine problems that can lead to serious breakdowns if not addressed in a timely manner.
Emissions problems
Emissions problems are more common in older car engines than in newer car engines. These higher emission levels are dangerous for the car and can increase pollution. There are many things that can cause car exhaust fumes and smoke, including faulty wiring, a faulty oxygen supply, faulty ignition coils, and a rich fuel mixture.
If the exhaust fumes are simply due to a faulty air filter, replacing the air filter will solve the problem. If you are unable to diagnose the cause, take your car to a repair shop or trusted mechanic as soon as possible to avoid further damage. Always replace your car’s engine air filter after one year of use.
Transmission Problems
Grinding noises when changing gears, squealing or whistling sounds, dropping out of gears, smell of burning gears or slipping, and your car shaking regardless of speed are all common signs that your transmission is not working properly.
Once you have accurately diagnosed the transmission problem, you can troubleshoot accordingly. For example, if your transmission makes a squealing noise while driving, it means that it is low on transmission fluid. This can be fixed by adding gear oil and additives that stop gear oil leaks.
If misfires occur, check the clutch fluid. Top up if the clutch fluid is low. Another issue that can cause gear misfires is the presence of air in the system. This can be fixed by bleeding the clutch. If you notice your gears slipping, try adding an anti-slip additive. A creaking sound you hear in your car indicates that the clutch is slipping. This is caused by a loose clutch pedal. In this case, you will need to take your car to a repair shop.
Gear Oil Leaks
Transmission oil leaks are common in old and new cars alike. This may be due to a product defect or wear in the gearbox. The most common causes of this leak are loose stones that can damage tires, broken transmission seals, or broken seals. Also, if your transmission fluid leaks, the fluid level will drop and it will be difficult to engage the gears.
Drain all the old fluid and have a professional inspect it for leaks. Once you’ve refilled it, circulate the transmission fluid through all the gears and you’re good to go. However, if you are still not sure of the exact problem, do not try to fix the leak yourself.
Stuttering Starter
This engine starts the vehicle when you turn the key in the ignition. In some cases, the starter may not work and the car will not start. A stuttering starter motor can have many causes, including clogged spark plugs or sensors, a weak battery, or a faulty fuel pump.
It is also possible that the ignition system needs repair while the engine is running normally. Check all parts related to the secondary ignition system, vacuum shoes, and injectors. Replace them if they are damaged.
Thermostat Problems
The thermostat plays a vital role in the operation of your vehicle. It regulates the flow of coolant through the engine. If your thermostat is faulty, it can cause big problems later. You can diagnose a thermostat problem within the first 15 minutes of starting your vehicle’s engine. If the temperature gauge shows a high reading or the temperature fluctuates erratically, it means the thermostat is not working properly.
There are many reasons why a thermostat may not be working properly, including improper installation of the thermostat, incompatible or contaminated coolant, and more. Try flushing your cooling system before installing a new thermostat. Check the pressure cover for damage or corrosion and replace it if it is damaged.
Radiator Leaks
The most common cause of radiator leaks is corrosion. Rust and debris build up in the radiator and can cause damage to your engine. If left untreated, the leak can increase over time. Other reasons for this leak include weak coolant, a faulty thermostat or heater core in your car, etc. Improper maintenance, such as overfilling your radiator with water, can also put undue pressure on your radiator and cause it to leak.
A quick and easy solution to this problem is to install a leak plug, which will instantly seal the radiator and stop the leak. However, these plugs are not very reliable, so you will need to consult a mechanic to find a permanent solution.
This concludes our list of common car problems that can lead to serious issues. Automotive parts and components tend to break down over time. Only proper and timely maintenance can prevent serious issues and keep your car running for a long time.
However, if your car’s engine is causing irreparable or recurring issues, it’s a sign that it needs to be replaced. Check out these used cars for sale in UAE for affordable options. For more on market trends and automotive technology, stay updated with UAE’s leading automotive blog.