Understanding what some of the most common car problems are is helpful for a few reasons:
- you can be on the lookout for issues before they become dangerous or costly problems to repair
- you will have a better appreciation of how important preventative car servicing and maintenance are
- you will be informed about what to look for if you’re buying a used car
Engine warning lights
The warning lights on your dashboard give you early warning when some part of your vehicle needs attention. They are there to keep you safe, not to annoy you. So don’t ignore them.
Understand, however, that there are numerous warning codes that are incorporated into the engine warning lights system. So it’s important to have this warning system checked when you have your car serviced.
An electrical failure or issue in another part of the vehicle may trigger something that affects the engine warning lights system. Stay on top of any problems here in order to save yourself unnecessary risk and money.
Worn brake pads
Faulty brakes are more common than you may realise. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the brakes are not working altogether. Brakes can be faulty – and dangerous – because of worn brake pads.
Have you ever had your vehicle’s brake pads changed and then noticed a significant increase in the responsiveness of your brakes? That’s how they should perform all of the time. Yet too often drivers leave their brake pads to get too worn down.
Not only is this unsafe, but it is also a very common reason for a car failing its Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection.
If you notice any unusual sounds, squeaking, juddering, shaking or poor response time with your brakes, book in immediately for a brake check and service.
Flat tyres
If you’re a driver, chances are you’ll have a flat tyre experience at some point. They’re a common car problem because they can be caused by a number of factors.
You may get a flat tyre if you strike a sharp object, such as a rough edge of a curb, sewer grate or parking bollard. Flats are also caused when a tyre is punctured by glass, nails, screws on the road (it’s essential to be extra cautious around construction sites). And sometimes general wear and tear results in a flat tyre.
Having your tyres rotated and your wheels aligned are great ways to help prevent getting a flat tyre.
At Mt Roskill Collision Centre we offer a comprehensive tyre check and service – great as part of your regular vehicle maintenance or if you’re purchasing a second-hand car.
Strange sounds when running
It’s a good idea every once in a while to drive with the radio off and the windows up so you can listen carefully to how your car sounds. You should only hear a soft hum of the engine.
If there are any strange sounds or sputtering coming from the engine, it’s imperative to have the issue looked into quickly. If there are any problems with how the engine is working, delaying a check and repair may lead to more expensive repairs or unsafe driving.
Other strange sounds that you may hear coming from your car include squeaky brakes, squealing tyres, and other knocking or pinging coming from under the car.
These are not how your car should normally sound, and they should not be ignored.
Car ignition doesn’t work
If you turn the key or press the ignition button and nothing happens, there’s a problem with either the ignition system or the engine itself.
Because there are many moving parts in and around your car engine, this is not an uncommon problem.
The best way to keep your ignition and engine working properly is to keep up with regular service appointments. Our Standard Car Service package includes all the checks required to help prevent your car ignition from failing.
Battery is dead
Car batteries have a limited lifespan – usually between three and five years. This depends on how much you drive, the type of driving you do, how much you use the battery without actually driving, etc.
Eventually, your car battery will go flat. Depending on the age of the battery, you may be able to recharge the battery and get the car going again. But if the battery keeps going flat, it’s probably time for a new one.
If you’d like to know how to test your car battery, read our information on car battery testing.
Can a car service fix these problems?
Car servicing can help fix many of these problems. It can also help prevent most of these problems, which is what most of us prefer. It’s always better to take preventative action in order to avoid a breakdown or flat tyre by the side of the road.
If you experience any of these common car problems, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at Mt Roskill Collision Centre. We’re here to help and to keep you safe on the road.
No issue is too small to look into. Give us a call on 0800 227 762 and we can discuss with you the next best steps.