If a car breaks down suddenly, we are unhappy, but there are lots of maintenance problems that warn us well in advance of a serious breakdown.
The more you study your car and learn to recognize its early warning signs – from little dashboard lights to smells emanating from the engine – the more savvy an owner you will be (and therefore save money!). The following infographic, courtesy of Mango Automotive, details some of the factors that indicate trouble.
Unusual Noises
When there are strange noises and flashing warning lights coming from your vehicle, it is very important to pay attention. If you ignore minor problems with your car, you might end up having to pay a lot more money for your car to be fixed, or you might end up having a more serious accident on the roads of Naperville. Any irregular noise or flashing light should be immediately checked by by a qualified mechanic. Weird sounds and lights could be an indication of something wrong – from bolts that might loosen with continued driving, to brakes that are hurting the discs and require immediate repairs.
Check Engine Light
If your check engine light comes on, it means there’s a significant problem with your vehicle, and a professional mechanic should be consulted right away. Many of the problems that lead to this warning light are serious and could result in damage that could be irreparable if the problem is allowed to go on for a long time. Your car’s onboard diagnostic system keeps tabs on it, of course, and you know that the check engine light comes on when something has gone awry – maybe the oxygen sensor, or maybe your gas cap is a little loose. Blinking lights generally signal greater issues, such as engine misfire. A technician can run a diagnostics to identify particular fault codes and next steps.
Stalling
It’s one of the most disorienting things you can experience while driving when your car stalls in the middle of traffic. Not only will your vehicle stop in the wrong place, causing other complications, but the lack of power steering or the extra pedal distance required to stop safely might pose serious technical threats. Stalkers are stalkers, and that leads to feelings of fear and humiliation. But stalking should not be made out to be a failure. While you might be stressed out, panic sets in the bloodstream. When that happens, your mind becomes useless. So remember, the most important thing to do following a stalking incident is to get yourself together and check. Check your mirror. Check your back seat. Check your engine under the bonnet. Check whether you’re in gear. Crank your car out, pull over, shut it off, restart it. Check the dog’s door. Check your back seat again.
Difficulty Starting
Your car knows you better than anybody else and any hint of an anomaly, such as a strange noise, wrenching or a flashing warning light should have your instant attention, because failure to take notice of the initial symptoms will result in costly repairs in the long run. If you hear a high-pitched clicking when you turn the key, this is an indication that your starter is likely causing the problem. You may find yourself with a weak starter, preventing the engine from turning over. Get it looked at sooner than later.
Low Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is a measure of how well your car uses the energy stored in its fuel. So if your car suddenly starts burning more of that valuable fuel than it needs, that’s an indication of trouble. A dirty oxygen sensor can prevent the correct fuel consumption by your engine and your mileage per gallon can decrease. We can also inch up our MPGs by the way we drive. Driving over the speed limit burns more fuel as does idling for extended periods of time. Cut back on these bad habits to enhance your MPGs. Cargo in your trunk is a form of added weight which is not good for the fuel (ensures less MPGs). Correct tire inflation can help MPGs.
Oil Leaks
Any form of oil leak is probably the most stark indication that your car needs to go into the garage to sort out the problem. If you spot an unattractive sausage of oil on the ground under your vehicle, crawl and find its exact source – more times than not, either small or minor road debris has wreaked damage on the seals or gaskets (most being plastic), which have gradually deteriorated over prolonged use, and the oil seeped out and dropped onto the ground. If you see smoke coming from your engine or hear hissing and steaming sounds, this is a telltale sign to check if the oil has been used up. Apart from smoothing friction, engine oil also functions as a filter and a coolant. Dripping oil on hot engine components will eventually burn out, causing the oil to smell bad and pollute the atmosphere with exhaust fumes.
Tire Pressure
It’s also important to keep an eye on your tyre pressure to ensure it is checked often – remember, your tyres will last longest and burn your fuel most efficiently when properly inflated. This will make it easier to turn and stop, too. Check your tyre pressure (psi) in your doorjamb sticker or owner’s manual, and you can buy a tire pressure gauge at virtually all auto parts stores for less than $15. First, unscrew one end cap from your tire, stick the pressure gauge over its valve stem and pump until the hiss registers in your gauge; repeat on all your tires, compare with manufacturer specifications for proper tire inflation.