As a car owner, it’s quite essential to be on a constant lookout for symptoms of possible trouble. When driving, you should pay attention to strange noises and other issues. Whether you just acquired a brand new car or are cruising your family’s trusted and well-maintained vehicle, some problems are likely to come up over the life of your car ownership.
The symptoms listed below could mean that you need a simple repair. But, in some instances, it may turn out that you need a replacement or rebuild. Whatever the case, the rule of thumb is to get your car checked at the first sight of trouble.
Here are a few warning signs that may save you costly repairs if identified and checked on time:
1. Slow Acceleration And Loss Of Power
A faulty fuel pump may cause a slow acceleration. A fuel pump is responsible for pulling fuel from the tank to the engine through the fuel lines. If the pump malfunctions, stops working, or gets clogged, fuel may not be supplied to the injectors as needed. As a result, your car may accelerate slowly, sputter, or even stall, particularly at high speeds.
If your engine struggles to run at its usual level, there could be some internal issues with the engine. Shaking at high speeds or struggling with hills are signs that you need to get your car checked.
2. Noisy/ Squeaky Brakes
Good brakes are crucial for your on-road safety. Therefore, it is always important to pay keen attention to unusual noises while braking. Some car issues may be difficult to identify, but when you have squeaky brakes, your car could be literally calling out for help. Squeaky brakes may mean that your brake pads are out. The noise is produced by metal pads that get revealed when your brake pads wear out. Get your brakes checked to prevent further effects to the rotor, which may inflict more pain on your pocket.
Rust or dust can also be a reason for squeaking brakes. If this is the case, your local mechanic can file it off and clear any other debris or dirt.
3. Smoky Exhaust
There are many potential issues behind a smoky exhaust. So, it is vital to know the different colors of fumes, as well as the meaning behind it. White smoke is a sign of leaking coolant, which may cause your car to heat up. A deep black smoke means your engine burns too much gasoline, and you need to check it out. If the smoke appears to have a blue tint, oil leak within the engine could be the culprit.
4. Check Engine Light
Dashboard warning lights are a way through which your car alerts you about problems detected by its on-board diagnostic system (OBD). Warning lights represent a wide range of issues, ranging from low oil pressure to an anti-lock braking system. If your check engine light (CEL) turns on, it means that you need to have your engine checked as soon as possible.
5. Bad Gas Mileage
The leading causes of bad gas mileage are bad fuel injectors and engine misfires. Plugs spark combustion into the engine; if they misfire or work poorly, your gas mileage will be affected negatively.
If a drop in gas mileage is paired with check engine light and other symptoms, the chances are that it points to a more severe issue. Get your engine checked on time if you detect an unexplained drop in mileage.
6. Knocking Engine And Rough Rides
A knock from the bonnet can indicate a dying engine due to damage in the engine’s moving parts, such as bearings and pistons. A knocking engine can propagate damage to other parts if not resolved on time. Continuous knocking and tapping may also be an indication of low engine oil due to inadequate lubrication. In such cases, topping up your engine oil may solve the problem. Still, it is essential to ask your local mechanic to scan for possible damage to the car’s mechanical parts.
If your car rides roughly, the chances are that you need to repair its suspension. The suspension system typically includes the springs, struts, shock absorbers, bearings, and ball joints. You can have this system diagnosed by experts, such as Exterioraccs, who are specialized in exterior parts.
Final Thoughts
These tips will hopefully help you decide if your car needs to be checked. Overall, it is crucial to be on the lookout for common signs that may indicate engine issues. Once you notice a sign, never assume that it will disappear on its own. Be in the know and never underestimate the risks of strange noises, unusual engine power, and similar symptoms.
