Common Car Maintenance Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Car maintenance is a crucial aspect of owning a vehicle, as it not only ensures the longevity of your car but also keeps you and other drivers safe on the road. However, even with regular maintenance, cars can experience common issues that require attention. Whether it’s a simple fix or a more complex repair, being aware of these issues can help you avoid costly repairs down the road. 

In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most common car maintenance issues and how to identify and address them. From routine tasks like oil changes and tire rotations to more significant issues like engine problems and transmission failure, we will provide insights and tips to help you keep your car running smoothly. 

1. The Warning Light Comes On

A warning light illuminating the dashboard is one of the most common car problems. This mostly happens when the vehicle’s engine control unit detects a problem through one of the sensors. There are numerous possible warning codes, so you might need to talk to a professional about it. Technicians will perform a thorough warning light system inspection to identify the problem and correct it, keeping you cruising safely at your convenience.

Related: Decode Your Dash: What Your Car Emergency Warning Lights Mean

2. Poor Fuel Economy

Various fuel system parts, including fuel filters, mass airflow sensors, O2 sensors and air filters, facilitate efficient fuel usage. Eventually, these components can get dirty, clogged, or worn out. When this happens, the engine might consume much more fuel than usual. Routine maintenance and servicing will restore your car’s engine to perfect condition and improve your vehicle’s optimal fuel use.

3. Failing or Dead Car Battery

A failing battery can be inconvenient and stressful. Sometimes, if you leave your car’s door ajar or interior lights on resulting in a dead battery, a simple jump can correct the issue. Other times, however, your car battery might be too old and unable to maintain charge. A car battery should be replaced every 50000 miles (3-5 years), even when it shows no signs of damage during a routine inspection.

4. A Noisy, Sputtering Engine

A noisy, sputtering car engine can be a cause for concern as it could be a sign of a bigger underlying problem. It’s important to identify the cause of the issue before it escalates and leads to a breakdown or safety hazard. The noise could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a faulty spark plug, clogged air filter, or failing alternator. 

Neglecting the issue could lead to reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and expensive repair costs in the future. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so if you’re experiencing any unusual noises or vibrations from your engine, it’s best to get it checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

5. Squeaking and Grinding Brakes

Brakes are crucial safety components as they help you stop your vehicles whenever necessary. But, like any other moving component in your car, the system can start to wear with time. When this happens, you might notice some signs, such as a soft brake pedal accompanied by squeaking, squealing and grinding noises. These issues should be inspected and corrected by an expert technician immediately. Usually, minor problems can cause squealing and squeaking noises. However, grinding noises are a major red flag that your braking system should be urgently repaired.

6. Shaking Steering Wheel

A shaking steering wheel can be a nerve-wracking experience for any driver, and it could indicate a variety of issues with your vehicle. Some of the most common causes of a shaking steering wheel are uneven tire wear, a misaligned wheel, or a worn-out suspension system. Ignoring the issue could lead to further damage to your car, compromising your safety on the road. It’s essential to take immediate action and get your vehicle checked by a professional mechanic.

7. A Failing Alternator

An alternator supplies electric charge to your car battery and keeps it running in its best condition. Once it breaks down and fails, the battery wears out prematurely, causing many starting issues. To avoid such problems, stay on top of the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals and repair and replace the alternator before it is too late.

8. Overheating

Who would not be scared and frustrated to see smoke emanating from the hood of their car during their summer road trip adventure? Though not common in modern vehicles, overheating still can and does happen. To avoid this, car owners should constantly check the water pump and stay on top of their vehicles’ radiator flush maintenance services.

Practice Routine Maintenance at Lexington M&L

Every car requires routine maintenance and servicing to keep it in the best condition. But even then, you will still experience a car problem from one time to another. When that happens, don’t fret — you can trust Lexington M&L for exceptional diagnostic and repair services. Our skilled mechanical experts are trained, experienced and dedicated to helping you get your car out of our bay and on the road as soon as possible. Do not wait until it is too late — visit our website and contact us now to find out more and schedule a service appointment!