Keeping your car running right can be a real challenge, but the more you know the easier the job will be. Some car repairs are more common than others, and learning to recognize the early warning signs could help you avoid an untimely, and expensive, automotive breakdown.
Whether you drive a brand new vehicle or one that is decades old, you will probably face one of these 10 most common car repairs sooner or later. Here are 10 of the most common vehicle repairs – and what you can do about them.
#1. A Clogged Air Filter
A clogged air filter can cause your vehicle to run rough, or not run at all. Over time, dust and dirt accumulate inside the air filter, restricting the flow of air and creating all kinds of problems for drivers.
#2. A Dead Battery
Just about every driver has experienced this one. You come out, try to start your car and hear a click instead. Keeping tabs on the age of your battery and changing it ahead of time can help you avoid this problem, as can having your battery tested.
#3. A Flat Tire
This is another one just about every driver has experienced. Getting a flat is never a good thing, but it always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Checking your tire tread, watching for uneven wear and changing your tires when the tread wears down can all help you avoid a blowout.
#4. Overheating
Overheating is another common car problem, and another one that can often be avoided. Always make sure your coolant tank is topped off, and try to avoid extended idling on hot days. Keep a close eye on your heat gauge and pull over to the side of the road if your vehicle starts to overheat.
#5. Misalignment
A misaligned front end can cause your tires to wear unevenly, but it can also cause issues with the way the vehicle handles. If your car pulls to one side when you drive or shimmies at high speeds, you should have the alignment checked as soon as possible.
#6. Rust
Rust is a serious problem, and it is often a hidden one. Over time, rust can build up on your vehicle, slowly eating away at the metal and creating safety hazards for drivers and passengers. You should check your undercarriage for rust on a regular basis, and wash your car promptly even in the winter, when road salt and corrosive chemicals are in widespread use.
#7. Running Rough
You may notice that your vehicle is running rough, or that it is idling unevenly when you stop at a red light or stop sign. In many cases, this roughness can be resolved with a simple tune-up. Fouled spark plugs can create this common problem, and replacing them can help you fix it.
#8. Worn Brake Lining
Every time you step on the brakes, the lining inside the system is worn away just a little. Over time, that brake lining wears down to the point where it must be replaced. Most brakes will make a noise when the lining is worn, so keep your ears open and replace your brake lining as needed.
#9. Bald Tires
Driving on bald tires is dangerous, so always check your tread depth before you get on the road. Even the best tires have a limited lifespan, and knowing when to change them is very important for your safety and the safety of other drivers.
#10. Worn or Damaged Wiper Blades
Wiper blades can be damaged in many ways. Dry weather can cause the wiper blades to crack, impairing your visibility as you drive. Turning on the wiper blades when the windshield is encrusted in ice and snow can damage the motor, leaving the wipers themselves inoperable. No matter what is causing the problem, it is important to get your wipers or wiper blades fixed right away – your safety is at stake.
Knowing which car repairs are most common can help you stay safer behind the wheel. Now that you know what to look for, you can be alert for the early warning signs, and that is good for everyone on the road.