- Regularly check your car’s fluids to ensure that there are enough and there are no leaks.
- Habitually inspect tires for signs of wear and tear such as bald spots or uneven treads.
- Listen out for strange noises which could indicate a problem with some parts of your car.
- Inspect the windshield frequently for any signs of damage like cracks, chips, and debris.
Whether that new car smell or the love for all things fast got you started as a car enthusiast or proud new car owner, it’s important to try to learn how to diagnose and repair common car problems.
A little knowledge can go a long way in preventing costly and extensive repairs in the future.
The automotive industry in the United States sold around 17.5 million cars in 2016, which was a record high for vehicle sales. This number gradually declined over the next few years as car manufacturers struggled to adjust to changing consumer preferences.
In 2017, U.S. car sales fell by about 4.4% from the peak of 2016, and total car and light truck sales dropped to approximately 15 million units. Last year, the U.S. auto industry sold a little over 3.34 million cars, a 6.8% decrease from 2020’s total sales of 3.59 million vehicles.
Nonetheless, having your own vehicle is still as much a need as it is a want, and most first-time car owners and enthusiasts are sometimes stomped on what to do when their car breaks down on the road.
But before your car actually breaks down it might be wiser to diagnose and try to repair car problems prior to hitting the road.
Here are some tips for diagnosing and repairing common car issues that new car owners can take a look into.
Check Your Fluids Regularly
One of the most important ways to stay on top of car maintenance is to regularly check fluid levels and look for any signs of leakage.
Customarily checking the fluids in your car should be done at least once a month, but depending on how often you drive and what type of climate you live in, you may need to do it more frequently.
Doing this can help you identify potential leaks or worn parts that need replacing before accidents actually occur on the road.
It’s also important to know what kind of fluid each component of your car requires and how often you need to check each one.
Car Fluids, Every New Car Owner Should Know About
- Engine Oil
- Coolant/Antifreeze
- Brake Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Transmission Fluid
- Windshield Washer Fluid
- Differential & Transfer Case Fluids
Inspect Your Tires Regularly
Your tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle; they provide traction and stability when driving on different surfaces.
Vehicular accidents, particularly ones that involve cars, are dangerous for the driver, the passengers, and casualties (if there are any), most of these fatal accidents are found to have been caused by problems with the car’s tires at an alarming 33% of the total data.
This data makes tire failure the most common cause of a vehicular crash. Therefore, it is incredibly important to inspect your tires on a regular basis for signs of wear and tear such as bald spots or uneven treads.
Two of the Most Common Types of Problems With Tires
- Tire blowouts – These are caused by a rupture in the sidewall of the tire, leading to the sudden and rapid loss of air pressure.
- Worn tires – Worn tires are caused by uneven tire wear, which leads to an inadequate level of traction for the car, resulting in poor steering and grip on the road.
If you discover issues like these, make sure to replace them immediately before they cause further damage to your beloved car or become dangerous while driving.
Listen for Strange Noises
Cars don’t talk, but they can speak to you as well, and they often make strange noises that can indicate a problem with certain components. These sounds could vary from those that are very subtle to those that are very robust depending on the car parts that are involved.
Strange Noises from Your Car that May Indicate a Problem
- A grinding sound when braking could mean that your brake pads need replacing due to excessive wear and tear.
- Squealing noises from under the hood may indicate an issue with the fan belt or other hoses that need attention from a qualified mechanic.
- Clicking or tapping sounds when accelerating could be an issue with the fuel injectors.
- Rattling or buzzing noises coming from the engine perhaps indicate a worn fan belt in need of replacement
- High-pitched squeals when steering may hint at low power-steering fluid levels and should be checked immediately.
- Metallic scraping sounds while driving could mean that something is stuck underneath your car, such as a rock caught between the brakes and wheel hub.
Inspect Your Car’s Windshield Habitually
The windshield of a car is an integral part of its overall safety features. It serves both a structural and aesthetic purpose, while also providing protection from wind, rain, and other external elements.
It’s crucial to inspect the windshield of your car regularly for any signs of damage such as cracks, chips, or scratches that can be caused by debris on the road or objects flying in from the side of the car while driving.
Acting quickly and getting damages fixed immediately, is essential as a damaged windshield can obstruct the driver’s vision and cause accidents.
This can be dangerous, especially if you’re already on the road. But do not fret, even when your windshield breaks while on the road, you can count on on-the-go windshield repair services to take immediate action for your safety and that of others.
Diagnosing and repairing common car problems is imperative for any car owner regardless of their level of expertise or experience with cars. It’s always better to perform routine maintenance checks so that you can spot potential issues early on before they become more serious later.
