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While some car problems are minor enough to not merit an immediate diagnosis and repair, you should never ignore signs of a possible mechanical issue. Left unchecked, these minor issues can turn into a serious problem that can endanger you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road. Here are seven signs that your car may be having problems under the hood:
Unresponsive Acceleration
When your vehicle is being unresponsive, it could stem from a number of reasons. For starters, you might have filled it up with the wrong octane fuel. A lower octane fuel than what is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer can lead to engine damage and poor performance. Other possible causes for acceleration problems include grimy air filters, clogged fuel injectors, and low tire pressure.
Squeaky Brakes
Properly functioning brakes are vital for a very obvious reason – if your brake is completely unresponsive or is late to respond, you are at a higher risk of colliding with another vehicle or pedestrian. If you hear unusual sounds when you step on the brake, your brake pads might already be worn out and is due for replacing. Squeaky brakes can also be caused by a damaged rotor or drum surface.
Ignition Difficulties
If you turn the key and nothing happens, it could suggest a serious underlying problem with either your starter motor, battery, or ignition systems. If your battery is old or has wobbly connections, you may need to replace it. Ignition problems may also stem from your car’s electrical components, such as broken sensors and blown fuses. For example, if you live in Elgin, it’s best to bring it to a mechanic for thorough electrical diagnostic testing for cars in Elgin IL.
Excess Vibrations
Vibrations of higher frequency and magnitude while driving can be traced to your wheels, engine, and brakes. You can attempt to diagnose the problem yourself by looking at the tire rims for damage and checking if the nuts are screwed on tight. If the vehicle recently trekked through off-road terrain, dried mud that’s stuck to your wheels can be causing the issue. You should also diagnose for inaccurate tire pressure and uneven wear amongst your set of tires.
The Scent of Fuel or Exhaust Inside the Car
If you constantly smell exhausted or fuel fumes in the cabin, immediately seek assistance. Exhaust contains highly toxic chemicals, particularly carbon monoxide, while fumes can cause fire and chronic health conditions. Perhaps the most alarming aspect of carbon monoxide is that it doesn’t leave an odor. Fumes may signal a leak in your car’s exhaust system or poor door and window seals that gradually degrade over time. Other potential causes include a failing catalytic converter and a failing heater core.
Air Not Cooling
It’s easy to spot a problem in your car’s air conditioning system. If something is broken, the air inside doesn’t get cold. Instead, hot air circulates throughout the cabin even if the Cold knob is cranked up. While diagnosing the problem is easy, resolving it is a tad more complicated. The problem can stem from a broken compressor, refrigerant leaks, electric control failure, sensor problems, etcetera. If you are driving in humid conditions, you should also look at your car’s condensate drain to make sure it isn’t obstructed.
Steering Issues
Steering is an essential aspect of safe driving. If you feel resistance or delay when turning your steering wheel, the problem may be caused by low steering fluid levels. If the vehicle is veering off to one direction, your tires could start to misalign or wear out unevenly. Other signs to watch out for include grinding and screeching noises when turning the wheel. There may also be some discoloration or foam buildup in your power steering fluid. This points out that air or water may have entered the system and the fluid is not lubricating the parts as well as it should be.
Final Thoughts
Knowing these seven signs can save you a great deal of time and money from minor issues turning into costly and life-threatening problems. If you find any of these complications in your car, regardless of severity, you should always consult a mechanic right away. The longer you take to properly diagnose and fix the issue, the more damage it can do to other components or systems.
