If you’re a car owner, you’ve likely faced confusion and anxiety when your car experiences unexpected problems.
The unavoidable reality is that cars can break down occasionally, often when you least expect it. They require regular maintenance and care to keep functioning smoothly.
While cars make our lives easier, they can also become a costly necessity if you’re unable to troubleshoot basic car problems.
If you’re facing issues with your car, how you respond to the situation can make a big difference. By familiarising yourself with basic car problems and learning how to address them, you can save yourself time and stress.
Once you understand what’s causing the problem, you can also decide if fixing it can wait a week or two, or if the issue requires urgent attention. Knowing how to perform basic car checks also helps prevent the recurrence of these issues later on in the future.
In this article, we’ll guide you through some basic car problems and how to troubleshoot them, to get you back on the road safely.
1) The Car Won’t Start
One of the main reasons a car won’t start is because of a depleted battery. Car batteries are supposed to last for two to three years, but batteries dying before their time is a common occurrence.
If you suspect a dead car battery, look for telltale signs such as dim or non-functional car lights. When your car sits unused for long periods, the car battery may lose its charge as it isn’t being replenished by the engine.
If your car battery’s dead, you’ll need to jumpstart or recharge it to get your car running again. You may even need to replace the battery altogether. At In Town Automotive, we can help you with battery issues and all your car servicing needs. Contact us to book an appointment now.
If the battery appears to be in good condition, but your car isn’t responding when you turn the key, the issue may lie in the ignition switch.
After inspecting the ignition switch, assess the starter motor. When your car refuses to start and you can hear a soft whirring or clicking sound, the starter motor could be the problem.
Not every car issue is a complicated one. If your car passes the basic car checks discussed above, check if there’s fuel in your tank. Any problems with your fuel pump or filters could prevent the engine from starting. Consider fuel system issues only once you’ve ruled out the above issues.
2) The Engine Is Overheating
An overheated engine is one of the basic car problems that can cause long-term damage if it’s not addressed quickly and effectively.
Car engines get hot even when functioning normally due to their internal workings. But if the engine temperature gets too high, it may be cause for concern.
Insufficient coolant can lead to your car overheating. Monitor your coolant and keep it at the recommended levels to prevent engine overheating problems.
If your coolant levels are sufficient and you still suspect engine overheating, examine your car radiator. Look for any leaks in the radiator or connecting hoses. If there’s a leak, you may find green liquid or stains near the base of the radiator. Also, examine the electronic cooling fan to ensure it’s working properly.
If you’ve ruled out the coolant and radiator and your car’s still overheating, the problem could lie with the thermostat.
An overheated engine is a serious problem that can have long-lasting effects. Our team of qualified and expert mechanics at In Town Automotive can help you resolve the issue and get your car back on the road again.
3) Brakes Squeaking or Grinding
When you can hear squeaking or grinding noises while braking, you’re probably noticing a sign of brake problems.
One of the basic car problems you’re likely to come across is worn brake pads. Car brake pads need to be inspected every 12 months or so when your car is being serviced.
One of the easiest ways to identify if your brake pads need changing is the sound. A squealing sound when you apply the brakes, or even when you don’t, is a sign that your brake pads are worn down. The good news is that replacing your brake pads is fairly straightforward.
If you continue to use worn-down brake pads, you may damage the rotors. If you hear a grinding noise, try to look for grooves or heavy scratches on your rotors. Avoid touching the rotors just after driving as they will be extremely hot.
Your brakes are an essential part of your car and have to be well taken care of. At In Town Automotive, we can repair your brakes and replace your brake pads to keep your car working in optimal condition. Contact us to book an appointment now.
4) Poor Fuel Economy
Poor driving habits or speeding commonly lead to poor fuel efficiency. But there are other factors that may cause this sudden change, too.
If you notice your car consuming more fuel than normal, check the tyre pressure and air filters. Low tyre pressure can lead to reduced fuel efficiency, so your tyres need to be inflated to the recommended pressure.
A clogged air filter can also impact your fuel economy as it restricts airflow into the engine. Cars experiencing engine problems will often be thirstier than normal and consume more fuel more quickly, leading to low fuel economy.
5) The Check Engine Light Is On
Among the basic car problems, a lit-up check engine light is a significant source of stress and anxiety, but it’s a helpful tool to alert you of several easy-fix issues.
If your check engine light is on, inspect the petrol cap to ensure it’s securely tightened. A loose cap can cause the check engine light to come on. Occasionally, you may need to replace the cap completely.
Next, assess the spark plugs. Worn-out or faulty spark plugs can also make the check engine light come on as a result of inefficient combustion.
If the fuel cap and spark plugs are fine, take your car to a garage for a professional service and thorough evaluation.
For Exceptional Car Maintenance, Choose In Town Automotive
By learning how to troubleshoot basic car problems, you can tackle any car problem that may occur along the road.
Whether you’re dealing with a car that won’t start, brakes that are grinding, or any other issues discussed in this guide, In Town Automotive is here to help.
We provide car repair and maintenance services to keep your car running smoothly. From repairing brakes and exhausts to turbo replacements, DPF cleaning, and MOTs, our engineers are here to help.
Our award-winning garage in Northampton provides a range of solutions to service your car and improve its performance. When you entrust your vehicle to us, you can rest assured that it’s in good hands.
To learn more about us, visit our services page or contact us to book an appointment today.
bookings@intownautomotive.co.uk