How much do you know about the inner workings of your car engine and all of the potential issues it can have? Over time, wear and tear will take its toll on your vehicle, and you will be more likely to experience problems and breakdowns. Knowing how to avoid these, anticipate them, or even prevent them can go a long way in reducing issues on the road and lowering the costs associated with running a car.
This post looks at 4 common issues all drivers will likely face at one time or another.
Flat Battery
An extremely common issue is a flat battery. A car battery can last anywhere from 5-10 years on average, and after this, you will likely need to change it. As you drive, your car will charge the battery to allow it to run. As your battery gets older, it will become less efficient at holding its charge, meaning you might notice issues such as it draining faster when the engine is off (if you have the heating or radio on while sitting in the car) or it is harder to start. Being aware of your battery's age can help you preempt these issues and replace your battery before you begin to have any problems. Having jumper cables in the car can be a lifesaver, too, should you find yourself with a flat battery.
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs do precisely that. They set sparks into the combustion chamber to ignite the fuel and power your engine. If your spark plugs have gone there, you won't be able to start your car, or you might notice other issues when driving, such as poor acceleration or stalling your vehicle. A pretty common issue for drivers, and an easy fix by booking in for an auto repair with a mechanic.
Tire Issues
Your tires are an integral part of your car and provide grip and adhesion to the road when driving. Driving with poorly maintained tires can increase your risk of accidents and fuel consumption. The legal minimum tread for tires on the road is 1.6 mm around the inner 3/4 tread on the tire. Anything below this is dangerous to drive on.
Driving with inadequate tires can increase the risk of accidents in wet weather, tire blowouts, and even the risk of a puncture. So when you do notice any tire issues, get replacement tires quickly.
Oil Changes
Low oil can cause massive damage to your engine, and your engine will start to produce noises such as grinding or knocking. You might even notice strange smells or increased heat when driving as your engine heats up too. You must change your oil regularly and ensure enough oil to keep the engine running. Ask your garage for a reminder when you have your oil next checked so you know when to expect it to need a top-up to avoid any issues or damage from driving with low oil.
Conclusion
Much like anything in life, cars aren't indestructible and common issues due to age and wear and tear are to be expected. However, knowing the signs of common problems and how to avoid them can enhance the lifespan of your car and increase your enjoyment of driving without worrying about issues while out on the road.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Feel free to share your thoughts. However, kindly refrain from adding links in your comments because they will be marked as spam and filtered out. Thank you!