Top 8 Bad Car Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Cars are complex machines with thousands of individual parts working together. Over time, these parts can wear down, become damaged, and may lead to problems. Repairing them can be costly but it is a good decision to fix bad or failing parts right away. That way, you will avoid bigger problems further down the road. Here are a few bad car symptoms you should never ignore.
Tire Bulges
If you overinflate your tire or hit a piece of debris, a tire bulge can form. Tire bulges are bubbles of air in the sidewall where the air has forced its way through the inner lining. They are a noticeable weak point that can burst unexpectedly. It is recommended to get the bulged tires replaced to avoid a dangerous situation.
Jerky Shifting
Rough shifting indicates there’s a problem with your car’s transmission. Some reasons for jerky shifting could be worn clutches, low transmission fluid and stripped gears. This problem may get bigger each time you change the gears of your car which can lead to a total transmission failure. Due to the heavy cost of transmission, it makes sense to inspect the problem.
Squeaky Belts
Drive, serpentine, or timing belts help keeps your engine running in time and provide power to the electrical systems. If you hear a squeaking or chirping noise from under the hood, it is a sign that a belt is worn down. Sometimes, making an adjustment can be a simple fix. However, some cars have belts that cannot be adjusted. Get it fixed as soon as possible because worn belts can snap and damage your engine beyond repair.
Stinky Exhaust
Car exhaust always has some smell, but if it smells stronger or worse than usual, it means something is wrong. Leaking fluids can burn up on hot surfaces, producing unusual strange odors. Catalytic converters are designed to filter the exhaust; a strong exhaust smell could mean this part is failing. Use your nose to inspect your car to find the source of the smell.
Scratched Paint
A little scratch in the paint of your car could be a bigger deal than you think. Apart from making it look good, your car’s paint protects the body panels from external elements. Because of scratches sheet metal is exposed to moisture, creating an area where rust can form.
Squealing Brakes
Generally, squealing or squeaking brakes indicate that it is time for a new set of brake pads. The metal tab of the brakes pads becomes exposed as pad material wears away. When this tab comes in contact with the brake rotor it makes a high-pitched sound. It is an audible signal that the pads need to be replaced. With more delay, the sound goes worse.
Smoke
Driving while you see or smell smoke in your car can be dangerous. Smoke could be due to many things, but common reasons are electrical issues, leaking fluids, or a seized brake caliper. It is advised to fix the problem before driving further – otherwise, you risk a vehicular bonfire.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light of your car gives an indication when something is not right about your car. But, you need to dig a little deeper and diagnose to prevent further problems.
