10 Most Common Car Problems Or How To Inspect A Used Car Like A Pro
Check out 10 most common car problems that will help you understand how to inspect a used car like a pro. If you are buying used car, you need to know this.
Electrical problems are often ignored until they lead to serious car damage. However, you can avoid that by simply checking the electrical equipment of your car regularly. To do this, simply turn on all the electrical equipment that your car – or the car you are about to buy – has: clock, turn signals, hazards, power windows, windshield wipers, interior lights, headlights, and radio.
You can also check whether the lights on the dashboard light up when you start the engine. If all of them light up, then there is small probability of electrical car problem. If they don’t, there is significant probability of electrical car problem.
Common Car Problem #2: Alignment
While it is easy to inspect the car for alignment problems if you own it, it is not so easy to do if it is a used car you are about to buy. However, there is a foolproof to do this. You simply grip the wheel less tight than before and check whether the vehicle is moving to the right or the left. If it does not, there is no alignment problem.
Also, while holding the wheel loosely, make sure that the vehicle logos are in perfectly horizontal condition and that the wheel is perfectly level. Another indication of alignment problem is the wheel that jumps around or shakes as you drive.
Some of the most common car problems are often caused by faulty transmission. If your car has an automatic transmission, it is likely to be damaged. The bad news is that it will cost you a lot to repair it. The good news is that you can avoid an expensive transmission repair if you simply check it regularly.
In order to check the condition of your car transmission, check the level of transmission fluid. To do so, take out the transmission dipstick and wipe that dipstick with a cloth. Then insert that dipstick back where it was and take it out again. If the level of transmission fluid is low, there might be a transmission leak. Dribble that fluid from the stick to a piece of paper. The fluid must be free from metal flakes and grime.
Other common transmission problems might be found by shifting from “park” to “drive”. When you shift between these modes, there should be absolutely no clunking or jerking.
Why don’t you help your friends learn how to inspect a used car and share this article with them?
Common Car Problem #4: Head Gasket Leaks
This car problem is really easy to find. All you have to do is take off the cap of oil filler and inspect it. If the head gasket has a leak, there would be foamy residue on its inside.
Another way to check for head gasket problems is to examine the overflow jar coolant. The overflow jar coolant must be uniform looking and clean. If it is dirty or has brown color, that might indicate a problem with the head gasket.
This problem is really expensive to repair, so it may be a good idea to consider buying a new car. However, you can always visit a mechanic before visiting a car dealership. But don’t try to repair it yourself because you may ruin your car.
Whenever a car stops, that takes a big amount of energy. This energy must be diverted in a safe way. Therefore, the brakes become less responsive after a couple years.
If you are test driving a used car, listen for any unusual sounds while you slow down. Also, pay attention to how fast the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Other common brake problems can be found by driving around an empty parking lot and accelerating and quickly stopping. If the car is not stopping quickly, then you should probably pass on that used car.
If you have friends who own cars, why not share with them this list of common car problems?
Common Car Problem #6: Leaks
The car needs lots of fluids to keep it running. Problems with fluids can cause an overheated engine and loss of air conditioning.
The easiest way to check for problems with fluids is to look underneath your car. So if there is a fluid loss, there will be stains or puddles on the ground. This kind of inspection will not always reveal the problem, however. So it is important to take your car to a mechanic once in a while.
Though climate control does not seem important during autumn and spring, it is indeed important during winter and summer. While you can easily feel whenever there is a problem with climate control in your car, it is not so easy to fix. So your best bet would be to visit a car mechanic.
Common Car Problem #8: Hoses And Belts Damage
You can easily find out whether the belts or hoses are damaged by opening the hood of your car and making sure that all the belts and hoses are free from cracks.
You can also identify problems with hoses and belts that you cannot see. To do so, open the hood of your car, make sure the engine is on, and listen for any repeated clanking or squealing sounds. If you can hear this type of sounds, then there is a probability of belt or hose damage.
The car’s foundation is its frame. It is also one part of the car that absorbs most of the impact in case of collision.
The two best ways to inspect a used car for frame damage is either to take a car to mechanic or to purchase a vehicle history report. You can also inspect the car frame for any unnatural curves or bends. However, the other ways of inspecting car’s frame are much more effective at detecting damage, so don’t be stingy and at least pay for a vehicle history report.
Common Car Problem #10: Rust/Body Damage
This is one of the easiest common car problems to identify. All you do to identify this problem is walk around the vehicle and inspect the car’s body for dents, scratches, and nicks. While old cars have many of these, it is still preferable to purchase a used car with only a few of those.
Also, remember that while a small spot of rust may not seem important, it can easily spread all over the car. Moreover, inspect the wheel wells for any damage and rust. Then check to make sure that there is no rust on the engine. If there is any rust on the engine, you should definitely pass on that used car.
If you have friends who own cars, why not share with them this this article so they could learn how to inspect a used car like a pro?
