Common Car Problems and What to Do About Them

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[More details](/contactus.html) - [Careers](/requests/auto-jobs.html) - [Our Team](/ourteam.html) - [News & Events](/news.html) - [Blog](/blog/index.html) [Blog](/blog/index.html) » [Common Car Problems](/blog/common-car-problems.html) # 15 Common Car Problems (and What to Do About Them) # 15 Common Car Problems (and What to Do About Them) The average Canadian spends around$796 per vehicleevery year on auto maintenance or repairs. This is the simple reality behind owning your car. There are bound to be issues that arise and when they do, you need to have them looked at as soon as possible. No matter how well taken care of your car is, problems can and likely will occur. It's best to take care of them promptly as certain problems can lead to even more damage. Read on to find out some of the most common car problems and how you should handle them! ## 1. Excessive Oil Consumption Your motor oil provides the right amount of lubrication for the multitude of moving parts in the engine. This helps it operate smoothly and allows you to get around. When you notice that you are having to constantly[change the oil](https://www.vikingmotors.ca/service/oil-changes/)or top it off, then there could be a problem. You might notice a dip in performance or the change oil light come on. If the oil has gone especially long without a change then you could find corrosion in the motor. If your car isusing too much oilthat could be a sign that there is a leak. Worn parts in the motor can cause leaks to happen. This is generally a vehicle problem for older models. To fix this, you'll need to identify is youhave a leak or not. There may be a spot under where you park overnight. You may also see blue-grey smoke or feel a greasy texture in the tailpipe. A mechanic can help you replace the worn parts to stop the leak or identify other issues. ## 2. Malfunctioning Sensors Cars that are newer run on so much technology. These convenient sensors can be loads of help but sometimes they can create even more opportunities for car issues to arise. Fuel-air sensors are some of the most common to experience problems. It's hard to spot a faulty sensor unless it has completely stopped working. AnOBD scanning toolis a diagnostic device that is used by garages and knowledgeable car owners to identify and fix car problems. Once you identify the cause, you can go ahead and replace the sensor. ## 3. Worn Out Brake Pads Worn-out brake pads are an especially dangerous car problem. Any time that you hear squeaking, thumping, grinding, or any other sounds you need to check your brake pads. Brake pads apply pressure to the rotor, which causes friction that stops your vehicle. Over time, your brake pads will begin to wear down and they will need to be replaced so that you can successfully stop your car. Never neglect sounds coming from your brakes. These types of issues can cause major accidents. ## 4. Cracked Windshield Generally, windshields are quite sturdy but a rock or some other debris could cause them to crack. Some windshields may even come from the factory with defects that make them more vulnerable to cracking. Even the smallest of cracks should be addressed because this compromises your vehicle's structure. Smaller cracks can sometimes be filled with a special resin to correct the damage. Most of the time, you will need to completely replace your windshield. ## 5. Transmission Issues Transmissions take the power created by the engine and move it to the wheels to make your car go. Unfortunately, this is one of the more common areas where issues reside. A transmission is essentially one large gearbox and over time those gears wear down. There are a wide variety of transmission types out there with each their own set of problems that can occur. It would be impossible to cover them all here. If you notice trouble changing gears, dragging clutch, leaking fluid, burning smells, slipping gears, neutral noises, check engine lights, or grinding and shaking then you likely have a transmission issue. Leaking transmission fluids are common as well. This fluid helps keep the gears and other moving parts well lubricated. Over time holes can form that cause leaks and in the end, cause a lack of lubrication that leads to even further transmission issues. If you are having transmission issues, you could be looking at a heavy replacement bill.[A professional](https://www.vikingmotors.ca/service/transmission/)can let you know what your options are. ## 6. Radiator Leaks Leaking coolant, spots under your car, corrosion, and overheating are all signs that you have a radiator leak. Corrosion is usually the cause of the problem. This can be caused by poor maintenance or even factory defects. Instead of patching up a radiator, you should usually go ahead and replace it. If corrosion has already set in, then it will likely happen again if you don't choose to replace the unit. With more and more leaks, you'll spend more time and money on repairs anyway. When you notice that you have a radiator leak it's best to avoid driving your vehicle. A leaking radiator can cause engine fires and other damage to your car. ## 7. Tire Problems There are a plethora of tire problems that can happen. Some of the more common issues with tires include: * Uneven tread wear * Low tread * Low tire pressure * Flat tires * Leaks * Cracks * Weathering * Pulling to one side * Misalignment These are just a small list of things that can happen to your tires. Depending on the issues, there are plenty of fixes. Most often you will need to patch or[replace your tires](https://www.vikingmotors.ca/tire-department/). Remember that tires have an expiration date. Check your manufacturer to see what they say about the maximum time that you can keep your tires before they become a hazard. ## 8. Lights Lights are an important component of your car. They allow you to see others and others to see you. Be sure to take notice of any lights that are not working before heading out. Car lights are taken very seriously and you can even be issued a ticket for driving with a light out. Luckily, there are usually super easy fixes for these issues. When a light goes out it can be due to a blown bulb, corrosion, bad wiring, or loose installation. It could be as simple as tightening or replacing the bulb. ## 9. Dead Battery A drained battery is likely to happen to someone at least once in their lifetime. This can happen if you leave lights or the radio on accidentally. A drastic change in the weather (extreme temperatures), defect, or age can also cause a drained battery. Of course, this always seems to happen at the worst time! However, it's pretty much one of the easiestvehicle issues to correct. It could resolve simply by someone giving you a jump start. Other times, you may need to replace the battery which isn't too hard on the wallet. On average, a car battery will last anywhere fromthree to six yearsdepending on the conditions. ## 10. Bad Car Alarm If your car's alarm is going off without any reason then there could be an underlying problem. When a car's alarm goes off for a reason other than theft, it could be a drained battery, dead key fob, or a faulty car door. This issue is more annoying than concerning. To fix this you should check your car's battery and any key fobs to see if they are drained or have any other problems. If the problem is related to a faulty car door, you'll need to get this fixed as soon as possible considering it's a safety concern. The car alarm could also be faulty itself. At that point, you'll need to have someone look into the wiring and installation. In some of the worst situations, you may need to replace the system. ## 11. Smoking Smoking is bad for you and your car. Depending on the colour of the smoke, you can potentially identify the issue: * White/grey smoke = oil leak or gasket leak or another issue * Black = excessive fuel burning in the combustion chamber * Blue = leak into the combustion chamber causing fuel and oil to burn together While some weather conditions may warrant a small amount of exhaust "smoke," you should never ignore any type of smoke. You should have your car inspected by a mechanic, noting any other "symptoms" that you have noticed that are abnormal. ## 12. Cosmetic Issues Cosmetic issues such as yellowing headlights, scratches, and other small dents don't often need your immediate attention. They may be unsightly and frustrating but you can get by without correcting them. With some wax, cleaner, and touch-up paint you can solve the majority of these issues easily. If you do notice scratches or chips in the paint, keep in mind that they will rust if you don't fix them in time. Yellowing headlights can also decrease the effectiveness of your headlights. Therefore, you may need to have those professionally cleaned or replaced for your safety. ## 13. Faulty Windows Luckily, we've come a long way from the hand-crank windows where you had to do all the work. On the other hand, there are now issues that can arise from your power windows. Some windows may not roll up or down or they have a gap. Regardless, this annoying issue makes you susceptible to weather and theft. Check to make sure that you don't have any windows locks on before panicking too much. Other issues with power windows can be caused by bad window regulators, fuses, window motors, snow or ice, window gaskets, window switches, window tracks, wiring issues, or damaged doors. Have a[mechanic take a look](https://www.vikingmotors.ca/service/)at what the root cause is to have it addressed. ## 14. Engine Overheating Your car's temperature gauge will let you know when things are getting too hot. When it goes into the red, that means that it is overheating. Regular service can help to prevent this from happening. If this does occur then you'll want to check the engine coolant. Top it off if it is too low. The auto parts store or garage that you visit will have a large selection of coolants to choose from and it's important to choose wisely. You never want to mix different types so find the right type for your specific car. It's important to note that you should never try to access the cooling system if the vehicle is too hot or overheating. ## 15. Bad Starter Over time, thestarter in your carwill probably weaken or wear out completely. The two most common parts that experience issues in the starter at thesolenoid and thestarter motor itself. The obvious signs of a weakening starter are an engine that won't turn over, grinding noises when trying to start, and seeing or smelling smoke. Many of the parts inside the starter can be replaced. However, most manufacturers will recommend that once you experience an issue you should go ahead and replace it completely. This can help you avoid any future issues. ## Addressing Common Car Problems These are the most common car problems and you're likely to experience at least one of them in your time of being a car owner. Remember that cars and money come and go but you are irreplaceable. That's why it's always best to have a professional look at your car if you expect there is an issue. Many of these issues can lead to much worse damage or even accidents if they continue to go on. Are you looking for someone who you can trust to fix the issue the right way?[Contact us today](https://www.vikingmotors.ca/contact-us/)to get the right help with your car needs. Your request was sent successfully! Thanks! A representative will contact you shortly to present you with your credit potential. Thanks! A representative will contact you shortly to present you with your credit potential. 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