Top 5 Common Car Problems
Routine maintenance is vital to keeping your car, truck or SUV running smooth. However, at times issues will arise and your vehicle will give out warning signs that you should never ignore. Some of these issues warrant a visit to your local car repair shop in Avondale. Below you will find the top 5 common car problems and reasons why you should never ignore these issues if they should arise. These warning signs tell us that something is wrong and if not addressed, can become major, costly repairs.
1. Brakes- All moving parts on your vehicle are intended to eventually wear out. Over time these things will either need to be replaced or repaired. Because brakes are vital for your safety, when you notice any issues, like squealing, squeaking or a soft brake pedal, you should have this checked out by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Of course, some minor problems can cause squeaking or squealing noises as well, but once the brakes start grinding, it’s definitely time to have them replaced.
2. Tires- Sometimes wear and tear can be the main source of flattened tires as well as punctures. In order to extend the life of your tires, make sure they are rotated regularly. A good rule of thumb is to have them rotated at each oil change service or whatever is recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
3. Battery- Most car batteries should last about 2-4 years or close to 50,000 miles. A battery loses its ability to maintain a charge when amps and electrical currents decrease. Other than the battery naturally losing this ability, it can also die from a bad alternator, sensor, or other battery system components. So, it’s best to replace your car battery at least every 50,000 miles or on average, every three years, even if it does not show signs of damage.
4. Overheating- Because in most cars today, the cooling system is complex and contains a lot of different sensors that monitor temperature, it is unlikely to find overheating an issue that rates higher up on this list. Although it’s rarely an issue, staying on top of radiator flush services and changing the water pump before it breaks are two easy ways to reduce problems with overheating.
5. Car Warning Lights- The most common issue for car, truck and SUV owners today are warning lights. Yes, the lights that pop up on your dashboard indicating an issue from a particular area. This could simply be the tire pressure lights, engine oil change, or the dreaded check engine light icon. These icons light up when the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) detects an error code triggered by a specific sensor. Since there are more than 200 possible warning codes, having a professional mechanic complete a warning light inspection is the best way to determine the source so you can make the right repairs.
Although these are common issues, sometimes even the smallest issues can wreak havoc on your vehicle in the long run if ignored. Always seek a professional for diagnosing any car issues and repairs. Avondale Nissan Service Center is here to help! Schedule your service online with us today.