12 Common Car-Related Issues: Have You Experienced Any of These Yourself?

Based on the latest reports from the automotive sector, there are now more than 1.4 billion vehicles on the world’s roadways. This number is expected to grow during the years to come as more adults purchase vehicles and rising teenagers reach the legal driving age. While having a vehicle comes with numerous benefits, it also brings about its fair share of problems. Every vehicle owner experiences issues from time to time, and you may find yourself in some of the most common predicaments.

12 Common Car-Related Issues: Have You Experienced Any of These Yourself?

1) Getting Locked Out of a Vehicle

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t gotten locked out of a vehicle at some point. If someone tells you they haven’t, they probably aren’t being completely honest. In the event you’ve locked your keys in the car, don’t hesitate to call a locksmith. If the phone happens to be locked in the car with the keys, there’s a good chance a neighbor who has been in your shoes before will be willing to help.

2) Dead Battery

It happens to everyone: that heart-stopping moment when you turn the ignition to start the vehicle, but all you get is a pitiful whir or click. Try turning the ignition to the accessory or on position to see if the radio, automatic seats, and headlights are working like they normally do. If not, the battery is most likely dead. Consider keeping a jump box in your vehicle so you can help yourself out of situations like this. At the very least, keep a pair of jumper cables on hand for just such an emergency.

3) Flat Tire

Flat tires are common problems among vehicle owners. You may unknowingly run over a nail or piece of debris in the road that punctures the tire. In some cases, tires simply lose air pressure due to temperatures dropping or damaged valve stems. Always keep a good, properly inflated spare on hand.

4) Unusual Noises Coming from the Brakes

You may hear odd noises, like squeaking or grinding, when you apply the brakes to stop the car. This is a sign of worn brake pads, and it can ultimately prevent the car from stopping properly. Be sure to have this fixed by an automotive technician as soon as possible.

5) Vibrations in the Steering Wheel

Shaking or vibrations in the steering wheel can be caused by several issues. These include front end alignment problems, damaged wheel bearings or suspension parts, and wheels being out of balance. Sometimes, it’s nothing more than a result of rough roadways, but it’s always best to have the vehicle checked out just in case.

6) Malfunctioning Transmission

You may notice that your vehicle doesn’t transition from one gear to the next as smoothly as it once did. It may not change gears at all. You may even try to take off and find that the vehicle refuses to move even though it’s still in drive. These could just be signs that you need to add transmission fluid, but they could also be indications that you need transmission repairs or replacement.

7) Overheating

Overheating is a prevalent problem with vehicles. It could be caused by anything from a broken radiator to a cracked engine block. You may notice a hot, burning smell or see smoke or steam coming from under the hood. In most cases, an indicator light on the instrument panel will let you know if the vehicle is overheating. Sometimes, though, neither of those warning signs comes into play. It’s a good idea to know what the average running temperature for your vehicle is so, if the gauge begins to creep up, you’ll know something is wrong.

8) Failing Starter

As the name indicates, the starter turns over the engine to make the vehicle start. If the starter is broken, the vehicle won’t start. You’ll need to have it replaced to fix the issue. There may be signs of an impending failure, like the starter failing to engage, prior to a complete failure.

9) Malfunctioning Alternator

Alternators power vehicles’ electrical systems while they’re running. They also constantly recharge the battery and prevent the electrical systems from draining too much of its power. When an alternator malfunctions, your vehicle’s electrical systems are forced to rely solely on the battery for power. In turn, they drain the battery charge. In most cases, a technician will have to determine if the issue is with the alternator or the battery.

10) Vehicle Is Running Rough

You probably know how your vehicle typically feels when it’s running. Every vehicle has its own unique hitches and hiccups, but it should run smoothly for the most part. Spitting, sputtering, and unexplained losses of power are signs of trouble. A long list of problems could cause a vehicle to run rough.

11) Rattling or Ticking

Most people are familiar with the sounds their vehicles usually make. If your vehicle begins to rattle or make ticking noises while it’s running, those sounds are signs of potential problems. Have the engine checked by a mechanic to pinpoint the problem and get it fixed.

12) Stolen License Plates

Numerous license plates are stolen off of vehicles each year. In many cases, license plate thieves not only take the plate off of a vehicle but leave one in its place. Those they leave behind usually have expired or been used when committing crimes, such as robberies, stealing fuel, or carrying out drug deals.

Many vehicle owners rarely give their license plates a passing glance and don’t know what their tag numbers are, so this problem can go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Then, when you’re pulled over for driving on an invalid license plate or because the tag on your vehicle is connected to a crime, you could be the one left holding the bag and all the consequences that come with it.

All Things Considered

These are a few of the common problems vehicle owners face. If you haven’t experienced one or more of them, the chances are good you will at some point. Know your vehicle inside and out, and be prepared for those typical emergencies when they arise. Keep up with routine maintenance as well, and don’t hesitate to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic if you think something may be wrong.