Cars, while incredibly convenient, can often come with their own set of quirks. From minor inconveniences to major malfunctions, there are certain issues that will affect most vehicles at some point during their lifespan. Understanding what these problems are and the tell-tale signs to look for is important, as it means you can easily anticipate and address potential problems before they escalate.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the ten most common car problems encountered by road users each year, shedding light on their symptoms, potential causes, and how to fix them - so you can get back on the road.
A flat car battery can swiftly turn a promising day into a frustrating one. When your car fails to start or it takes longer to crank the engine, a battery issue could be the culprit. Most car batteries last three to four years (or 50,000 miles), but batteries dying before their time is an all-too-common car problem. Long idle periods - especially during extreme cold spells - can drain the battery. Simple slip-ups like leaving your lights on, as well as not changing aging or overused batteries, could be potential causes too.
If you find yourself stuck with a non-responsive battery, several steps can save the day:
1. Jump start: A trusty fix if your battery is in good condition.
2. Check battery fluid: If your battery works only by jump starting, it might be suffering from fluid loss, warranting a thorough check-up.
3. Replace the battery: No response to jumps? It's time to bid farewell to your old battery.
4. Charging system check: A good battery that doesn’t charge, signals a problem with the charging system, which is best handled by an expert. For more information on how to charge your battery, read our complete guide here, or book a car battery check or replacement at one of our service centres.
One of the most common car issues is a flat or worn tyre. Whether it's a surprise puncture or damage from a pothole or kerb, it's unnerving knowing that your ride might not be road safe. A flat tyre is a given when it comes to a puncture, but wear and tear can deflate them too. Some wear over time is normal, but rapid or uneven wear indicates a potential problem. If there are vibrations through the steering wheel, your suspension may need alignment – which needs a professional to look.
With proper tyre care and maintenance, tyres can last over five years. So, if you spot an issue, it’s best to head straight to your nearest service centre to get them repaired or replaced.
Starter motor faults can throw a wrench in your plans, quite literally. As the name suggests, the starter motor is the component that starts the engine when you turn the key in the ignition. If you’re met with silence or a loud clicking noise when you try to turn your car on, it’ll most likely be down to your motor.
Sometimes cleaning or tightening the connections can provide a quick fix, but if the motor is beyond repair, a replacement will be needed to get your car back on the road. You’ll need a mechanic to diagnose the problem. They’ll inspect the electrical connections, the starter relay, and the motor itself before suggesting the best course of action.
Squeaking or screeching brakes aren’t just an annoyance; it’s a sign your brakes need attention ASAP. Sometimes, wet brakes may emit a squealing sound – however, this is temporary and should go away when the water has dried. If it doesn’t, this could indicate a more serious issue with the brake pads or shoes, rotors, callipers, or frames. Don’t turn up your radio to mask the noise. Vital to making sure you can stop safely, especially in an emergency, have your brakes checked by a professional at the earliest opportunity if you notice unusual noises or a soft brake pedal.
Like any other moving car part, brakes will naturally wear down over time, so it’s essential to keep on top of maintenance to make sure any problem is resolved long before the brakes fail. Sometimes, factory defects mean that brake pads and rotors wear out more quickly than they should, so once you start to notice grinding, you’ll need to get them replaced.
Another of the most common car problems is with the suspension. If your ride feels bumpier than usual, it could signal trouble with your shock absorbers or springs – which ensure a smooth ride, stable handling, and longer tyre life. Signs like longer stopping distances, uneven tyre wear and unusual rattling noises indicate that you’re experiencing issues with your suspension. Once again, a professional will need to inspect the suspension to find the source of the problem. Loose bolts or worn-out bushings can be easily fixed, while extensive wear or rusting may call for parts to be replaced entirely.
Addressing suspension issues promptly not only restores driving comfort but could also save you from a more serious issue like a collapsed suspension system down the road.
Responsible for charging the battery and powering electrical components while the engine is on, a malfunctioning alternator often leads to a dead battery or electrical system failures. Early indicators of a failed alternator can manifest through warning signs like dimming lights, difficulty starting the vehicle, or warning lights on the dashboard.
To fix this car issue, start by checking the alternator belt for wear or looseness – tightening or replacing the belt might solve the problem. If the issue persists, you may need to replace the alternator itself. This process involves disconnecting the car’s battery, removing the serpentine belt, unbolting the faulty alternator, installing a new one and reconnecting the battery. Although, it’s best to seek professional help if you’re unfamiliar with the process, as improper installation can do more harm than good.
The sight of steam pouring out from under your bonnet is enough to make even the calmest of driver's panic. Other signs, such as the temperature gauge reading in the red zone or a distinct smell of burning coolant, are tell-tale signs that your engine is overheating.
To resolve this common car breakdown problem, safely pull over and turn off the engine for at least 30 minutes to allow it to cool down before opening the hood. Check the coolant level, ensuring it’s at the appropriate mark and not leaking. Top up if necessary, ensuring the radiator and reservoir are filled with the correct coolant mixture. If there are no visible leaks and the coolant level is sufficient, it’s time to call an expert. The overheating problem might need a mechanic to replace a malfunctioning thermostat, repair the radiator, or address any other underlying issues.
If your steering wheel starts shaking or vibrating when you’re on the move, it typically signifies a problem with misaligned wheels, unbalanced tyres, worn suspension parts or brake issues. The vibrations may range from subtle tremors to pronounced shaking, that might intensify when driving at higher speeds or when applying the brakes.
Start by checking the air pressure and tread for all four tyres, ensuring they meet the manufacturer's specifications (check your vehicle manual for guidance on this). If the tyres have the correct pressure and don’t show signs of uneven wear, the next step is examining the wheel alignment and balancing. Additionally, inspecting and repairing any worn suspension components or addressing brake issues may alleviate the shaking sensation. Regular tyre rotations, wheel alignments, and periodic suspension checks carried out by a professional can help prevent this car issue in the future.
Problems with lights, power windows, speakers and other electrical components are frequent. Although usually minor and easy to fix, non-engine electrical faults can still cause a headache. For example, a faulty headlight bulb means your car will fail its MOT test. Most modern cars come with complex electrical systems, meaning that issues can occur in multiple areas. These common faults often stem from blown fuses, wiring issues, or broken switches.
To fix them, start by checking and replacing any blown fuses related to the failing component. Look out for visible damage or loose connections, repairing and replacing these if necessary. If the problem persists, professional diagnostics may be the best option to pinpoint more complex issues.
A broken clutch ranks among one of the most typical car problems, often indicated by a slipping sensation, difficulty shifting gears, or the engine revving without power transfer. You can usually feel something is wrong with the clutch in the lead up to a major fault. However, if your clutch fails while you’re behind the wheel and moving at speed, shift the gear into neutral and try to safely roll to a stop out of the way of other road users.
Whether caused by a worn-out clutch disk, pressure plate or release bearing, the bad news is that a clutch replacement will be necessary. Regular maintenance, clutch inspections, and avoiding aggressive driving habits can help extend your clutch’s lifespan in the future.
We hope this article on the most common car problems and their solutions has helped you know what to look out for if something does go wrong. If your car is experiencing any of the issues mentioned and you’d like to see a professional, head over to your nearest Eurorepar centre or book a car diagnostic online.
