Know Your Car Problems & Issues

By NAISHADH J. DESAI
Director & National Treasurer
Indian Institute of Insurance Surveyor & Loss Assessors, India

Completing routine service and maintenance is vital to keeping your car, truck, or SUV
running strong. At times, however, car issues will arise, and every vehicle will display
certain warning signs. To reduce the potential for breakdown, and expensive repairs, we've
listed the 12 most common car problems that tend to pop up.

1. Warning Lights

A warning or check engine light is the most

common issue for car, truck and SUV owners.
These lights illuminate when the vehicle’s ECU
(engine control unit) detects an error code
triggered by a sensor. Since there are more
than 200 possible warning code, having a
professional mechanic complete a warning
light inspection is the best way to determine
the source and make the right repairs.

2. A Sputtering Engine

The engine runs best when air and fuel

properly mix and burn in the combustion
chamber. To efficiently complete this process,
a series of fuel and ignition system
components must work together. Though
many moving parts help an engine run
properly, engine sputtering or misfiring is one
of the leading problems. To reduce engine
misfiring or sputtering issues, make sure to
replace fuel and ignition system components
as recommended by your manufacturer.

3. Poor Fuel Economy

When the engine is running efficiently, it burns
fuel at a rate that helps improve fuel economy.
However, several fuel system parts like fuel
filters, air filters, mass air flow sensors, and O2
sensors will eventually get dirty or wear out. If
this happens before they are replaced, it will
cause the engine to consume more fuel than
usual. Again, being proactive about routine
servicing provides the solution.
 4. Dead Battery
Most car batteries should last about three
years or 50,000 miles. A dead battery is
usually caused by reduced amps – or electrical
currents – which naturally decrease as the
battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. A
damaged alternator, battery temperature
sensor, or other charging system components
can expedite this issue. It’s best to replace
your car battery every 50,000 miles or three
years, even if it’s not showing signs of
damage.

5. Flat Tires

While most tires become flat after striking an

object or being punctured, it’s possible for
simple wear and tear to be the main source.
Extend your tire's lifespan by keeping them
properly rotated, as recommended by your
vehicle manufacturer. Generally, rotating tires
every 5,000 miles (or when you change your
engine oil) is the best advice.

6. Brakes Squeaking or Grinding

Like any other moving part on your car, the
brake system is intended to wear out over a
designated period of time. Brakes are vital for
safe stopping, so when they display any
symptoms of issues, like squealing, squeaking
or a soft brake pedal – it should be inspected
by a professional mechanic as soon as
possible. While minor problems can cause
squeaking or squealing noises, once the brakes
start grinding, it’s a definite sign they need to
be replaced.

7. Alternator Failure
The alternator is the part on your vehicle that
keeps all electrical systems running once the
car starts. It’s also responsible for supplying a
charge to your battery to keep it in peak
condition. When an alternator breaks, it will
eventually cause the battery to wear out
prematurely and other starting issues. Check
your recommended service intervals and
replace the alternator before it breaks to avoid
this hassle.
 8. Broken Starter Motor

The starter motor is responsible for cranking

your engine over, which begins the starting
process. When this component fails, it’s usually
because the electrical solenoid has been
damaged, the starter motor breaks, or another
electrical fault occurs – like a starter relay, for
example. While a starter can be replaced
before it breaks, it’s difficult to predict when
this will happen. It’s best to have a car-starting
inspection to determine the problem before
assuming it's the starter.

9. Steering Wheel Shaking

Multiple issues can cause the steering wheel to
shake while driving. If it happens right after
starting your car and beginning to drive, wheel
bearings or damaged suspension components
are often the source. If it happens at higher
speeds, it’s typically a tire/wheel balance issue.
Regardless, having a professional mechanic
inspect the vehicle at your location is the best
way to correctly diagnose and resolve this
issue.

10. Failed Emissions Test

Most of the states require an emissions test to

register your car, and a failed test can occur
for many reasons. In several states, if a check
engine light illuminates, it’s an instant fail.
Most emissions centres will let you know why
the vehicle failed the test, so you can contact a
mechanic to complete the necessary repairs.

11. Overheating

You might suspect overheating to be higher on

this list, but in reality, it occurs rarely. In most
modern cars, the cooling system is very
complex, containing multiple sensors that
monitor coolant temperature, flow and other
components. Staying on top of radiator flush
services and changing the water pump before
it breaks are two easy ways to reduce the
potential for overheating issues.
 12. Slipping Automatic Transmission
When properly maintained, an automatic
transmission can last for more than 200,000
miles without trouble. The modern automatic
transmission is a hydraulic system comprised
of several seals, gaskets, and lines that can
become damaged, clogged with debris, or
leak. When this happens, a transmission will
‘slip’ or not shift smoothly. To avoid this
common car problem, stay on top of the
recommended transmission service for your
vehicle.

All cars require maintenance to remain operable. Even when you stay on top of suggested support
services, like oil changes and tire rotations, issues will occur. Driving style or car model may leave
your car more prone to certain problems than others. Check out Car Complaints to see specific car
troubles you want to be aware of for your car’s make, model, and year. No matter your choice of
vehicle, you’ll want to be on the lookout for the previously listed car problems.