You may not think that much could go wrong with your car, but in reality, there are a lot of common problems you might be overlooking.
In this blog post, we’re going to cover some of the most common faults on cars and how to avoid them.
Gearbox Problems
Gearboxes are one of the most expensive, yet commonly overlooked, problems on cars. Many people simply won’t realise there is anything wrong until their gearbox stops working completely.
A faulty gearbox can result in a car that makes random grinding noises or even fails to start at all. We recommend having your gearbox inspected every two years with an MOT.
Oil Changes
Most of you will know that you’re meant to have your oil changed now and then, but what some people don’t realise is how important it is.
If neglected for too long, oil isn’t able to lubricate the engine correctly and this can cause problems such as blown gaskets and broken piston rings. We recommend having your oil changed every 3,000 miles (4,828km).
Tyres
Believe it or not, the tyres on your car play a significant role in what you can and can’t do with it. If you’re running around town on smooth tyres, for example, you’ve no chance of driving fast or at high speeds.
Performance tyres are designed to grip the road better so you can go faster, whilst also being more fuel-efficient.
We recommend checking if your car has enough tread – at least 1mm – to get through winter safely.
Air Filter
The air filter filters out dust, pollen, and other pollutants from the air going into your engine. If this is left unchecked for too long, it can result in a loss of power and fuel efficiency.
We recommend having your air filter changed every 10,000 miles (16,093km).
Battery
A car battery is an important part of any car because it provides electricity to start the car. You can find out if your battery is faulty by checking it regularly for a build-up of fluid on the top of the battery, an odour from the battery when you try to start the car, and sparks from the terminal when you’re trying to start it.
We recommend having your battery checked every year with an MOT.
Oil Leaks
Oil leaks are some of the most common issues you’ll come across on cars. If not addressed, they can result in problems with your engine, which is dangerous.
We recommend keeping an eye out for any oil stains that appear underneath the car and asking any garage you take it to if they can check if there is a leak.
Windscreen Wipers
Windscreens wipers are one of the car parts most likely to be faulty so you must check them regularly for cracks and breaks in the blade around the mechanism.
We recommend checking your windscreen wiper every few months by running it over your headlight to make sure everything is working.
Brakes
The brakes are one of the most important parts of any car so they must be working correctly. The main warning signs for faulty brakes are a burning smell when you brake, vibration through the pedal, and grinding noises.
We recommend having your brakes checked every 6 months to avoid any hassle or injury at all times.
Summary
Having your car serviced regularly is important to ensure it stays in good condition. You should consider getting the gearbox checked or replaced if you’re having problems with shifting gears.
It’s also recommended that you keep a close eye on oil levels; they need to be changed every 3,000 miles (4,828km). Tyres are important to make sure you have enough tread for all weather conditions.
Finally, don’t forget about brakes which require inspection at least 6 times per year. If any of these parts seem faulty please contact us immediately so we can help fix them up before anything happens.