What To Do if Your Car is Having Problems: From a Diagnostics Test to Exhaust Repair Near Me
We rely on our vehicles for a number of reasons; to get to work, take the kids to school, or to make it easier to get out and about exploring at the weekend. Car trouble can be highly inconvenient (not to mention dangerous) and it can be difficult to know how to identify the problem if you don’t have much experience.
Your vehicle doesn’t have to be old to experience issues, whether it’s a flat tyre on the road, a broken light or a flat battery, but whatever the issue is - it’s important to get it seen to as soon as possible. It can help to be prepared and have an idea of the warning signs to look out for, as well as what can be done to fix the problem. With this in mind, see our guide to some of the most common car problems and find out more about how the professionals can help.
A car can fail to start for several reasons, including a dying or dead battery, loose or worn connection cables, an issue with the starter, or a problem with the alternator. If your car starts but then stalls soon afterwards, accompanied by dimming lights and problems with the stereo, then a faulty alternator is likely to be the culprit.
If the vehicle is harder to start on cold mornings and there’s no noise or lights, then the battery or connection cables are probably on their last legs. In an emergency, you can jumpstart your car, but this isn’t a long term solution. Take your car into a garage as soon as possible for a diagnostics test so that a mechanic can identify the exact reason why your vehicle won’t start. In most cases, they’ll be able to replace the battery or the faulty part in question without the need to purchase a whole new vehicle.
Unusual noises shouldn’t be ignored and they can occur when your car is idling, accelerating, turning or breaking. Pay attention to when the noises occur, as this can narrow down the possible causes.
If you hear a clicking noise when the car is idling, this indicates that the oil pressure is low and will need to be looked at by a professional. A hissing noise, however, is much more serious and suggests that the engine might be overheating. It could also indicate a vacuum leak, but it’s best to take your car to a garage asap to be on the safe side.
A grinding noise when shifting gears suggests a problem with the clutch, while a ‘chirping’ noise often means that a wheel bearing or axle is loose. Again, this is a serious issue so you shouldn’t drive your vehicle until it’s been taken to a garage.
If your car has power steering, then a grinding noise when turning suggests it’s low on power steering fluid (caused by trapped air bubbles). Clicking or grinding could also indicate a worn or damaged CV axle; this would need to be replaced immediately so call your garage as soon as possible.
Squeaking breaks indicate worn-out brake pads; most have built-in indicators which alert drivers to when they need to be replaced so keep an eye out. A grinding noise suggests the brake pads are severely worn down and need to be replaced immediately, whereas a clicking noise could mean something is trapped under your brake or a component has worn down.
Car noises can be alarming, especially if they occur while you’re out on the road, but in most cases, they can be fixed relatively easily. If you’ve noticed a noise not listed above, the RAC has a full guide to unusual noises on their website here.
Excess exhaust smoke is unpleasant for passers-by and it’s not great for the environment, or the health of your car. If possible, take a look at the colour of the exhaust as this indicates different issues. White smoke can be caused by steam in the condensation pipe or an engine coolant leak, which is much more serious.
Blue smoke usually means that oil has leaked into the exhaust system, or you could have a worn valve or piston ring. Thick, black smoke from a petrol car is usually caused by too much fuel being burned or an air filter problem. In a diesel car, it suggests a dirty particulate filter or a build-up of soot. Again, a diagnostics test will be able to determine the source of the problem and whether you need exhaust repair or maintenance in a different area.
If your car starts pulling to one side while driving and it’s more difficult to steer, chances are that you have a puncture. Most drivers experience small punctures that cause a tyre to steadily lose air over several miles and luckily, a sudden fully blown tyre is relatively rare.
Pull over at the nearest safe point as soon as you notice signs of a flat tyre; on the motorway, you should stop at the nearest hard shoulder, don’t wait until you reach a petrol station or services. The Highway Code advises drivers to only change a flat tyre if they can do so without putting themselves or others at risk, so in the majority of cases, it’s best to call a breakdown service.
You can reduce the risk of getting a flat tyre by inspecting your tyres regularly (around once a month). Examine the tyre tread to make sure it isn’t too worn and look for any debris or foreign objects that might be stuck (such as nails). If you suspect that your tyres might need replacing, it’s worth taking your car into a garage for a second opinion. They’ll be able to check the tyre pressure and assess the general condition to see whether you need a replacement or not.
The check engine light is there to alert you to the fact that something is wrong, but don’t panic, it doesn’t always mean that there’s a serious issue. That being said, you shouldn’t ignore the warning sign either, so take your vehicle in for a diagnostics test as soon as you can.
There are several common problems which can cause your check engine light to turn on, including a loose fuel cap, issues with your spark plug, a vacuum leak, a dead battery or mass airflow sensor failure. Some of these issues are very minor and some may require more serious attention or a replacement part, but your local garage will be able to help you identify the issue.
Garage Services in Aylesbury - From Acorn Tyres and Servicing
If you’ve been having issues with your vehicle, get in touch with the experts at Acorn Tyres and Servicing. Our mechanics have extensive experience working on a wide range of issues, both big and small, and we’re proud to offer comprehensive repair and maintenance services for your vehicle. Our local car service garage in Aylesbury offers MOT testing, exhaust fitting, tyre fitting and sales, brake repair, vehicle servicing and more.
If you’re worried about exhaust replacement cost, or the price of any of our other services, not to worry. Get in touch with us for a free quote so you know exactly what to expect before you bring your vehicle in. For more information about any of our services or to book an appointment, give us a call today on 01296 612075 or visit our website.
