If you have recently purchased a brand-new car to add to your existing collection or replace your current make and model, you may have been forced to contend with a number of common problems. It can be frustrating, and time-consuming, to deal with but by familiarising yourself with the most common car problems and how to fix them, you can save a great deal of time and money by identifying the issue ahead of time and fixing it yourself.
A dead battery
If you have ever encountered a dead battery whilst driving down the road or attempting to drive home from work, you will be aware of how frustrating the entire process can be from start to finish. It may not necessarily top your list of priorities as a car owner but by learning how to jump-start your car, you can prevent the problem from leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere and, perhaps most importantly, allow you to be confident in your ability to find your way home if disaster strikes by becoming the best driver you can be. If your car battery is old, however, it may be time to source and install a suitable replacement with instructions on how to do so yourself readily available online.
A scratch or dent
If you have returned to your car to find a scratch or dent, it can be tempting to erupt in a fury of rage. If you know how to fix the problem, however, it may not become as much of a problem as it could be. It may still be unsightly and annoying but if it can be fixed in a matter of minutes, it can save you a considerable amount of time and money in taking it to your local garage and relying solely on the expert services of a professional mechanic. It is also worth remembering that it could have been much worse if you were ill-equipped to deal with the problem, allowed your emotions to get the better of you, or were involved in a collision that rendered your car completely undrivable. If you are in possession of an angle grinder, a dust mask, an extension cord, a corded drill, safety glasses, and a sanding block, for example, you should be able to fix the problem yourself.
A flat tire
If you are an experienced car owner, you have probably dealt with a flat tire at one point or another. It can be particularly frustrating if you are in a rush to get to your destination or have only recently paid for a check-up or service, but it is also very easily done with a shard of glass on the road often all it takes to puncture or rupture your tyre. If you are pushed for time or have no signal, your car’s manual should tell you everything you need to know to fix a flat tire in the least amount of time. If you are interested in learning how to fix a flat tire for future reference, on the other hand, there are several tips and tricks you can familiarise yourself with ahead of time relating to your particular make and model to reassure you that you can deal with any bumps in the road that may be in your way.
A flat tire can be a dangerous situation to be in, especially if you are unaware of how to fix it. Being stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire is especially problematic in high-traffic areas, and it can be dangerous to both you and other drivers. Suppose you have been involved in an accident due to unforeseen circumstances like a flat tire. In that case, it is important to speak with an injury attorney or personal injury lawyer, like Dennis Hernandez, to ensure that your case is fairly represented and that you receive the best possible advice for your situation.
A blown fuse
If your car radio, lights, or electricals suddenly stop working and refuse to turn back on, a fuse may have blown. It can be difficult to get to the root of the problem but by knowing how to fix the issue ahead of time, you can save yourself a great deal of time, money, and stress, in scrambling to uncover what has happened as well as how to fix it yourself. If this happens to you while you are on the road, your car’s manual should tell you everything you need to know to fix the problem in the least amount of time and with the fewest number of mistakes involved. If you attempt to correct the problem yourself with no prior knowledge or experience of how to do so, for example, you may only succeed in making the problem worse.
If your car repeatedly falls victim to a number of common car problems, it may be worth taking the time to find out how to fix them yourself. By knowing how to fix a dead battery, a scratch or dent, a flat tyre, or a blown fuse, for example, you can be confident in your ability to fix any issue that may stand in your way and be back on the road in no time.
Photo by Denny Muller on Unsplash.
In the pre-electronic ignition days, just when I started driving, a lot of problems were caused by faulty points and condensers. I have a feeling that a lot of times on the road with my folks, the last time being when we went out for Chinese food in about 1980, were caused by either problem on my mom’s 1969 Pontiac. I am sure that your readers have dozens of these stories about faulty points and condensers, keeping spares, and getting rescued. As for more recent issues, in November 2019, when bringing my dad to his weekly movie viewing at the local library, upon us leaving, his 2009 Buick Lucerne would not start due to a dead battery. A gas station was only 2 blocks away and jump-started it, so that I could drop it off at his regular service station for a new battery replacement. THIS WAS THE ORIGINAL BATTERY FROM THE FACTORY for that car, lasting 10 years, a miracle in itself, as remarked by both the jump starter and his regular service station mechanic. They both said that if you could get four years out of a new battery, you were ahead of the game. Glenn in Brooklyn, NY.