When our cars are working properly, we typically do not even consider how it is working. We depend on our cars to get us to work, school, and social engagements everyday, making our vehicles such an important part of our daily lives. While we do depend on them, most people do not know much about what keeps a car running properly or what to do when an issue comes up. Here are some commonly occurring mechanical issues and what to do in response to them.
Warning Lights
Our cars are mostly run by computer chips these days, and when we see a warning light pop up on our dashboard, it means that the computer has been tripped by a sensor somewhere. While it might seem easy to ignore these warning lights, you should definitely make yourself aware of their meaning using your vehicle’s manual which should have a legend in it. There are over 200 different codes that could be causing one of your warning lights to come on, so the best thing to do to know exactly what is wrong is to have your mechanic run a diagnostic test. Doing this, your mechanic can easily look at the various codes and specify what part of your car needs attention.
Bad Battery
A typical battery life should be anywhere from three to five years depending on the model. As your battery loses the ability to maintain charge, at some point, you will not be able to start your car. If you are confident that your battery is not the problem, then there are other factors that could cause this to happen as well like a bad alternator or heat sensor. If you are having issues with your car battery, have a mechanic take a look at it. They will be able to tell you for sure if you need a new battery or what other part of your vehicle is causing the problem.
Shaking Steering Wheel
If you notice your steering wheel shaking in your hand as you drive it, pay attention to a few factors. Does this only happen when you are cruising down the road at higher speeds? If so, you might have bad tires or poor alignment. Check to see if your tires are wearing evenly. If you notice that the tread is way more worn on one or two tires than another or if any of them are starting to go bald, it is crucial that you get your car to a mechanic or tire shop immediately as bad tires are very dangerous on the road. If you discover your tires are not the issue, have a mechanic test your car out and let them pinpoint the issue and help you plan out the next steps for solving it.
Transmission Slipping
An automatic transmission is a complex system with many moving parts, gaskets, and seals in that keeps your engine running. If you notice your automatic transmission does not smoothly change gears, or if your rpms randomly go up as if your car is accelerating, your transmission might be slipping. There are many different reasons why your transmission might be having issues, even if you keep up with routine oil changes and maintenance. Look up consumer reviews and reports of your specific make and model to see if this is a common issue, and like with most mechanical problems, have your mechanic take a look so that you can feel confident that your vehicle is in good hands and will keep you on the road for many more miles to come.
Find Professional Kyle Automotive Services
Sometimes it takes a professional. Reliable Automotive has been the go-to for automotive services in San Marcos and Buda, TX for years now. And with our new auto shop in Kyle TX, finding us is more convenient than ever before. Check out our full list of Kyle automotive services and see how we make your vehicle more reliable.
