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Underlying Signs Your Car May Be In Trouble

5 November 2014 by Herman Mills

Vehicles can be very unpredictable. They can break down at any time—even later models. Fortunately, most vehicles give off subtle warning signs that may indicate an underlying problem or issue. Even with routine maintenance, you can still experience a breakdown and when you least expect it. Here are a few signs to look for that may indicate your car needs to be seen by a professional mechanic.

Loud Noise When Hitting A Bump

One indication that your vehicle may need to be serviced and looked at by a mechanic is when there is a loud noise underneath the body of the car. If you feel like the tires are rattling every time you go over a bump, it could be a problem within the wheelbase itself or the surrounding shocks and struts. While any tire issue is a great concern, problems with the tie rod or ball joint are an immediate concern. The tie rod and ball joint hold the wheel arm of the vehicle in place. If the components are broke or not a good fit, it could lead to a serious automobile accident.

Heat and Air Conditioning Doesn't Work Properly

Sometimes not having cold air blowing out of your dashboard is simply a major inconvenience. When the temperatures climb outside it's important to have a cool interior. If you find that both your heat and cooling system are not working properly, it could be an indication of a more serious issue such as the thermostat or cooling fan. It could also be a computer chip issue.

Engine Stutters or Stalls

When your engine stutters or stalls when it's running, it may be more than just bad gas or outside temperature changes. A bad EGR valve can cause your vehicle to not run as efficiently as possible. This can not only cause your vehicle to stutter when it's trying to take off, it can also reduce overall gas mileage. Engine problems could also indicate a fuel issue. If the engine is not getting the right amount of fuel delivered properly, misfiring can occur.

Service Engine Light

The pesky service engine light that always lights up when you turn your car shouldn't be ignored. It means there is something within your vehicle's computer system or engine that is not functioning well. A qualified mechanic like one from Affordable Automotive Service Center will be able to determine the problem by placing your vehicle under a computer diagnostic machine. The machine will scan the electrical components of your vehicle and pinpoint the issue. From there, you can decide how to proceed on fixing the issue.

Your vehicle does more than get you from point A to point B, it provides a safe way mode of transportation for you and your passengers. Make sure it's working properly by having issues checked out at a certified auto shop. 

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