When the check engine light comes on, only 25% of Americans make the effort to get their car checked out.
If there is something wrong with a system in your car that causes the check engine light to come on, ignoring it can have some serious consequences.
You may not see these consequences right away, but the longer you wait, the bigger the car issues grow.
Keep reading for our top 3 common car problems (and what to do about them)!
1. Drained Battery
Three things can lead to a dead battery and dealing with a car that won’t start:
- Bad alternator,
- Leaving lights or radio on when the car is not running, or
- Letting the car sit too long without driving.
Car batteries last an average of 4 years. If you are outside this window, then you are more likely to have issues with the battery draining too fast and dying on you.
What to Do if You Have a Drained Battery
If your car has died, you can jumpstart it as a quick fix.
Check the age of your battery. If it’s 3-5 years old, you will continue to have this problem until you get a new battery.
If it is newer, you likely need to have a car service center check the alternator.
2. Overheating
If you notice the temperature gauge on your vehicle climbing towards the red zone, then your car is in danger of overheating.
The problem with overheating is that if your engine gets too hot, it can begin to warp parts inside of it.
What to Do if Your Engine is Overheating
As an immediate fix before the heat level gets too high, you can check your coolant levels and top them off. You can monitor it and let your car cool down before you get to the point of being stranded on the side of the road.
If your vehicle continues to overheat, get it into an auto repair shop right away.
3. Fluid Leaking
Noticing fluid under your car that shouldn’t be there can cause you to panic. Stay calm, and figure out your vehicle issues by first figuring out what kind of fluid is leaking.
What to Do if You Have Fluid Leaking Under Your Vehicle
The first thing to do is to make sure that the fluid is not gasoline. If it is gasoline, your car needs to get to a mechanic right away.
Check out this handy guide to identify what it may be if it’s not gasoline. It could be anything from antifreeze or oil to brake fluid. Once you know, you’ll have a better idea of how to fix your car.
Knowing About Common Car Problems Can Help You Avoid the Worst
Catching these common car problems early on can help save you money in the long run. Stay on top of your vehicle maintenance schedule, pay attention to your check engine light, and address vehicle problems early on.
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