Running a car is already quite costly when you take into consideration the cost of fuel, insurance, and tax. No one needs to deal with vehicle issues on top of all that.
We’ve all been there, you’re driving along the road and something starts to feel off. This can be a dreaded feeling as you worry for your safety and the costs you may be about to fork out for repairs. Repair costs are estimated to be 40% higher than they were five years ago, so keeping your car out of the garage for big jobs is a must.
Many of these major issues, however, can be spotted early on. This means you can get them fixed while they’re minor before they can turn into a problem that costs an arm and a leg. However, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, it may be difficult to know if your car is struggling.
To help, we’ve put together a guide on some of the main issues a car may face and how you can spot them early on. Read on to find out more.
Keep an eye on your dashboard lights
One of the easiest ways to tell if something is wrong with your car is to look at your dashboard display. Immediate issues to do with your engine, fluids and fuel will be displayed here. These can be severe issues, so make sure you know what they mean and take care of them immediately.
Many of the fluid or fuel lights are easy to fix as you’ll just need to top them up at your local petrol station or auto shop. Never ignore an engine light. Engine lights are more serious, so book your car in for a service immediately. Ignoring it could cause a bigger issue.
Regularly test car components
Your car relies on components such as the lights for safe driving at night or during bad weather. Make should they’re working by asking a friend to inspect your car while you’re switching between dipped headlights and full beam and get them to stand behind while you test the brake and reverse lights too.
One other vital component to check is your tyre’s pressure and tread depths. Low tyre pressures can be rectified by adding air at a petrol station and tread depths below the legal limit of 1.6mm will need to be replaced immediately or you could face a fine. Fortunately, it’s easy to pick up a new set of tyres in the UK and get them fitted.
Your brake pads are likely to get worn out quicker because of how much use they get. Most modern cars have a dashboard light that lets them know when the brake pads are too worn.
Consider whether your driving feels more difficult
You know your car better than anyone. And when something doesn’t feel right, you’d be the first to know. Changes to the way your car feels when you drive can indicate a problem is at hand. Heavy steering, unresponsive braking and the car pulling to one side are all signs that your car needs checking out. While you may be able to drive with these issues for now, they can quickly escalate, so get them looked at by a professional to be on the safe side.
Book an MOT
Now you’re probably thinking MOTs are a yearly thing but they’re a great way to find hidden issues with your car quickly. The mechanic has tools that can make sure your car is running as best as possible. In case there is something wrong, they’ll let you know.
Regular maintenance means your vehicle will last longer and you’ll be able to tackle issues while they’re small. Leaving them can worsen the issue and make it more costly for you. If in doubt, speak to your local garage who can help you.
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