Check Before You Buy: 15 Common Car Problems and Issues

Car ownership comes with many responsibilities. Regular maintenance and inspections are necessary.

This is a common mistake. Many car owners just sell the vehicle when problems begin to occur. You should review this checklist before you buy a vehicle.

Problems with brakes and defective engine sensors are two of the most prevalent car problems. A warning indicator is placed on your dashboard to indicate that faulty electrical components are present. This is a very common issue.

This is a detailed listing of 15 common problems that car owners may experience.

1. Noisy engine

An engine that is running normally should not make any noise. You should not be surprised if your engine produces a noise like splattering or knocking.

High oil pressure is a good thing for car engines. It ensures that there are no metal-to-metal parts in an engine. If the maintenance is not done properly, the engine may make a lot of noises when it runs. You should not buy this car as it may lead to high repair costs.

You can also have a cheaper part that is causing engine noises, but this risk is too high!

Learn more at Common Car Engine Sounds.

2. Dashboard warning lights

A set of indicators on your dashboard will alert you if there is any problem with the engine. A red light on your dashboard will indicate if the engine is experiencing problems such as overheating or low fuel.

The majority of modern engines are equipped with an Engine Control Unit (ECU) that has sensors connected to the various components.

If there are any problems with your vehicle, an error code is sent to you, and a light will go on.

It is easy to check for warning lights if your car is used.

Learn more: 19 Common Car Dashboard Warning Lamps

3. Bad Wheel Bearings

Modern cars have a lot of problems with bad wheel bearings. A wheel bearing can be heard when driving at high speeds.

A bad bearing can be identified by listening to how the wheel turns when you turn slowly left/right. A bad bearing can be identified by a change in the road sound when you turn slowly left or right.

Learn more: Worst Wheel Bearing Signs

4. You can smoke from your exhaust

In terms of emissions, a functioning car can produce some smoke. This smoke is usually colorless, unless you start your car in winter.

Excessive smoke can indicate serious engine problems. It is important to look at the color and smell for signs of trouble.

The smoke should be white in color if it is not a leak of coolant. If it's thicker than that, oil could have gotten into your combustion chambers. It could indicate that your engine is using too much fuel.

Learn More About White Smoke from Exhaust

5. Poor fuel efficiency

Motors with poor service use more fuel. To optimize fuel consumption, mass airflow sensors, fuel filter, air filters and O2 sensors are all important.

These components can become more efficient over time as they collect dirt and produce more fuel. Regular servicing will bring your engine back to its original condition.

6. Tire punctures

Tire punctures are common. The tires can wear down and become more susceptible to punctures. You should not drive the vehicle beyond what the treads are recommended.

It’s recommended to have all your tires changed after every 50,000 miles. In the most extreme case, you can rotate your tires every 10,000 miles.

7. Bad Car battery

Together with the alternator, the battery powers the engine. As the batteries age, the acids build up and cause the alternator to stop working. Your battery should be replaced every five years (or 50,000) just like you do your tires. 

Because a dead battery could cause a car to stop at any moment, it can make driving stressful. You may notice dim headlights or problems getting the car started in the morning, and also inability of powering the AC/stereo. The alternator could also be the issue if the battery works fine.

8. Brake pads worn out

Wearing brake pads can cause accidents. Due to friction, brake pads can wear down. They will start to make a loud clicking noise when worn.

You will also need to press down on the brakes to make them work. This could be dangerous during emergency brakes. If your brake pads seem to be damaged, consult your mechanic.

Additional: Brake pad symptoms

9. Starter motor fault

Starter motor and battery are used to turn the engine. Some starter parts can become unusable due to wear. This includes the solenoid and starter relay. You will notice a loud rattling sound when this occurs.

It is expensive to replace starter motors. Depending on your car's model and how frequently you use it, a starter can last around 10 years.

More: Bad Starter Symptoms

10. Stalling

New motorists should be concerned. It happens when you are driving comfortably and suddenly the car stops at the middle of the roadway.

This could lead to serious injuries if it happens on the highway. The car stalling’s main reason includes faulty filters, fuel line,s or defective crankshaft position sensor.

11. Overheating

Overheating can indicate serious engine problems. Heat is produced by the internal combustion engine. By dissipating excessive heat, the coolant helps to cool the engine block.

Leakage of coolant could indicate that coolant has not reached the engine block. If this happens, it can cause excessive heat, which can then lead to engine failures.

More: Engine Overheating Causes

12. Steering wheel vibrations

For a car that is well maintained, the steering wheel must be sturdy and simple to use. The steering wheel can shake on uneven roads if the suspensions or bearings of your wheels are damaged. This can lead to serious injuries and dangerous driving at higher speeds.

Your mechanic should inspect your suspension and wheels. Your tires should also be regularly aligned.

Learn more about steering wheel shaking

13. Oil pressure problems

All moving parts of your car are lubricated by oil. Old oil can cause a buildup of sludge, which makes it more difficult to use efficiently. It will create friction that causes wear on the parts moving around, leading to excessive heat and wear.

High oil pressure is something that you don't want as it could lead to expensive repairs such engine replacements.

You should also identify oil with high viscosity. Synthetic oils are preferred by many drivers today.

More: Low Oil Pressure Symptoms – High Oil Pressure Causes

14. Brembo or grinding brakes

Worn brake pads, or brake discs that are worn can cause grinding or squeaking brakes. This can happen when a rock gets caught between the brake discs and brake pads.

Cars that don't get maintained properly can have worn brakes.

15. Alternator charges are low

Alternator wear and tear can cause your car to become more old. It is because the brushes within it are getting worn. Sometimes you may be able to just replace the brushes, while other times it is necessary to completely replace the alternator.

Easy to test the alternator is using a multimeter. If the alternator is functioning properly, it should be able to draw around 13.5-14.5 V at idle.

More: Bad Alternator Symptoms