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Most Frequent Car Faults & What To Do About Them

Owning a car is a huge responsibility. Not only do you have to keep it clean and fueled up, but you also have to make sure it's in good working order. That's why it's important to know how to fix the most common car faults.

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If your car breaks down, don’t panic! There are plenty of things you can do to get it back on the road. In this article, we’ll teach you how to fix the eight most common car faults. So next time your car starts acting up, don’t take it to the mechanic – try fixing it yourself!

1. Faulty Fuel Pump: A faulty fuel pump is one of the most common car faults. If your car isn’t running smoothly and you hear a clicking noise coming from the engine, it’s likely that your fuel pump needs to be checked or replaced. To fix this issue, you’ll need to get access to the fuel pump and check for any signs of damage or corrosion. You may also need to replace the fuel filter or change the pressure regulator if necessary.

2. Dead Battery: Another very common fault is a dead battery. If your car won’t start and you notice no lights on the dashboard, then chances are your battery has died. The best way to fix this problem is by jump-starting it with another vehicle. If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace the battery.

3. Oil Leaks: Oil leaks are a common problem in cars and can be caused by worn hoses, loose gaskets or faulty seals. To fix this issue, you’ll need to check all of these components and make sure they’re all securely fastened. You’ll also want to take a look at any oil-leaking parts and replace them if necessary.

4. Brake Problems: If your brakes aren’t working properly it could be due to worn brake pads or low fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir. To fix this issue, check your brake lines for any signs of damage or leakage and top up your brake fluid as needed. You may also need to replace the brake pads or rotors depending on how worn they are.

5. Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks can be caused by loose connections, damaged hoses or cracked seals. The best way to fix this issue is to check all of these components for any signs of damage and replace them if necessary. You’ll also want to top up any fluids that have leaked out and make sure everything is secured properly in place.

6. Ignition System Issues: If your car won’t start, it could be due to an ignition system problem. This usually indicates a faulty spark plug, distributor cap or rotor arm. To fix this issue, you’ll need to check each component and replace the parts as needed. You may also need to replace the spark plug wires if they’re corroded or damaged.

7. Coolant Leaks: A coolant leak is another common car fault and can be caused by faulty hoses, loose connections or cracked seals. To fix this issue, check all of these components for any signs of damage and replace them if necessary. You’ll also want to top up your coolant levels and make sure everything is properly secured in place.

8. Bad Alternator: The alternator is responsible for charging your battery and keeping it at an optimal level. If it’s not working correctly, then you’ll need to get it checked out by a mechanic or replaced entirely. Make sure you check all the electrical connections and replace any corroded or damaged components if necessary.

How Can You Prevent Your Car From Breaking Down?

Regular maintenance of your car is the best way to prevent it from breaking down. Make sure you get regular oil changes, check and change other fluids such as coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid and power steering fluid as recommended in your owner’s manual. Regularly inspect your tires for wear, alignment and air pressure. Additionally, check all lights (headlights, taillights, turn signals) frequently to make sure they are in good working condition.

Although regular maintenance is the best way to prevent a breakdown, there are other steps that can be taken as well. Make sure your vehicle has good fuel quality, such as premium-grade gasoline, use the correct type and weight of oil for your engine, and replace old spark plugs when needed. Additionally, drive cautiously; sudden starts and stops or hard acceleration puts extra strain on your car’s components and could lead to premature wear or failure.

By taking the time to properly maintain your vehicle and driving responsibly, you can reduce the chances of a car breakdown and save yourself both money and hassle in the long run. Taking care of your car also helps ensure its longevity so it can continue to serve you for many years to come.

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