Diagnosing Car Problems - A Beginner's Guide!

Posted on: Feb 3, 2022 | | Written by:

Diagnosing Car Problems - A Beginner's Guide!

Published on February 2, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Just because you own or drive a car doesn’t mean that you can fix problems with it. Modern cars are quite complicated and technologically advanced, which means you might often need in-depth and hands-on knowledge about something before you can get on with the repair or replacement job at hand. So, taking your car to an authorised service centre or garage might seem like the best option. But then, it might cost you a lot even if the problem is a minor one. Yes, it’s true that you can renew car insurance and let the policy take care of the expenses, but that will adversely affect your insurance prices later, while also eliminating the discount you’re eligible for when you don’t make claims.

So basically, being able to diagnose at least a few problems when they crop up can help. Use your sense of sight, smell, sound, and feel, to understand potential problem areas. Read on to know more.

1. Sight

Look around you and make a note of any discrepancy that you can spot. A few common areas to look at include:

i) Tyres

Tyres have visible treads, that provide grip and water dissipation. Check the tread on your tyres for wear and cracks. If the tread has worn out, your car will be harder to control, given the lack of grip. Check tyre pressure as well, to ensure optimum mileage and handling. Also look out for cracks and unusual bulges, which can form due to the weather. These are potentially weak points in your tyres, and can disintegrate with pressure and rough use, leaving you with a tyre to fix at an unexpected moment. Get the tyre replaced if it has worn out its treads or has cracks and bulges.

ii) Warning signs

Some warning signs are more straightforward than others. Temperature, tyre, and oil lights are fairly self-diagnostic, pointing you to the specific area of concern. However, the check engine light can be more confusing, as it’s not specific to what the problem may be. Open the hood, and check for any leakage of fluids, disconnection of wires, or dislodging of parts. And take it to the shop immediately if the problem cannot be identified.

2. Sound

Any car makes a distinct, inoffensive rumble when it’s driven. But anything that sounds odd, is a cause for concern. Here’s what it could be

i) Clunking or creaking

This is often made by worn-out suspension components. It could be due to a mechanical anomaly, or due to insufficient grease at the ball joints, and bushings. Grease your suspension with a grease gun, to get rid of the creaking.

ii) Ticking

Ticking sounds are usually caused by a loose timing belt under the hood. It ticks when the belt slips over the pulleys that connect it to the camshaft and crankshaft. You might hear a squealing noise if the power steering belt is stretched out or the power steering pump has failed. This is especially noticeable when making a turn. Squeals can also be heard when worn out braking pads come in contact with the rotor, letting you know that it needs to be replaced.

iii) Grinding

This noise usually comes from the gearbox, when the gears grind against each other due to insufficient lubrication. A rough gearshift can confirm the diagnosis.

iv) Popping or banging

Hard to miss, coming from the engine, you can hear it misfire. It can be due to an improper air-fuel mixture, worn out spark plugs, or dirty air filters.

3. Feel

After having driven your car for a while, you would have gotten a ‘feel’ of the vehicle, and the vibrations, and resistance.

i) Excessive vibrations

Wheel misalignment, incorrect pressure, failing suspension can all cause excessive and unpleasant vibrations.

ii) Leaning or pulling

Failed shocks, incorrect wheel alignment, failed suspension, or a poor steering linkage can all pull the car in a certain direction.

iii) Spongy brakes

Spongy brakes are indicative of low or old brake fluid, and air in the brake lines. Either top off the brake fluid, or have it cleaned and replaced entirely.

4. Smell

Follow your nose to understand some common problems. While some problems can be solved with an air freshener, other may be indicative of a larger issue.

i) Smoke/burning

A worn clutch or brake pad can produce a burning smell. This happens if you press the clutch or brakes too hard, and for too long. It could also be leaking fluid burning up in the engine bay.

ii) Exhaust

The smell of exhaust in the cabin is dangerous, as exhaust fumes also contain carbon monoxide, which can lead to unconsciousness or death.

iii) Sulphur

A sulphurous smell (of rotten eggs) is indicative of a battery or catalytic converter issue. This would mean that more water is required in the battery or that replacing the battery is essential.

iv) Sweet

A sweet smell might point to a coolant leak. This could potentially overheat your engine and cause related damage.

Conclusion

Fixing problems in your car can take years of hands-on experience. However, diagnosing or correctly identifying problems is easier if you can observe the tell-tale signs. And if you show up to the mechanic with an accurate diagnosis, there are fewer chances of you being taken for a ride. It’s best to go for a trusted garage, one that is affiliated with your insurance provider. When you renew your car insurance, ensure that your insurer has tied-up with garages near your area, so that you don’t need to take your car to another part of the city or to another town, to get it fixed.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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