Alternator. There I was, driving home from Brisbane after a concert, thinking that perhaps the volume of the show had temporarily deafened me, thus explaining why I couldn't hear the car. ...
4 So-Called Minor Car Problems That Deserve Attention
Oil Leakage or Overconsumption. If your engine seems to lose motor oil more rapidly than it once did, you'll want to figure out why instead of simply shrugging and adding a fresh quart. ...
Battery. The battery's job is to provide all of the electrical components in the car with a jolt of electricity so that the car can start. Most batteries become weak and need replacement after 4 to 6 years.
Be Cautious With Anything Older Than 12-15 Years Or 150,000 Miles. Now that we have the variables out of the way, it's time to dive deeper into what “problems” your car can run into as it ages and accumulates miles.
What does regular car maintenance include? On a regular basis, you should bring your car in for a car tune up as well as replace consumable items such as motor oil, radiator coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, wiper blades and brake pads.
Cars are machines built of parts and components that require regular maintenance and inspections to keep them in tip top shape. Over years and miles of use, these components will eventually wear out and require money and attention to fix.
What is a small problem? A small problem is one in which you can solve it yourself in almost no time at all. You don't need to ask anyone for help, and usually you don't even need to tell anyone about this problem. It happens, you have a small (or no) reaction, then you solve it yourself.
Check engine light comes on. A check engine light that stays illuminated on your dashboard after starting your vehicle is an early sign of an issue. ...
Clear-coat scratches are considered minor scratches which only affect the clear coat layer of a car's finish. These are the easiest type of car scratches to repair, as they can be rubbed or polished out without needing to be repainted. Generally, this small scratch can be judged by rubbing your fingernail across it.
If the cost of repairs exceeds the car's value, it's probably best to get a new car instead. Sometimes, when a car with high mileage needs a significant repair or if your car is totaled, you might consider replacing it with a new or used vehicle.
And while the old rule of thumb was to change your oil every 3,000 miles or so, modern automotive technology has stretched that figure even further. Due to better engineering and better oil formulations, now you can expect between 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes!
Ordinary copper and nickel spark plugs should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, unless otherwise suggested by the spark plug manufacturer. Platinum and iridium spark plugs tend to last longer than standard copper and nickel spark plugs. Expect to change them every 60,000 to 150,000 miles unless otherwise noted.
Most manufacturers recommend having a full car service once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. But this depends on your car and how you drive it. You can check your logbook to see when your car was last serviced. Some cars also have a system that lets you know when a service is due.
A conventional car can last for 200,000 miles. Some well-maintained car models will reach 300,000 or more miles total. The average passenger car age is currently around 12 years in the United States. Choosing a well-built make and model can help extend your car's longevity.
For many used vehicles you are wanting to look at cars under 200,000 kilometres. However you can find exceptional used cars on the market that have over 200,000 kilometres that is in excellent condition and has at least 5 years of roadworthiness left.