Why is My Car Breaking Down? The Signs Are in Your Car

Car manufacturers regularly test all their products by deliberately putting them on a torture test. Doing so ensures that it won’t overheat immediately. However, car breakdowns are inevitable. At one point or another, parts of it will malfunction over time. You’ll never know when you might see yourself on the roadside worrying about it. Knowing what happened is the best way to get yourself out of the situation. So, here are the most common issues that you may encounter with your car.

Warped Cylinders

The cylinders where the engine’s pistons move should be smooth and straight. Like the car’s seals and gaskets, exposure to excessive heat can warp the bore of the cylinder head. Once the cylinders get deformed, the engine’s pistons will start to malfunction. Warped cylinders can cause the pressure to build up and even add unnecessary stress to the engine. If left untreated, the head gasket will soon fail and cause lead leaks. Buying a vehicle repair equipment in Utah or any state can be a lifesaver, especially when facing such car issues.

Cooling Problems

One of the most common reasons cars usually break down involves their coolant. It’s a liquid responsible for maintaining the car’s temperature as it flows throughout the entire engine. Any leaks could mean that some of the liquid could leak out of the system. Once the fluid gets accidentally drained out, you’ll have nothing left to keep your engine’s temperature fresh. The chances that your engine may overheat depend on the weather and whether you have coolant or air running through the car’s engine. However, if you don’t notice any visible leaks, then check for dirt or other foreign particles that are blocking the passageway. The best way to prevent it is by doing a regular oil check now and then. It’s especially advisable if you always drive your cars for miles as it burns oil faster.

Damaged Seals

Another reason that your car can overheat is due to damaged seals. Although these are industry-grade rubber, it’s still prone to damage due to excessive exposure to high temperatures. When exposed to extremely high heat, the engine’s gaskets and seals will start to melt, get deformed, and eventually crack. Once this happens, the oil will soon begin to leak, which can lead to more severe problems such as increased emissions or even engine misfire.

Rising Temperatures

Once you see the red gauge rising, you need to immediately switch off the car’s air conditioning and turn on full heat. Although it won’t be comfortable, doing so could help lower the temperature in your engine and potentially save it from further damage. Once you’re done shutting the air conditioning off, it’s time to stay off the road and open the hood. Never attempt to check the coolant level immediately as it will be scalding hot and burn you. Contact an auto repair shop and see if they can offer a vehicle lift for you. It’s best to have their number handy, especially when you’re facing emergencies involving your car.