Even the best cars may someday run into problems, such as a dead battery during a busy morning, squeaky brakes while driving, or an unexpected engine light. Although some problems may be left to a mechanic, the most common problems in a car can be identified and fixed easily if the owner knows where to look.
A car may be a very intricate machine, and knowing the elementary functions of the car’s engines, electricity, tyres, and brakes could allow you to identify problems early on to avoid increased costs and additional trips to the garage.
In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the most common car problems Indian drivers encounter, their causes, and quick solutions to fix and avoid them.
Engine Misfiring
Engine misfiring occurs as a distinct pop sound when you start your engine. We all know that internal combustion in an engine occurs as a cycle of intake of air-and-fuel mixture, burning it, and outletting fumes via the exhaust. If something interrupts this cycle, a misfire happens. There are several possible reasons for this, with the most common being a spark plug problem.
If you find that your engine is misfiring:
- Check The Spark Plug: Pop up the hood and have a look at the spark plug. If it is black, clean it with a brush and test again.
- Change The Spark Plug: If the car doesn’t start after cleaning then you will need to change the spark plug. It is not a costly component and can be changed without much expenditure.
- Consult A Mechanic: If the misfire happens even after replacing the spark plug, then we would recommend that you get your car checked by a skilled engine mechanic as the problem could be related to the cylinder or piston head.
Check-Engine Light or Warning Lights
The check-engine light can indicate a range of issues, from a loose fuel cap to a faulty sensor or a misfire. It’s your car’s way of saying something’s wrong, but not necessarily catastrophic.
How to Solve It:
- If the light turns on, check your fuel cap first. A loose or damaged cap can cause a pressure imbalance, triggering the warning.
- If tightening doesn’t help, get an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) scan done at a workshop. The error code will pinpoint the issue.
- Never ignore a flashing engine light; it could indicate an urgent issue, such as a cylinder misfire.
Pro Tip: Get familiar with all dashboard warning lights using your owner’s manual. Acting early can prevent expensive repairs later.
Dead or Weak Battery
A drained battery could be the primary reason the car won’t start, and it’s among the most frequent causes. The battery can easily drain, especially in hot and cold conditions, and short journeys won’t allow it to recharge. Additionally, the lights could be left on at night.
How to Solve It:
- If your car won’t start, try jump-starting it with another car using jumper cables.
- Once the engine is running, let it idle for at least 20 minutes to recharge.
- If you frequently face this issue, check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with baking soda and water.
- For batteries over 3 years old, it’s best to replace them, as performance tends to drop with age.
Pro Tip: Turn off all lights, the music system, and the AC before switching off your car. This prevents battery drain during the next startup.
Tight Clutch Pedal
A normal clutch pedal is smooth and easy to operate, doing so without any breaks. When you feel that you are using more than usual muscle power to push the clutch pedal, there is a problem with it. Let’s see the possible causes:
- Blocked Pedal: You can check the clutch pedal to see if there’s something beneath it, and remove it.
- Inspect the clutch cable: Check for signs of wear on the clutch cable (runs from the clutch pedal below the transmission). If you can’t bend that way, ask your mechanic for help. Depending on the findings, the cable may be lubricated or replaced.
- Worn-out clutch disc: Ask your mechanic to do a thorough inspection of the clutch disc. If you have been driving the vehicle for long periods of time, there is a chance that your clutch disc might have worn out. This can result in an unresponsive or less responsive clutch in the form of stiffness. Replacing the clutch disc will solve the problem immediately.
- Adjust the clutch pedal: If you’ve replaced any part of your clutch recently and find it stiffer than usual, then the pedal needs some adjustment to run smooth and free. This too can be done at your nearest car garage.
Uneven Tyre Wear or Low Pressure
You attach the tyres to the car body, and the tyres are the first to indicate problems if there are any. Worn-out tyres, improper inflation, uneven wear, and bare spots may affect fuel economy, braking performance, and car control.
How to Solve It:
- Check tyre pressure every two weeks using a reliable gauge. Most cars have the recommended PSI printed inside the driver’s door frame.
- Get your wheels aligned and balanced every 10,000 km or sooner if you notice vibration or pulling.
- Rotate tyres diagonally to even out wear, especially in front-wheel-drive cars.
- If you see cracks or bulges, replace the tyre immediately; these are signs of structural weakness.
Pro Tip: Always maintain the same tyre brand and size across all four wheels for optimal performance.
Brake Noise or Weak Braking
Brakes are the most critical safety component of your car; therefore, if you notice any way in which they operate differently, do not overlook it. A squeak indicates worn-out brake pads, and a soft touch indicates air in the braking line and possibly inadequate fluid levels.
How to Solve It:
- Check brake fluid regularly. If it’s low, top it up using the manufacturer-specified grade.
- If you hear squeaking or grinding, your brake pads might need replacing.
- A vibrating brake pedal usually indicates warped rotors, which need resurfacing or replacement.
Pro Tip: Avoid riding the brakes while driving downhill, as it causes unnecessary wear and heat buildup. Use engine braking instead.
Shrieking Sound From Engine
So, you started your car one fine day and it just howls back at you, scaring your socks off. While the sound is scary, the cause for it is a worn drive belt that is on its last legs. The drive belt drives a number of crucial accessories like the alternator, power steering pump and the water pump. These are relevant for functions like battery charging, steering control and climate control in your car. The drive belt can be replaced at your nearest garage, and you can get your peace of ears back.
Engine Overheating
In your car, the engine gets hot, but sometimes the cooling system fails, leading to disaster very quickly. Leaks in the cooling system, low coolant levels, and an overheating thermometer can cause the engine to overheat, which should never be ignored, as the head gasket might be damaged.
How to Solve It:
- If you see the temperature gauge rising, pull over immediately and switch off the engine.
- Wait at least 15–20 minutes before opening the bonnet. Never do this when it’s hot.
- Check the coolant reservoir; if it’s low, top it up with a 50:50 coolant-water mix.
- If the coolant leaks quickly again, visit a workshop to have the radiator or water pump inspected.
Pro Tip: Check coolant levels monthly and have the cooling system flushed every 2 years to maintain efficiency.
Air Conditioner Not Cooling
Few things are more uncomfortable than a weak AC in Indian summers. Common reasons include low refrigerant gas, blocked filters, or a faulty compressor.
How to Solve It:
- Clean or replace the cabin air filter every 10,000–15,000 km.
- If the cooling has reduced, get the AC gas refilled by a professional.
- If you hear clicking or hissing sounds, have the compressor and hoses checked for leaks.
Pro Tip: Run your AC for at least 10 minutes every week, even in winter, to keep the compressor lubricated and the system in good shape.
Strange Noises from the Engine or Suspension
Unusual noise may be very informative about the condition of your automobile. The rattles, creaks, or squeaks mean there’s something loose or worn-out inside the machine. Delay in repairing such symptoms may result in small fixes turning into costly problems.
How to Solve It:
- A rattling sound while idling may indicate a loose heat shield or exhaust component.
- A squealing sound when you start the engine often points to a worn serpentine belt.
- Clunking or knocking noises over bumps could be worn ball joints or shock absorbers.
Pro Tip: Always get noises diagnosed early. A small suspension bush replacement today could prevent a costly control arm replacement later.
FAQs
Q. What are the most common car problems in India?
The most frequent issues faced by Indian car owners include dead batteries, low coolant levels, worn brake pads, uneven tyre wear, and weak AC cooling. Many of these arise from irregular maintenance or harsh weather conditions. Regular servicing and fluid checks can prevent most of these problems.
Q. How often should I get my car serviced?
Most manufacturers recommend a regular service every 10,000–15,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you drive in heavy traffic or dusty conditions, shorter intervals of 6–8 months are better. Timely servicing keeps your engine clean, improves fuel efficiency, and extends the car’s lifespan.
Q. Why does my car battery die so often?
Car batteries lose charge due to age, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, or accessories left on when the car is off. If your battery is older than 3 years, it’s likely nearing the end of its life. Regular long drives and turning off electricals before shutting the engine help prolong battery health.
Q. How can I prevent my car from overheating?
Keep the coolant topped up, ensure the radiator is clean, and inspect hoses for leaks regularly. Avoid running your car without coolant, as it can severely damage the engine. Have the cooling system flushed every 2 years for best performance.
Q. Why is my car’s AC not cooling properly?
Weak cooling usually means low refrigerant gas, a clogged cabin air filter, or a leaking compressor. Cleaning the air filter and refilling the gas often solves the problem. If not, get the compressor checked at an authorised service centre.
Q. When should I take my car to a mechanic?
If you’re facing ongoing car issues that you are unable to fix on your own, it’s time to consult a professional mechanic. They can diagnose all the significant vehicle problems and get you back on the road safely.
