Car Repair Red Flags To Watch Out For In Older Vehicles – Parting ways with your car is not an easy thing even if you are switching for a better one. There is an emotional connection with it because of which we often try to drag it even if it has crossed its life expectancy of 150,000 miles.
Getting more than 150,000 miles out of your car is not an impossible task. Irv Gordon was able to drive his 1966 Volvo P1800 beyond 3 million miles. The secret behind Gordon’s Volvo’s achievement was proper maintenance. It seems like a straightforward idea, but religious maintenance of your car will make it last longer; you want your vehicle to be a part of your life for long, then better take care of it.
If you have a car that is nearing its life expectancy, then here are some red flags that you should watch out for:
1. Overheating
Overheating issues are quite common in older cars. There can be several factors why a car starts overheating such as radiator issues, broken water pumped, or blocked hoses. Often this also happens because of low levels of coolants. Always keep an eye of the coolant levels because of its small it means then there is probably a leak in engine, hose or even the radiator.
Overheating issues are not something that you should ignore or procrastinate with because a hot engine can you a nightmare of damaged parts or complete engine failure, and you don’t want to get stranded on the roadside with your beloved vehicle?
2. Noisy Exhaust System
One of the most alarming signs of an issue in a car is when it starts making noises.
A noisy exhaust system usually means that it is coming near to its end. Sometimes the issue is not very serious, and you can quickly troubleshoot it by yourself only. However, to know what the issue is, you should be able to identify the noises correctly.
For example, a buzzing sound usually indicates there are loose belts or pulleys. A sizzling or a gurgling sound, on the other hand, indicates an overheating engine or fault in the coolant system or even the catalytic converter. On some occasions, this might happen because the components have worn off and need to be replaced.
If you ignore the noisy exhaust system, then the fumes will eventually start entering the car and affect passengers’ health. Instead of ignoring the issue, prepare for your car expenses so that you don’t run into debt later.
3. Brakes
Brakes also tend to give away the age of the car. You will know their life is coming to an end when you cannot slow down your car quickly. You can check the health of your brakes in two ways: by looking and listening.
Check if the brake pads are worn out. The outside pad is pressed against the metal rotor. If the pad is less than ¼ of an inch, then you should immediately take action.
Other than that, if your car makes a high pitch screeching sound when you apply brakes, it is a definitive sign that the situation needs to be remedied. Immediately take your car to the mechanic. If the brakes are ruined completely, you should probably avail the value my car free of cost option at your mechanic and sell it rather than pay an extensive only to find a temporary solution.
In the case, your car has been standing in water for a long time; there are chances that rust collects on the brake rotors. Thus, when you apply brakes, they may squeal for some time before coming back to normal.
4. Spark Plugs
Spark plugs are what gives life to your engine and if they start acting up, you should prepare yourself to pay a long bill.
Your car will start giving you signs when it is time to change its spark plugs. If you have trouble starting your car, chances are their issues with either the battery or you are out of fuel. However, if you have issues repeatedly, then you should consider the possibility of faulty spark plugs.
Also, your engine might start to misfire, which will abruptly stop your car for a few seconds. Old or worn-out spark plugs also increase fuel consumption and decrease acceleration. In certain situations, it may become quite dangerous when the engine starts surging. This happens when the car starts to suck more air than is required by the combustion process. This causes the car to jerk, slow down and then abruptly stop. It can be quite serious if it happens in heavy traffic.
5. Faulty Electrical Components
A very obvious repair red flag in an old car is when the electrical components start failing. When this happens, your engine won’t crank up. If your car makes a grinding noise during cranking then it might be because of a damaged flywheel gear. However, if it is old with high mileage, then chances are that the electrical system is failing.
Some other tell-tale signs include that your battery starts acting up. When this happens, don’t just replace the battery without checking for any electrical faults.
Deteriorating electrical components can also cause your fuses to blow out repeatedly. Even, your headlights may start dimming. It can also happen because of loose wires or ageing battery. However, if they are in good condition, then it is possible that the electrical systems have started to erode.
Is it worth it?
Understandably, you don’t want to part ways with your car. However, you need to do a cost-benefit analysis when your car has aged. It is true that regular maintenance does extend the life of a vehicle. However, with old cars that have gone beyond the average mileage of 150,000, you are likely to face issues now and then. This means that it can put a dent in your pocket. If you are spending more than it is worth, maybe you should consider selling it and investing in a better model.
Author Bio:
About Michelle Joe: Michelle Joe is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences, and express herself through her blogs. You can find her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook