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If you recently bought a car, you probably feel excited to drive around. Since you spent a lot to own one, it should last for a long time without experiencing too many issues. You also don’t want to spend more because of these problems. Here are the most common vehicular problems and how to avoid them.

Dead starter

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When you have a dead starter, it means that the car is unable to start. It could be due to a failed starter or a dead battery. If you turn the key, you only hear a click. The best way to prevent it from happening is by doing periodic checks on the main components of the starter motor. It helps determine if anything requires fixing or replacing. The spark plug could be the reason behind the dead starter, and it needs adjustment.

Lost keys

You don’t want to lose your keys at any time. You will panic, especially if you are parked in the middle of nowhere. If you’re about to leave the house, you will be late for your appointment. Make sure you double check everything before you leave the house or office. Do the same before leaving your car. The most common problem is having the keys left inside the car. You can call a car locksmith to replace your car keys. You can even ask for emergency services. According to ukcarlocksmith.co.uk recommend having a car key duplicate right from the start so that when you forget your keys inside the car, you know that there are spare keys available.

Dead battery

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When your battery is dead, your car will be unable to start. It happens when there’s not enough power or if the battery is too old. Batteries usually last for three to five years. If you know that your battery already reached that range, you have to consider replacing it. If not, check if there are faulty connectors. Mark the date when you purchased the car to determine if it’s already time for a replacement.

Problems with the alternator

The alternator helps keep the battery in check and charged. If you have issues with the alternators, the car won’t start. It will also break down while you’re driving. The good thing is there are signs that your alternators already have problems. You can do something about it before suffering from a serious road problem. Among the signs are rattling from the engine and severe electrical failure. The reason behind it is the alternator’s age. Just like the batteries, you have to know how old it is to decide when to replace them.

Spark plugs

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Usually, spark plugs won’t last that long. With the regular wear and tear, they might fail after a while. As a result, the car will start running at a slower speed. It might even waste more fuel. The key is to tune-up every six months. Replace the spark plug every five to ten months to prevent damages to the car’s electronics.

Oil leak

When you start seeing dark stains on your driveway, it means that there’s an oil leak. It’s an easy problem to solve. Regular maintenance service is the key. Tune up the car and change the oil filters. Don’t wait until you see stains on the driveway. You can check if there are potential oil leak issues.

Radiator leak

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You will know if there are issues with the radiator if your car leaves coolant trails on the road or driveway. The air conditioning also starts failing. It means that the engine will overheat, and more problems ensue. Worse, you could get stranded. The key is to check the connectors regularly. Determine if there are potential damages. Schedule coolant maintenance by flushing out the old one.

Flat tires

Driving with flat tires can be dangerous. Your vehicle will be out of control. Regularly check the tire’s air pressure so it won’t be under-inflated. If it happens, there will be severe friction on the tires, and it could rip the treads. Always bring a spare tire with you when driving. Learn how to replace the tires too. If you drive in the middle of nowhere when it happens, you won’t panic.

Another reason you have flat tires is due to the weight of the items inside the car. Imagine if the vehicle is full of books and clothes. Add to that the number of passengers riding at the same time. The excess weight will hurt your car. At some point, the tires couldn’t handle it. Apart from flat tires, you will also have issues with the suspensions and brakes. Therefore, make it a habit to keep the car clean and regularly remove unnecessary items.

Warning lights are on

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The warning lights turning on aren’t the problem. Instead, they indicate a problem. When you see these lights, don’t ignore them. You won’t make the problem go away by ignoring the lights. Understand what it means and ask for help. Try to notice other signs apart from what the lights indicate. Foul smell and weird noise are among the indicators that there are problems with the car. Find the source and deal with it.

Regular maintenance is necessary

Apart from the tips to avoid car issues, it also helps to bring the vehicle to a mechanic for regular checks. You can prevent the problem before they get worse. Remember that just because everything seems normal doesn’t mean there are no issues. Your mechanic will tell you if something is about to break. Repair or replacement might be necessary. Listen to the advice and don’t hesitate to spend. Remember that if the vehicle encounters more problems, you will spend more.

It doesn’t matter if you bought a brand-new or used car. Any vehicle requires regular maintenance. You should also keep a record of everything that you did with the vehicle. You need it later if you decide to sell the vehicle. Don’t forget to purchase comprehensive insurance to help you pay for potential repair issues.

There is a cheat way to find out any issues with your vehicle and see what needs to get fixed or avoided in the future. It helps both buyers and sellers and it’s known as a pre purchase car inspection. This will give you a comprehensive report for anyone who doesn’t know much about vehicles. You can learn more here.