Understanding Your Automotive

Exploring Potential Causes Of 3 Common Car Problems

Dealing with car repairs every now and then is an unavoidable part of car ownership. If you suspect there's something wrong with your car, you may be tempted to ignore the issue, but this can lead to further damage occurring and can leave you with a bigger repair bill. Understanding the possible causes of some common car problems can help you feel empowered when arranging for your car to be repaired, and it may also put your mind at ease if you tend to find yourself thinking the worst when your car needs to be looked at. Read on to learn about the potential causes of three common car problems.

The Steering Wheel Shakes

If you find your steering wheel shakes when you are driving at speed, such as when driving on a freeway, your wheels may simply be out of alignment. This is a quick and inexpensive problem to fix, but if you ignore it, you may find your tyres wear down unevenly and you need a full new set of tyres. If your steering wheel shakes just after you start your car, there may be a problem with the suspension or your wheel bearings could be worn.

Noisy Brakes

If your brakes make a grinding or squeaking sound when you engage the brake pedal, the pads, discs or callipers may be worn. Brake components experience a lot of friction and are used so frequently that it's worth having your brakes checked regularly to identify early signs of wear. Any braking noises should be investigated as soon as possible to ensure your car is roadworthy and you aren't putting yourself or others at risk.

Uneven Tyre Wear

Your car's tyres should wear down evenly from the outer rim to the inner rim. If they are wearing down unevenly, it may simply be the case that you've driven into a pothole and knocked your tyres out of alignment. Alternatively, there may be a problem with the suspension system, such as the ball joints are worn or the shock absorbers are damaged. If certain parts of your suspension fail while you are driving, you will not be able to control the car, so uneven tyre wear should always be investigated with urgency.

These are just a few examples of common car problems that can typically be resolved without too much expense. If you have any concerns about the safety or performance of your car, ask your local auto repair mechanic to check it over.