3 Unsettling Car Problems and How a Mechanic Can Help
For many, the prospect of a car breaking down is terrifying because of the hassle it would bring, the money it would cost, and the risks it may pose to safety. In addition, it can be stressful to have automotive trouble and have no idea what the root of the problem is. This is where a skilled mechanic comes in.
No matter the issue with your vehicle, an experienced and trustworthy mechanic can help you diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repairs. Here's how a EAS Tire & Auto mechanic might help in these scenarios:
How a Mechanic Can Help With Some of the Most Daunting Car Issues
1. The Car Won't Start
A fading or dead battery, disconnected or corroded wires, a faulty alternator, or a malfunctioning starter are the most common reasons a car won't start.
Batteries have an average life of roughly five years, and that's in the best-case scenario. When severe weather is factored in, the time frame shrinks significantly. If your vehicle won't start and the battery seems fine, the problem most likely involves the starter.
Some problems, like a dead battery or cold engine oil, are manageable without the intervention of roadside assistance, but other situations do call for it. For the most accurate diagnosis of why your car won't start, have your vehicle towed over to an expert mechanic.
Mechanics performing car trouble diagnostics will often connect a digital scanner to the vehicle to read error codes and interpret the results. After that, the technician will conduct a thorough physical investigation of your vehicle to determine the source and nature of the issue.
2. Overheating
When an engine becomes too hot, it may generate thumping or ticking noises. These sounds are an indication that there are problems with the engine's systems and a warning that the engine is about to overheat. In the event of an engine overheating, the needle on the dashboard's temperature indicator will shoot up to "H" or the red zone. Occasionally, the engine compartment will also give off a sweet or burned odor.
Some typical causes of engine overheating that your mechanic will check for include:
- Insufficient coolant or a coolant leak
- Corroded hoses or blocked airflow due to debris
- Broken water pumps or radiator issues
- Malfunctioning vehicle thermostat that prevents unsafe engine temperatures
Some larger vehicles like trucks or RVs may find that towing a big load up a hill in hot weather might also cause the engine to overheat, even if there is nothing mechanically wrong with the vehicle.
3. Rough Idle
When in park or braking, your car idles to power crucial components without shutting off the engine. The idle speed shouldn't skip or slip at all; it should be steady. However, if it doesn't feel smooth, your engine might be idling rough. For example, the RPMs on your dashboard will leap up and down, or they will dip below whatever is average for your car.
Most standard automobiles' idle speeds range from 600 to 1000 RPM, which is sufficient to maintain the engine's auxiliary systems but not enough to drive the car. This value may be greater for bigger diesel trucks and RVs. If your car is making strange noises, shaking, or exhibiting any other unusual symptoms at idle, be sure to notify your mechanic immediately.
Rough idling may sometimes be caused by a broken spark plug or wire that causes fuel to be burned at an irregular pace. Your mechanic's thorough inspection of the spark plugs will verify that they are providing a consistent amount of energy to ignite the air/fuel mixture inside the engine's combustion chamber.
Speak With a Skilled Mechanic in Colorado Springs, CO
EAS Tire & Auto is proud to employ a team of experienced and qualified mechanics in Colorado Springs, CO to service all of your automotive repair needs. To learn more about specific issues with your car, contact us today to schedule an appointment.