Cars are an essential part of many people’s lives, but with frequent use and aging, problems and malfunctions can arise that affect their performance, safety, and comfort.
In this comprehensive guide, we review the most common car problems, how to effectively diagnose and solve them, and provide preventive tips to help you avoid them in the future.
Whether you are a new driver or have years of experience, understanding common car breakdowns and how to fix them is essential to avoid costly repairs and keep your car in good condition.
First: The Most Common Daily Mechanical Failures
1. Engine Overheating
- Symptoms:
- The temperature gauge on the dashboard suddenly rises.
- Steam coming from under the hood.
- Poor car performance or complete stoppage.
- Causes:
- Low coolant level.
- Damaged engine thermostat.
- Water pump not working efficiently.
- Clogged radiator or internal leak.
- Solution:
- Ensure there is a sufficient amount of coolant.
- Check the radiator, pump, and thermostat.
- You can go to a specialized center like Dokkan Auto for a comprehensive check of the cooling system and accurate fault diagnosis.
2. Weak or Dead Car Battery
- Symptoms:
- The engine does not respond when starting the car.
- Dim or flickering lights on the dashboard.
- Hearing a “click” sound without the engine turning over.
- Causes:
- The battery has reached the end of its lifespan.
- A malfunction in the alternator or charging system.
- Forgetting the lights on for a long time.
- Solution:
- Test the battery using a voltmeter.
- Replace the battery if it is below 12 volts.
- Check the integrity of the alternator and connection cables.
3. Car Shaking When Accelerating or Driving
- Symptoms:
- Vibration in the steering wheel.
- A strange noise when accelerating or at a certain speed.
- The entire car shudders.
- Causes:
- Worn or unbalanced tires.
- Problems with the suspension system.
- Solution:
- Adjust wheel alignment and balance.
- A thorough inspection of the suspension system and axles.
- Replace damaged parts immediately.
Second: Transmission (Gearbox) Problems
4. Difficulty Changing Gears (Manual Transmission)
- Causes:
- Worn clutch.
- Malfunction in the gear shift cable.
- Low transmission fluid.
- Solution:
- Check the clutch and replace it if necessary.
- Ensure there is enough fluid in the transmission.
- Repair or replace damaged wires and cables.
5. Delayed Response or Slipping (Automatic Transmission)
- Symptoms:
- Hesitation or slipping when shifting from one gear to another.
- A grinding noise or delay in movement.
- The transmission warning light illuminates on the dashboard.
- Causes:
- Low transmission fluid level.
- Damage to the pressure control solenoids.
- Metal deposits inside the transmission.
- Solution:
- Change the transmission fluid regularly.
- Use advanced diagnostic tools to check the transmission.
- Avoid aggressive driving or sudden gear shifts.
Third: Brake System Failures
6. Squeaking or Grinding When Applying the Brakes
- Causes:
- Worn brake discs or pads.
- Dirt or rust on the discs.
- Problems with the brake cylinder or hydraulic system.
- Solution:
- Replace the brake pads.
- Clean or replace the brake discs if necessary.
- Check the brake fluid and ensure it is free of air or leaks.
Fourth: Daily Electrical Failures
7. Malfunctioning Power Windows or Door Locks
- Causes:
- Malfunction in the central control unit.
- A blown fuse or damaged electrical wire.
- Friction in the motor for the windows or locks.
- Solution:
- Check the electrical circuits using a testing device.
- Replace the fuse or damaged wires.
- Service or replace the window motor.
8. Problem with Headlights or Taillights
- Causes:
- Damaged bulbs or wires.
- Malfunction in the central lighting unit.
- An electrical short or a break in a cable.
- Solution:
- Replace the damaged bulbs.
- Check the integrity of the fuses.
- Have the electrical circuit checked at a specialized center.
Fifth: Common Engine-Related Problems
9. The Engine Will Not Start at All
- Causes:
- Malfunction in the fuel pump.
- Faulty crankshaft or camshaft sensor.
- Damaged spark plugs.
- Solution:
- Check the fuel and ignition systems.
- Use an OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) device to scan for faults.
- Go to an authorized maintenance center like Dokkan Auto for an accurate diagnosis.
10. Excessive Fuel Consumption
- Causes:
- Clogged air or fuel filter.
- Improper tire pressure.
- Malfunction in the oxygen sensor or MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor.
- Solution:
- Change the filters.
- Adjust tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Check the sensors with advanced equipment.
Preventive Tips to Avoid Daily Car Breakdowns
- Perform a comprehensive periodic inspection of the car every 6 months.
- Do not ignore warning signs on the dashboard.
- Ensure you use high-quality oils and fluids.
- Check tire pressure monthly.
- Keep the cooling and ventilation systems clean.