6 Common Auto Repair Possibilities And Their Telltale Signs

Automotive Blog

It's important to take good care of your vehicles, even though it can feel like there is always something that needs to be repaired. It can be hard to figure out on your own what could be wrong with your vehicle, but there are some more common auto repairs that you can look into first. 

Oxygen Sensor

The oxygen sensor is responsible for reading the levels of oxygen in the exhaust that have not been burned and sending it to the vehicle's computer to improve the performance. If the check engine light is on, it may mean that the levels are off. Other common signs that may indicate a bad oxygen sensor include:

  • Slow acceleration
  • Rotten egg smell
  • Engine misfires
  • Rough idling

Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converter is the part that takes the toxic gases and converts them into less toxic pollutants. These can be an expensive fix but are required for most states who complete a vehicle inspection. Common signs that may indicate a bad catalytic converter can include:

  • Slow acceleration
  • Dark smoke from the exhaust
  • Excessive engine heat
  • Rotten egg smell

Ignition Coil

The ignition coil is what transforms the electricity coming from the vehicle's battery into the necessary amount of voltage needed to start the vehicle. Common signs that may indicate a bad ignition coil can include:

  • Backfiring
  • Decreased gas mileage
  • Engine misfiring
  • Engine jerking
  • Hard starting

Thermostat

The thermostat's job is to regulate the temperature of the vehicle's engine. This is a very important part to ensure your engine does not overheat. Common signs that indicate a bad thermostat can include:

  • Rumbling noises
  • Gauge reading higher/lower than normal
  • Leaking coolant
  • Sporadic temperature changes inside the vehicle

Spark Plug

Spark plugs are what ignite the air/fuel mixture, creating an explosion that is important for powering the engine. It's very common for a spark plug to wear out, so don't be surprised when it comes time to replace it. Common signs that indicate a bad spark plug can include:

  • Difficulty starting vehicle
  • Rough idling
  • Engine knocking
  • Engine misfires
  • Decreased gas mileage

Fuel Cap

You might not think much of a broken or missing fuel cap, but they are actually important. The fuel cap is what prevents dust and debris from entering the fuel tank and the gas from evaporating. Common signs of a bad or missing fuel cap can include:

  • Decreased gas mileage
  • Fuel smell inside the vehicle 

If you notice any of these signs, reach out to a professional who provides auto repair services. 

Share

9 December 2021

use a rental car for family road trips

Are you planning your family vacation for this summer? Are you considering driving to your destination instead of flying so that you can save a little money? Well, driving your own car might not be the best plan. Did you know that you can get a rental car for your vacation and avoid putting all of those miles on your personal vehicle? My site contains tips that can help you choose a rental car for your family vacation and how to plan the trip to keep everyone in the car happy. Hopefully, you can create as many joyful road-trip memories as my family has.