Ultimate Guide to Car Inspections: Identifying Common Car Problems

A great driving experience requires a car that is free of problems. Regular inspections are a must to ensure that your vehicle is reliable, safe, and offers optimum efficiency and performance. Routine inspections help identify hidden issues that could lead to unexpected breakdowns if left unaddressed. In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of car inspections, inspect different systems in your vehicle, and discuss how to address uncovered issues to keep your car in top condition.

Benefits of Regular Car Inspections

If you perform regular car inspections, you will get these benefits.

• Uncovers the problems which could lead to expensive repairs or replacements in the future
• Reduces the chances of unexpected breakdowns
• Enhances the car’s reliability
• Improves fuel efficiency and performance
• It provides better comfort while driving
• General inspections make your vehicle all weather-ready
• Braking, handling, and overall safety are improved

Things You Can Inspect in Your Car at Home

A routine car inspection doesn’t always require a mechanic. You can quickly identify plenty of common problems and address them yourself or by taking your car to a professional car workshop.

Engine Related Issues

Your car’s engine is its heart, and the slightest of problems can cause loss of efficiency, power, and overall reliability. Here are some common signs of engine issues.

• Unusual noises such as knocking or tapping
• Reduced fuel efficiency and performance
• Sluggish or sudden drop in acceleration
• Engine check light pops up on the dashboard
• The temperature gauge fluctuates frequently
• Engine overheating
• Coolant leak leaves puddles under the car
• Oil leak puddles under the car
• Excessive smoke from the exhaust
• Rattling noises
• Poor fuel efficiency despite driving with a light foot
• Hard clutch, difficult to shift gears or poor performance

Solutions

• Ensure to get your car serviced regularly from a professional garage
• Engine overheating is caused by the low level of engine coolant; topping up the coolant will solve this issue
• Choked engine air filter causes reduced fuel efficiency and performance
• Worn-our spark plugs cause misfires, leading to reduced efficiency and sluggish acceleration
• White smoke in the exhaust pipe could mean a damaged head gasket or worn-out piston rings. This requires professional replacement of the head gasket or piston rings
• Rattling noise from under the car could be caused by loose exhaust system clamps
• A faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) or Oxygen (O2) sensor could lead to reduced fuel efficiency
• A worn-out clutch causes difficulty in gear shifts, poor performance and a hard clutch. The clutch needs to be replaced for optimum performance
• Schedule a professional diagnosis to identify other core issues in the engine

Braking System Issues

Brakes are crucial for your safety on the road, and thus, they should always be in top shape. Here are some signs of common issues with the braking system.

• Unwanted noises like grinding, squeaking, or clicking while braking
• Reduce braking performance is observed
• The brake pedal becomes spongy
• Increased braking distance while braking
• Excessive vibrations are felt while braking
• An oil leak under the vehicle is observed

Solutions

You should opt for a professional brake inspection to replace brake pads, resurface warped brake rotors, repair leaking hoses and other issues.

Problems in the Car AC System

A faulty or weak AC makes it difficult to drive the car in the summer. Here are some signs of common issues with your car’s air conditioning system.

• Weak airflow from the AC vents
• Warm air from the vents when the AC is on
• A clicking or hissing noise when the AC is running
• Unusual smell from the vents
• A strong chemical smell comes from vents or the engine bay

Solutions

• Get the AC inspected by a professional mechanic to find core issues with your car’s AC
• For weak airflow, get the cabin filter replaced, as it could be choked
• A low refrigerant level can cause warm air from the vents; recharging the refrigerant should solve the issue
• Inspect the refrigerant lines and get them repaired for leakage
• Get the compressor repaired or replaced if necessary in case of a fault
• A faulty blower could be the cause of weak airflow. Get it repaired or replaced
• Proper cleaning of air ducts and vents is required to eliminate the unusual smell
• Cleaning or condenser and cooling coils will enhance the AC’s efficiency

Steering and Suspension Problems

Any problem with the steering or suspension system can compromise your comfort, handling, and safety on the road. Here are some signs of common issues.

• Clunking, rattling or clicking noises are heard when you drive over the bumps
• Uneven tyre wear is observed
• The steering wheel is stiff or difficult to turn
• Loose or unresponsive steering
• Vibrations at the steering wheel
• The vehicle pulls to one side while driving in a straight line
• Loose ball joints and worn-out bushings
• Bent or damaged tie rod or control arm

Solutions

• Replacement of the worn-out ball joints and bushings will eliminate unwanted noise
• Replace the damaged tie rod or control arm to eliminate suspension noise
• Get the steering rack repaired or replaced to reduce the vibrations at the steering wheel
• A complete suspension system inspection is recommended for more in-depth checkups in case problems persist and are unidentifiable during home inspections

Issues in the Electrical System

Cars have several features that require electrical power to function, such as AC, headlights, taillights, indicators, cabin lights, infotainment systems, and other comfort-oriented features. Here are some signs of issues in the electrical system.

• Dim headlights or flickering lights
• Engine start required a longer cranking time
• The car suddenly stops, and the starter motor does not respond to the ignition
• Electrical systems like AC, headlights, taillights, and indicators won’t switch on
• A newly installed battery drains

Solutions

• A weak battery could cause dim headlights, and a battery replacement will solve this issue
• Flickering lights are caused by corroded terminals of the battery, which need proper cleaning
• Longer crank times are attributed to a weak battery, and a new one will resolve the problem
• If ignition does not work, it could be caused by a faulty ignition relay or blown fuse and replacing the same would resolve the issue
• When a newly installed battery drains, it clearly indicates the issue with the alternator, which needs your attention
• If electrical problems show up in different parts of the car, the first step should be to check relay and fuse of the affected part
• Many electrical problems could be due to deeper issues, which can be diagnosed by professional mechanics in a fully equipped workshop

Tyres Related Issues

The tyres are the contact point between your vehicle and the road. They are responsible for the car’s optimum performance and safety; hence, tyres must be kept in the best possible condition. Here are some signs of common issues with your vehicle’s tyres.

• Frequent deflation of tyres
• Excessive wearing or uneven wear is observed
• Wheel wobble while driving
• The tyres slip under hard braking or acceleration
• Tyre tread depth is reduced
• Visible damage, chipping or cracks appear on tyre side walls

Solutions

• Punctures usually cause frequent deflation of tyres; thus, repairing them can solve the problem. It is recommended to inspect for punctures occasionally
• Uneven wear or excessive wearing of tyres is usually caused by misalignment. Correcting the alignment generally solves this issue
• Perform tyre rotation every 10,000 km to ensure all tyres wear evenly
• The wobbling of tyres is a result of weight imbalance in the wheels. Wheel balancing is required to solve this problem
• When the tyres slip under hard braking or acceleration, it is usually caused by low tread depth. The minimum tread depth should be 1.6 mm; otherwise, replace the tyres
• If the tyres are too old, they tend to chip or develop cracks. Replacing by a new set of tyres is recommended at this stage

Common Exterior and Interior Defects

Normal car running can cause many accidental defects in the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Here are some of them.

• Dents and scratches
• Chipping of paint
• Paint fading
• Underbody rusting and corrosion
• Worn-out seats
• Faded dashboard

Solutions

• You can follow various methods to remove dents and scratches at home and also can opt to get it done at professional garages
• Chipping paint issues can be resolved by getting professional car painting
• Underbody rusting and corrosion can be prevented by performing underbody anti-rust coating
• To ensure that your car’s interior looks refreshing, you can consider replacing the seat covers or getting leather treatment for leather seats
• Dashboard polishing can help reduce the faded appearance
• Frequent exterior and interior car spa is required to keep the appearance of your vehicle new and appealing

Reasons Your Car Might Fail an Inspection

Your car can fail a professional inspection due to the following reasons.

• The brake pads are worn out, or the rotors are warped
• The lighting system has faults
• Engine scanning can reveal error codes that require repairs or replacement of components
• Tyre are worn out beyond their usable life
• Your vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, AC or cooling system is leaking fluids
• Failed emission tests are because of faulty catalytic convertor or O2 sensor

Conclusion

As your car ages, various problems tend to filter into your driving experience. Hence, it is recommended that you get your car serviced regularly at a professional garage. Routine car inspections, on the other hand, ensure that your vehicle is free of any hidden problems. Timely addressing the issues found during inspection will ensure that other components are not damaged, and you get worry-free drives every time.

FAQs

Q. What is the importance of a routine car inspection?
Routine car inspections help identify minor issues before they become significant problems in the future. This ensures your vehicle stays safe, efficient, and reliable on the road.

Q. How often should I inspect my car?
You should perform basic checks, such as tyre pressure and fluid levels, weekly or biweekly. A professional inspection is recommended every 6 months or as per your car manufacturer’s guidelines.

Q. Can I perform a car inspection myself?
Yes, you can check basics like tyre condition, fluid levels, lights, and brakes. However, for complex systems like the engine, suspension, and electrical components, it’s best to consult a professional workshop.

Q. What are some common issues found during a car inspection?
Common issues include unwanted noise from suspension or steering, worn-out brake pads, low fluid levels, uneven tyre wear, faulty lights, and leaks in the cooling or exhaust systems.

Q. What tools do I need for a basic car inspection at home?

Tools like a tyre pressure gauge, a dipstick for checking engine oil, a flashlight, and a basic car maintenance manual can help you perform simple inspections.

Q. What are the signs my car needs immediate inspection?

Signs like sudden engine shut-off, unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, reduced braking efficiency, vibrations, or difficulty steering are clear signs that your car needs immediate inspection.

Q. How does regular car inspection improve fuel efficiency?

Regular car inspection improves fuel efficiency as it includes various things like tyre pressure, inspection of air filter, cooling system and AC, and error code deletion. All these things will make your car run more efficiently.

Q. Is it expensive to have a professional car inspection at FourDoor?

No, a general car inspection at FourDoor starts from ₹999 for hatchback cars.

Q. Should I inspect my car before a road trip?

Yes. Before going on a road trip, you should inspect your brakes, tyres, fluid levels, AC, and lights. This will ensure a safer and more enjoyable journey without unexpected breakdowns.