One of the worst mistakes you can make is to ignore signs of potential car problems. For example, a "check engine" light means something may be wrong with your engine. Small automotive problems typically worsen with time. If you neglect to address them, you might be saddled with a large repair bill down the road. The same is true for a misfire, white smoke billowing from your tailpipe, and a grinding noise coming from your brakes. These issues will not resolve themselves on their own.
Below, we'll take a look at several "minor" car problems that millions of drivers ignore each day. I'll describe them and explain the issues that can develop as a result.
Cracked And Leaking Fuel Hose
Do you smell fuel in the cabin of your vehicle? If so, there's a good chance your car's fuel hose is leaking. On most automobiles, this hose is designed with reinforced rubber to make it stronger and less likely to crack. With time, however, the rubber begins to break down. It begins to develop small fissures. If the cracks grow, gasoline vapors will leak and penetrate the cabin. You'll also see drops of fuel collecting under the line when your car is at rest.
This is dangerous because leaking gas is a fire hazard. One spark is sufficient to light it aflame. What's more, prolonged exposure to fuel vapors within the cabin is unhealthy - for you and your passengers.
If you're reasonably experienced working on your vehicle, you can replace the hose at home. Otherwise, plan to pay a mechanic up to $100 to handle the job for you.
Insufficient Oil Level
Experts claim people cannot go without drinking water for more than a couple of days. After three days, death becomes imminent. Your vehicle's engine is similar in its need for oil. However, rather than three days, it will seize if forced to go three or four miles without oil. Temperature builds and the moving parts begin grinding against one another. A seized engine usually sustains enough damage that the assembly needs to be overhauled or replaced, a job that can cost over $1,000.
Most automobiles today are equipped with an oil level indicator on the dashboard. If the fluid level declines to a certain point, the light illuminates. Given the potential cost of repairs if an engine is starved of oil, it is stunning that so many people ignore the light.
Check your oil level every two or three weeks and replenish it when needed. If you notice the light on your dash, check the oil immediately.
Aging Timing Belt
Your vehicle's timing belt turns the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of each cylinder's intake and exhaust valves. As long as the belt remains in place, the valves will open and close seamlessly during the 4-stroke combustion process. The problem is, timing belts wear with time. If they are not replaced, they can break or slip off their normal rotation. When this occurs, the valves can become damaged as the pistons within the combustion chambers slam into them. This leads to expensive repairs.
Unfortunately, there is no dash indicator light that alerts you to a deteriorating or slipping timing belt. You'll need to track the number of miles driven on it. As a rule of thumb, plan to replace the belt every 70,000 miles.
There are many other small automotive problems that drivers routinely ignore, hoping they'll go away on their own. Instead, the problems typically grow and cause expensive damage. For example, a leaking water pump can eventually cause a blown head gasket. A lack of transmission fluid will damage your transmission. Grinding between your brake pads and rotors may damage the rotors to the point they'll need to be machined or replaced. These - and other - problems are expensive to resolve. Avoid them by addressing issues as soon as you notice them.
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