7 Common Car Problems and How to Fix Them

 Let’s be honest: car problems rarely show up when you’ve got time to deal with them. They strike at the worst moments — on your way to an interview, school run, or the airport. And while some issues are bound to happen over time, most can be spotted (and fixed) early with a little know-how.

This guide is not about complex diagnostics or mechanics-only jargon. It’s a straight-talking list of the seven most common car issues drivers face — and what you can realistically do about them. Because sometimes, a warning light isn’t just a suggestion. It’s your car screaming for help.

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1. Battery Issues

The Symptom: You turn the key, and all you hear is a click — or nothing at all.

The Fix:

  • Check battery terminals for corrosion (white powdery buildup).
  • If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it tested.
  • Replace it with a quality brand.
  • Avoid short trips in winter — your battery doesn’t recharge well in the cold.

Tip: If your car struggles to start in cold mornings, it’s not the weather — it’s your battery waving goodbye.

👉 Related: Your Car Battery Will Fail Soon — Here’s How to Spot the Warning Signs

2. Brake Problems

The Symptom: Grinding noise, longer stopping distance, or a brake warning light.

The Fix:

  • If it squeals, your pads are probably worn.
  • If it grinds, you might be damaging the discs.
  • Get it checked immediately — brake issues escalate fast and cost more if ignored.

Don’t wait till you can hear your brakes over the radio. That’s never a good sign.

👉 Related: Before You Buy: How To Check a Used Car’s History (covers brake history & maintenance checks)

3. Overheating Engine

The Symptom: Temperature gauge redlining or steam under the bonnet.

The Fix:

  • Pull over immediately — do not keep driving.
  • Check coolant level once engine cools.
  • If coolant keeps vanishing, you may have a leak or faulty thermostat.

In a UK heatwave or traffic jam, this one sneaks up quickly. Prevention? Top off coolant and inspect hoses regularly.

👉 Related: 10 Essential Car Tips Every Driver Should Know for a Smooth Ride (includes engine & fluid checks)

4. Worn-Out Tyres

The Symptom: Uneven tread wear, poor grip in wet conditions, or the dreaded blowout.

The Fix:

  • Use the 20p test: insert a 20p coin into the tread. If you can see the border, your tyres are too worn.
  • Rotate tyres every 6,000–8,000 miles.
  • Keep tyre pressure within manufacturer recommendations.

know if I need new tyres even if they look fine?

Even if tread depth looks acceptable, cracks in the rubber, bulges, or frequent pressure loss are signs it’s time for a change. Tyres age like milk, not wine — if they’re older than 5 years, replace them.

👉 Related: 10 Essential Car Tips Every Driver Should Know for a Smooth Ride

5. Steering Wheel Vibration

The Symptom: Car shakes at high speeds or during braking.

The Fix:

  • Could be misaligned wheels, warped brake discs, or suspension wear.
  • Get your alignment checked or suspension parts inspected.
  • Don’t ignore this one — vibration often points to deeper mechanical issues.

A shaky wheel isn’t just annoying — it’s unsafe at motorway speeds.

👉 Related: Why Is Your Steering Wheel Shaking? Here’s What It’s Trying to Tell You

6. Faulty Alternator

The Symptom: Battery light on, dimming lights, strange electrical behavior.

The Fix:

  • If your battery keeps dying even after replacement, suspect the alternator.
  • Mechanics can test output voltage. If it’s under 13.5V while the engine’s running, it’s not charging properly.

👉 Related: Your Car Battery Will Fail Soon — Here’s How to Spot the Warning Signs

Can I drive with a faulty alternator?

Technically, yes — for a short distance. But you’re running purely on battery, and once that’s drained, your engine dies. Don’t risk it. Get to a garage immediately.

7. Check Engine Light (CEL)

The Symptom: That annoying yellow light on the dash.

The Fix:

  • Could be as harmless as a loose fuel cap or as serious as a failing catalytic converter.
  • Use an OBD-II scanner (cheap on Amazon) to read error codes.
  • Address it based on urgency — if the light is blinking, stop driving.

👉 Related: Before You Buy: How To Check a Used Car’s History

Why does my check engine light come on randomly and then disappear?

This usually means intermittent sensor issues or temporary emissions errors. It’s still worth diagnosing.

Think of it like a friend who calls only when something’s wrong — it’s probably important.

Don’t Wait Until It Breaks

Modern cars are built with plenty of warning signs — but only if you know how to read them.

Many of the issues above start small. A tiny squeak, a soft pedal, a slight pull on the wheel. Catch them early, and repairs are minor. Ignore them, and you’ll end up on a flatbed or footing a bill that stings.

If you drive regularly in busy cities like London, Birmingham, or Manchester, you already know how hard urban driving is on a car. Stop-and-go traffic, potholes, rain, and pollution all add up. Maintenance isn’t a luxury — it’s survival.

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