The 5 Most Common Car Issues
Monday 19th August 2024
Buying a new or used vehicle can be an expensive investment, so you would expect it to be reliable. However, sooner or later it is likely it will let you down and leave you with a hefty repair bill. Formula One Autocentres' article looks at the 5 most common car issues you may encounter and how to fix them.
Grinding or Squeaking Brakes
Over time, your car’s brakes will naturally wear down, making it difficult to stop or slow down safely. If you hear a squeaking or grinding sound from the brakes, it could be down to:
- Warped brake rotors
- Debris in the brake callipers
- Faulty brake lines
You should not ignore squeaky or grinding brakes, particularly if not resolved quickly. We recommend booking a free brake check to prevent your braking system from developing further damage.
A Faulty or Dead Battery
Typically, most car batteries last two to three years and are essential for powering your vehicle’s electrical system and starter motor. However, there are things you can do to reduce the likelihood of a faulty or dead battery:
- Turn off the tail lights and headlights when not needed.
- Turn off appliances that put extra strain on your car’s battery.
- Use a smart charger in all weather conditions, particularly if you own an EV.
If your car won’t start, locate your local branch and book your free battery check today. A fully trained battery specialist can fit a replacement battery for your vehicle and all our batteries come with a three-year unlimited mileage guarantee as standard.
Cracked or Chipped Windscreen
Extreme weather conditions or debris hitting the windscreen, can cause the glass to crack or chip. A small crack or chip might not be a big deal, but it could compromise your safety and could result in your vehicle failing its MOT.
Broken Headlights/Tail Lights
Broken tail lights or headlights are an immediate safety issue, compromising your ability to see your surroundings or to be seen by other road users. Did you know a faulty headlight bulb will instantly cause you to fail your vehicle’s MOT? To check if all your car’s lights are functioning, switch on the hazard, fog, head and brake lights and get someone to check for you. If the headlight or tail light is cracked or there’s a burnt-out bulb, visit your local branch and we can repair or replace it.
Flat Tyre
A common car issue you may encounter when owning a car is a flat tyre, which could be caused by:
- Normal wear and tear
- The tyre hitting a sharp item, like a nail or broken glass
- Poor road conditions (debris or potholes)
Having your tyres checked periodically will ensure your tyres last longer. For nearly 60 years, Formula One Autocentres has been known for providing affordable, top-notch tyre services. Our expert technicians can assess your tyres for wear or damage and replace them at your nearest location.
Rectifying these common car issues ensures your vehicle remains roadworthy. Is your car’s MOT due soon? Avoid your vehicle failing the test with our tips on passing your MOT test the first time. Get your car issues resolved quickly by visiting your nearest Formula One Autocentres now.
