Top 12 Most Common Car Problems and Issues

Completing routine service and maintenance is vital to keeping your car, truck, or SUV running strong. At times, however, car issues will arise, and every vehicle will display certain warning signs. To reduce the potential for breakdown, and expensive repairs, we've listed the 12 most common car problems that tend to pop up.

1. Warning Lights

A warning or check engine light is the most common issue for US car, truck and SUV owners. These lights illuminate when the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) detects an error code triggered by a sensor. Since there are more than 200 possible warning code, having a professional mechanic complete a warning light inspection is the best way to determine the source and make the right repairs.

2. A Sputtering Engine

The engine runs best when air and fuel properly mix and burn in the combustion chamber. To efficiently complete this process, a series of fuel and ignition system components must work together. Though many moving parts help an engine run properly, engine sputtering or misfiring is one of the leading problems. To reduce engine misfiring or sputtering issues, make sure to replace fuel and ignition system components as recommended by your manufacturer.

3. Poor Fuel Economy

When the engine is running efficiently, it burns fuel at a rate that helps improve fuel economy. However, several fuel system parts like fuel filters, air filters, mass air flow sensors, and O2 sensors will eventually get dirty or wear out. If this happens before they are replaced, it will cause the engine to consume more fuel than usual. Again, being proactive about routine servicing provides the solution.

4. Dead Battery

Most car batteries should last about three years or 50,000 miles. A dead battery is usually caused by reduced amps – or electrical currents – which naturally decrease as the battery loses its ability to maintain a charge. A damaged alternator, battery temperature sensor, or other charging system components can expedite this issue. It’s best to replace your car battery every 50,000 miles or three years, even if it’s not showing signs of damage.

5. Flat Tires

While most tires become flat after striking an object or being punctured, it’s possible for simple wear and tear to be the main source. Extend your tire's lifespan by keeping them properly rotated, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Generally, rotating tires every 5,000 miles (or when you change your engine oil) is the best advice.

6. Brakes Squeaking or Grinding

Like any other moving part on your car, the brake system is intended to wear out over a designated period of time. Brakes are vital for safe stopping, so when they display any symptoms of issues, like squealing, squeaking or a soft brake pedal – it should be inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. While minor problems can cause squeaking or squealing noises, once the brakes start grinding, it’s a definite sign they need to be replaced.

7. Alternator Failure

The alternator is the part on your vehicle that keeps all electrical systems running once the car starts. It’s also responsible for supplying a charge to your battery to keep it in peak condition. When an alternator breaks, it will eventually cause the battery to wear out prematurely and other starting issues. Check your recommended service intervals and replace the alternator before it breaks to avoid this hassle.

8. Broken Starter Motor

The starter motor is responsible for cranking your engine over, which begins the starting process. When this component fails, it’s usually because the electrical solenoid has been damaged, the starter motor breaks, or another electrical fault occurs – like a starter relay, for example. While a starter can be replaced before it breaks, it’s difficult to predict when this will happen. It’s best to have a car-starting inspection to determine the problem before assuming it's the starter.

9. Steering Wheel Shaking

Multiple issues can cause the steering wheel to shake while driving. If it happens right after starting your car and beginning to drive, wheel bearings or damaged suspension components are often the source. If it happens at higher speeds, it’s typically a tire/wheel balance issue. Regardless, having a professional mechanic inspect the vehicle at your location is the best way to correctly diagnose and resolve this issue.

10. Failed Emissions Test

Most US states require an emissions test to register your car, and a failed test can occur for many reasons. In several states, if a check engine light illuminates, it’s an instant fail. Most emissions centers will let you know why the vehicle failed the test so you can contact a mechanic to complete the necessary repairs.

11. Overheating

You might suspect overheating to be higher on this list, but in reality, it occurs rarely. In most modern cars, the cooling system is very complex, containing multiple sensors that monitor coolant temperature, flow and other components. Staying on top of radiator flush services and changing the water pump before it breaks are two easy ways to reduce the potential for overheating issues.

12. Slipping Automatic Transmission

When properly maintained, an automatic transmission can last for more than 200,000 miles without trouble. The modern automatic transmission is a hydraulic system comprised of several seals, gaskets, and lines that can become damaged, clogged with debris, or leak. When this happens, a transmission will ‘slip’ or not shift smoothly. To avoid this common car problem, stay on top of the recommended transmission service for your vehicle.

Credit:
YourMechanic

See The Newly Remodelled 30 Million Naira 2020 BMW 7-Series Car - Photos

BMW's flagship sedan, the 7-series, now matches its new X7 SUV counterpart thanks to its drastically enlarged kidney grilles. By BMW's own measurement, they're 40 percent bigger than before, and they lend a newfound sense of presence to the biggest Bimmer four-door, even if they look a bit ridiculous. Other changes to the 2020 7-series include updates for the optional V-8 engine, a revised plug-in hybrid model, and plenty of new tech features—including an option for hands-free driving under certain circumstances.

As before, the lineup starts with a six-cylinder 740i model and tops out with a V-12 M760i model, and both of those engines are unchanged. The next-rung-up 750i, though, gets the same updated twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 from the 8-series; it makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, increases of 80 hp and 74 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is now standard on the 750i, making the base 740i the only rear-wheel-drive 7-series left.

A plug-in-hybrid variant continues but gets an entirely different powertrain, which triggers a name change from 740e to 745e. Like the plug-in X5 SUV, the 7-series swaps its turbo-four gas engine for a turbo six, which begets a combined 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, up 67 hp and 73 lb-ft from the 740e. That power is still routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. A new 12.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack will presumably increase electric-only driving range, although BMW isn't releasing official numbers yet.

A wide range of new technology features is available, including BMW's new voice assistant for the infotainment system, optional laser headlights, a digital gauge cluster, and the latest iDrive 7.0 software with updated graphics and menus. New optional active-safety features include the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, a system that made its debut in the X5. It allows the driver to take his or her hands off the wheel at up to 37 mph while it manages steering, acceleration, and braking and uses a camera to make sure the driver is still paying attention to the road.

Beyond the massive new grille, other visual changes include different taillights, new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, and several new color choices, some of which are part of BMW's Individual customization program. Under the skin, there is additional sound deadening material and—to get really specific—new power-window motors that are said to be smoother.

The updated 2020 7-series models go on sale in April. Prices haven't been announced yet, but shouldn't change much from the current car, which ranges from $84,645 (#31million) for the 740i up to $159,395 (#57.8 million) for the top-dog M760i.

PAN Nigeria Resumes Production of Pick-Up Vehicles After 14years - Photos

Just as an African adage, when a cow moves back, it comes forth with a full force of energy and vigor. These are best of time for PAN Nigeria Limited makers of Peugeot cars in Nigeria as the company has been out of work for past 14 years. According to the press release which was sent to the media houses, the Nigeria-affiliate of the French auto brand just launched a pickup model into its Nigerian market.

The vehicle is produced in the auto firm’s assembly plant in Kaduna, in Nigeria

The company production of pickup dates as far back in 1956 – when it began with the Peugeot 403 Camionnette-Bâchée.

The Peugeot 404 Camionnette-Bâchée of 1967, and then the Peugeot 504 pickup, which succeeded it until 2005, the last year of production at Pan Nigeria Limited, assemblers of the Peugeot brand of vehicles.

The new pickup model features a good measure of roominess and equipment, thus fulfilling the fundamental needs for robustness, endurance, and the 4×4 drivetrain.

The vehicles also feature a high body belt line, a vertical front, a horizontal bonnet and a large ground clearance (210mm to 215 mm).

The loading zone has a bed that is 1.40m long and 1.39m wide, equipped with anchoring hooks on the outside. The side walls and the rear panel are completely covered with a protective resin which adds to the rigidity and robustness of the whole vehicle. The maximum payload of the vehicle is 815kg.

The new pickup is said to have a performance drivetrain adapted to the needs of the core market, adding that its longitudinal 2.5-liter common rail turbo diesel engine develops 115bhp and 280Nm, combined with a manual five-speed gearbox. It is available in 4×4 and 4×2 versions. According to the firm, the 4×4 version is engaged using a special lever to transmit some of the power to the front drivetrain.

The 4×4 version is reported to give the new vehicle versatility, easy use in every weather condition and all terrains.

“This allows the driver to make a selection where needed, whether in normal 4×4 4H (4 High) mode or in the 4L (4 Low) mode at short speeds. Thanks to a reducer, extra torque can be applied at very slow speeds to maneuver out of the most extreme driving situations,” it states.

Other features of the vehicle are manual air-conditioning, electric windows, radio with CD player and USB port.

“For safety and ease of driving, the new Peugeot pickup is equipped as standard with an ABS braking system with brakeforce distribution, rear parking aids, passenger and driver airbags, plus electrically adjustable exterior mirrors”, PAN says.

Present at the opening of the new place are dignities, Nigeria's minister of sports, Mr. Solomon Dalung, NADDC Boss, Mr. Aliyu among others.

 

This Is The Cheapest 2019 Mercedes-Benz You Can Ever Buy - Photos

Mercedes-Benz has announced that its newest, smallest car, the 2019 A-class sedan, will start at $33,495 (#12,173,087) when it goes on sale in early 2019. That makes it the least expensive car that Mercedes sells, undercutting the current CLA by $600. The low cost of entry should help bring even more new customers to the brand; the company says more than 50 percent of CLA buyers were new to the Mercedes-Benz brand.

Despite the price, the A-class sedan has a long list of standard equipment. A panoramic sunroof, LED head- and taillights, automated emergency braking, and dual 7.0-inch screens (one in place of the gauge cluster and one for the infotainment) are all standard. Options will include features like adaptive cruise control, augmented-reality navigation, and AMG Line body styling. Adding all-wheel drive costs $2000, meaning the 2019 A220 4Matic's price is $35,495.

So far, Mercedes has only announced the base prices, but a spokesperson told us that a configurator with detailed option pricing will go live on the Benz website later this week. We'll update this story when more information is available.

Honda Sound Sitter Calms Your Baby with Relaxing Engine Sound - Photos

Imagine a toy that can calm the nerves of your crying baby! Not just a toy but a Honda toy car.

All babies do is crying, a lot especially when they need attention, hungry or when they get cranky. This can be troublesome to parents or caretakers when they are traveling. Honda, as an automobile company, wanted to tackle that issue as a company that supports mobility. Honda Sound Sitter has been designed and developed for small children, it’s a small stuffed toy that produces an engine sound, which you already know has a calming effect. It’s a cool effect hidden in the engine sound of a car, therefore, this stuffed toy was born.

Honda Sound Sitter is designed with built-in speakers that produce soothing engine sound of a car. By operating buttons remotely, this unique sound can calm your baby, just like white noise. This sound sitter aims to provide baby with calming and soothing sound where they can feel safe when traveling with their families.