The Most Common Car Breakdowns
In daily use, car breakdowns often start with a minor symptom. Although they are usually considered insignificant, the small symptoms exhibited by the vehicle may be a sign of a bigger problem. In this article, we will discuss how the most common car faults occur during driving, what you can check in scenarios that lead to being stranded on the road, and when it is necessary to visit a service centre.
How Do the Most Common Car Breakdowns Occur While Driving?
Warning lights, vibrations, loss of traction, abnormal smells/sounds, and increased fuel consumption are common signs of a breakdown.
The first signs usually come from the dashboard. The engine fault light, battery light, oil light, or overheating warning light may come on. Although it is tempting to dismiss it as a momentary flicker, it is very important to pay attention and take note. If the car malfunctions repeatedly, it may be better for your vehicle to have it checked before the problem gets worse.
The second signal is the driving sensation. The vehicle may respond slowly to the accelerator, struggle on hills, or slow down on ramps that it used to climb easily. Although most drivers may notice that something is wrong, they may not know exactly what the problem is. Possible delays are normal because some car malfunctions are subtle and do not occur themselves immediately.
The following symptoms are commonly seen in car malfunctions:
Vibration: Becomes noticeable when steering, idling or accelerating. It can have various causes, such as wheel imbalance, tyres, ignition or engine mounts.
Misfiring: Increases the likelihood of problems with the spark plugs, coil or fuel supply.
Noise: Clattering, whistling, metal scraping, belt noise... An increase in noise generally indicates that the problem is getting worse.
Smell: Smells such as burnt brake pads, a sharp fuel smell, or a sweet antifreeze smell are usually a ‘stop and check’ signal.
Increased consumption: If fuel consumption suddenly rises, consider factors such as sensors, air-fuel mixture, or tyre pressure.
In short, minor symptoms are often early warnings. If you notice them early, you will be better off in terms of safety and budget.
Initial Checklist for Car Breakdowns on the Road
Car breakdowns on the road are mostly caused by the battery/charging system, overheating, fuel supply, and tyres; you can reduce your risk with a few simple checks.
Being stranded on the road is one scenario most drivers want to avoid. Moreover, it may not always have obvious causes. Sometimes a small connection loosens, or a simple oversight accumulates.
Situations with a high probability of being stranded include:
Battery and charging system (Alternator)
Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, dim headlights, and the battery light coming on. The battery may be dead, or the alternator may not be producing enough charge. The risk is higher in vehicles that frequently stop and start over short distances.
Heating and cooling system
The radiator, thermostat, fan, water hoses and antifreeze level are components of the cooling system. If the temperature rises, continuing your journey may be dangerous. Stopping in a safe place is often the right step to take to protect the engine.
Fuel supply
Problems with the fuel pump, fuel filter or injector line can occur as misfiring, poor acceleration and, particularly, difficulty on inclines.
Tyre and wheel issues
Low pressure, sidewall cracks, bulges, nails and other such issues directly affect driving safety. Continuing your journey without paying attention can put strain on the tyres and wheels.
Initial checklist:
- Which light is on on the dashboard? (battery/oil/temperature/engine)
- Is the temperature gauge within the normal range?
- Are there any signs of leakage under the bonnet? (oil, water, fuel)
- Are the battery terminals loose or corroded?
- Is there any visible damage or deflation in the tyres?
Although these checks alone will not resolve car breakdowns, they will help you understand the seriousness of the situation. They will help you drive carefully and minimise risk before or during your journey.
Car Engine Faults: Noise, Smell and Smoke Warnings
Car faults related to the engine are generally understood as stuttering, loss of traction, oil depletion, abnormal smoke and unusual engine noise.
Signs on the engine side are sometimes clear, sometimes confusing. Therefore, thinking that a single symptom points to a single fault can mislead you.
Misfiring and loss of traction
If the vehicle struggles to accelerate, there is a delay when you press the accelerator, or there is fluctuation at idle speed, it is likely that the ignition system (spark plugs, coil) or components related to the fuel-air mixture (such as the injector or air flow meter) are the cause. In some cases, even a dirty air filter can have a similar effect. In the event of possible car malfunctions, eliminating minor possibilities first can make your job easier.
Oil loss and oil warning light
If there is a regular drop in oil level, this is usually a situation that needs to be monitored. If the oil warning light comes on, you should be aware that the situation is serious. Oil pressure is critical to engine health. Continuing to use the vehicle without checking the oil level despite the oil light coming on can unnecessarily increase costs.
Smoke colour and smell
The colour of the smoke coming from the exhaust can give an idea about car malfunctions:
- Blue-ish smoke: The possibility of oil burning increases.
- Black smoke: May indicate that too much fuel is being supplied or that combustion is inefficient.
- Heavy white smoke: If it persists, especially in a hot engine, the cooling water side may need to be checked.
In addition to smoke symptoms, odour is another factor that requires considerable attention. The smell of burnt oil or a sharp fuel odour are signs that should be taken seriously. Possible odour symptoms may indicate risks such as leaks or overheating.
What Do Car Fault Lights Indicate?
Car sensor faults occur themselves through the fault light, irregular idling, hesitation when accelerating, and increased fuel consumption. Being able to read the sensors can often help you get quick results.
In new generation vehicles, systems work in an integrated manner. Much of this integration is achieved through sensors. If one of the sensors sends incorrect data, the vehicle may go into protection mode. In such a case, performance may decrease, fuel consumption may increase, and sometimes the vehicle may feel sluggish to drive.
Examples of the most common sensor-related car faults encountered by drivers:
- Oxygen (lambda) sensor: Affects the fuel mixture; may increase consumption.
- Air measurement sensors such as MAF/MAP: May affect throttle response and traction.
- Crankshaft/camshaft sensor: May cause more obvious problems such as difficulty starting or sudden stalling.
- ABS/ESP sensors: ABS or traction control warnings may appear; braking feel may change.
A sensor fault does not always mean the sensor is faulty. Causes such as cable contact, socket oxidation, or low battery voltage can also produce the same warning. Therefore, it is better to read the fault code rather than randomly replacing parts. Even a simple reading with an OBD device can help you identify the problem.
Why Does the Air Conditioning Not Cool in Car Compressor Failures?
In car failures, the air conditioning not cooling can be understood by switching on and off, noise coming from the belt area, and irregular air flow.
When the air conditioner fails to cool, the first thing that comes to mind may be that the refrigerant has run out. This possibility may not always be correct. The air conditioning system is a whole, and the compressor is the heart of the system.
Common scenarios:
- Compressor engagement issue: When you press the air conditioner button, it does not engage or engages intermittently. You feel it cutting out at short intervals.
- Bearing or belt noise: While the engine is running, you may hear whistling, grinding, or humming noises coming from the belt area.
- Gas leak: It cools poorly at first, then stops completely. If there is a leak, simply adding gas may be a temporary solution.
- Condenser/fan effect: Air conditioning performance decreases, especially in hot weather. It cools less effectively when the vehicle is stopping and starting.
- Clogged pollen filter: Even if the air conditioning is running, the airflow into the cabin weakens and may give the impression that it is not working properly.
Air conditioning problems do not usually appear to be an urgent safety issue among car faults. However, on long journeys, they can cause indirect effects such as distraction, fogged windows and loss of comfort. Therefore, it is very important to address them promptly for safety and comfort.
Take Action Early by Spotting Signs Early
By catching your vehicle's signals early, you can take early action against car breakdowns. This way, you both increase safety and keep costs under control. However, the risk of car breakdowns is never zero; you can only minimise the risk by taking precautions. Experiencing car breakdowns during car rental is a highly unfavourable situation. The quality of the rental company you choose is a key factor. In such cases, you can explore Enterprise options to find suitable car rental solutions that allow you to continue your journey more comfortably and safely.