Common Car Problems and How to Fix Them

A Practical Guide from Your Trusted Auto Service Partner

At some point, every driver experiences unexpected car troubles. While some issues are minor, others can escalate quickly if ignored—affecting safety, comfort, and repair costs.
To help you stay informed and confident on the road, our experts have compiled a list of the most common vehicle problems, their likely causes, and what to do next.

1. Abnormal Engine Oil Pressure Reading

What it means: Your oil pump, filter, or oil level might be compromised, or the gauge itself could be faulty. Low-quality or degraded oil can also trigger abnormal readings.
Why it matters: Poor lubrication can lead to serious engine damage.
What to do: Stop driving and have your lubrication system inspected immediately.

2. Oil Mixing with Coolant or Water in the Oil

What it means: A breach between the engine’s cooling and lubrication systems.
Why it matters: This can cause overheating, corrosion, and serious engine damage.
What to do: Book a professional inspection without delay.

3. Oil Pressure Light Turns On When Accelerating

What it means: Oil pressure may be genuinely low—or it could be a sensor issue.
What to do: Always treat this as a real problem until proven otherwise. Have it checked promptly.

4–5. Steering Wheel Vibrations at Certain Speeds or Loads

What it means: Uneven tire wear, wheel imbalance, loose brake components, or rim deformation.
What to do: Schedule a tire and suspension check to restore smooth handling.

6. Excessive Engine Oil Consumption

What it means: Oil is either leaking or burning inside the engine, often due to worn seals, gaskets, or piston rings.
What to do: A detailed inspection will pinpoint the cause and prevent further wear.

7. Noisy Window Operation

What it means: Dust or grit is trapped between the glass and rubber seals.
What to do: Clean the seals and guides to avoid glass scratches.

8. Turn Signal Flashes Too Fast

What it means: A bulb has burned out.
What to do: Replace the faulty bulb to restore normal flashing speed.

9. Wipers Leave Streaks in Light Rain

What it means: Blades have hardened or are damaged.
What to do: Replace the wiper blades or inserts with the correct size for your car.

10. Fog and Sweet Smell on Windshield When Using Heater

What it means: The heater core is leaking coolant.
What to do: Turn off the blower and arrange for immediate repair.

11–13. Steering Feels Loose, “Floating,” or Too Heavy

What it means: Wheel alignment, tire pressure, suspension stiffness, or brake issues could be at fault.
What to do: Have a professional check and adjust the alignment, suspension, and steering systems.

14. Condensation Inside Headlights

What it means: Minor fog is normal, but persistent water signals a sealing issue.
What to do: Allow ventilation for light fog; get repairs for ongoing moisture.

15. Whole Car Vibrates at Highway Speeds

What it means: Wheel imbalance, loose suspension parts, or axle alignment issues.
What to do: Correct these issues before they affect other components.

16. Steering Response Doesn’t Match Wheel Turn

What it means: Steering system fault—understeer, oversteer, or dangerous “reverse steering.”
What to do: Have the steering inspected immediately.

17. Engine Hard to Start Cold and Shakes at Low Speed

What it means: Faulty spark plugs or ignition timing issues.
What to do: Replace spark plugs or adjust timing.

18. Black Smoke from Exhaust

What it means: Fuel mixture is too rich, often due to air filter blockage, carburetor misadjustment, or ignition timing issues.
What to do: Clean or replace air filters, check carburetor settings, and adjust ignition.