4 Car Problems That Require a Mechanic to Fix

Doing regular preventative maintenance checks is a great way to make sure your vehicle keeps running well. Some automotive problems, like a flat tire or a blown taillight, are simple fixes you can do yourself. But your car is a complicated piece of machinery, and most issues that come up should be looked at by a professional. Here are 4 car problems that you need a mechanic to fix.

1. Brake problems. The braking system is such a critical component of your vehicle that if the brakes falter it could mean putting you in a life-threatening situation. Some common problems with the braking system are worn out brake pads, damaged rotors, or a faulty brake calliper. As a result of these problems, you might notice any of the following symptoms.
   1. Your car is pulling more to one side while driving.
   1. The steering wheel shakes and vibrates when you apply the brakes.
   1. You hear squealing or grinding noises when you apply the brakes.
   1. The brake pedal sinks all the way to the floor when you press it.
   1. You notice a burning chemical odor when applying the brakes.
2. A faulty radiator. Your car’s radiator has the important function of keeping the engine from overheating by circulating coolant fluid. A leak or clog in any of the radiator components can quickly cause big problems for your car’s engine. Symptoms of a faulty radiator include coolant leaking underneath your car, consistently low coolant levels, sludge build-up in the radiator, and your car overheating.
3. A blown head gasket. A head gasket failure is a critical problem with your car that requires immediate attention. There are a few different ways that a head gasket can fail, including leaking coolant or oil, and a loss of compression. The most common cause of a failed head gasket is the engine overheating. Here are the common symptoms of a faulty head gasket.
   1. A loss of engine coolant with no visible leaks. This occurs if the head gasket is slowly leaking coolant into the combustion chamber causing the fluid to burn off, which can easily go unnoticed without any signs of a leak.
   1. Your car continues to overheat. If the coolant has continued to leak out or burned off until there is not enough fluid left to cool the engine, the engine will overheat.
   1. Oil mixing with coolant. The head gasket keeps engine oil from mixing with other fluids. If you notice any oil mixed with the coolant in your car’s radiator, or any coolant that has leaked into the engine oil, this is usually a sign of gasket failure.
   1. Your car won’t start. If your car has blown a head gasket, the engine might turn over, but the car won’t start. The engine won’t ignite even when the starter catches. This happens because the engine can’t build up any compression, preventing any spark or combustion.
4. Transmission problems. Your vehicle’s transmission is a complex mechanical system that provides controlled application of power from the engine. The transmission undergoes a lot of wear and tear over time. Some of the most common symptoms of problems with your car’s transmission include the following.
   1. A burning smell coming from your car. If your car’s transmission fluid is overheating, it will create a burning smell. This happens when the fluid breaks down and fails to keep the transmission components properly cooled and lubricated.
   1. A “bump” noise when your car is in neutral. This happens as a result of low transmission fluid level or when component parts are worn out.
   1. A grinding noise. Manual transmission problems are often indicated by a grinding sound when you shift into gear. This indicates problems with the transmission gears or the clutch.

If you discover any of these problems with your vehicle, you will need to bring it to a trusted auto mechanic immediately. Our professionals at Accurate Service in Tucson, Arizona are ready to meet all of your auto service and repair needs. Just schedule an appointment online or call us at (520) 620-9129.