5 Dangerous Car Problems You Need to Fix Immediately
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
Faulty brakes, broken lights, worn-out steering, damaged tyres, and leaking fuel. If your car has any of these five problems, please get it fixed as soon as possible!
All cars develop problems time to time, especially if they've been driven for a while. Most car issues aren't serious, and you can drive perfectly fine without fixing them. However, there are certain problems that could put you in real danger if you don't deal with them immediately. Here are five dangerous car problems that you will need to address as soon as they arise. Driving your car with these existing problems could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs at best, and serious bodily harm at worst.
1. Faulty Brakes
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This one is quite obvious—if your brakes aren't working properly, you won't be able to control your car, and this could be disastrous at the wrong moment. Your brakes should be checked every time your car goes for its regular servicing.
However, it's still important to keep an eye out for early warning signs. These signs include unresponsive brakes (when you have to step down unusually hard to get the car to stop), overly responsive brakes (the opposite, when your brake engages at the slightest touch), and the brake pedal vibrating too much when you step down on it. Take your car straight to a mechanic if it exhibits any of these signs. Remember, you should never drive a car with faulty brakes.
2. Broken Lights
(Photo Credit: Flickr)
Your car's lights are essential for a safe drive, all your car's lights, not just the headlights! You will also need your signal lights to inform other drivers on the road of your intentions. If your lights are broken, you have no way of letting other road users know that you intend to change lanes or make a turn. It's this lack of communication that causes accidents.
You will also need your lights to drive at night. They provide a clear view of the road and allow other drivers to see you. Driving in the dark with faulty lights is incredibly dangerous, especially at high speeds. You won't be able to see what is ahead, and other drivers may not know that you're approaching until it's too late. In addition, you can be fined for driving without headlines in Singapore, because it's considered a road hazard.
Regardless of which lights are broken, they pose a serious problem and you should deal with them as soon as possible. If possible, do not drive a car with broken lights until they are fixed, If you have no choice, avoid driving at night if possible.
3. Worn-out Steering Mechanism
(Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)
The steering mechanism is another part of your car that absolutely has to work properly. Steering is what allows you to direct your car, keeping yourself and others out of danger. If there's even a small issue with your steering, you could lose control of your vehicle.
If your steering system needs repair, you'll probably experience the following: unusual resistance when turning, severe vibration during acceleration, or a feeling of looseness. Steering trouble is no joke, and it should definitely be resolved ASAP.
4. Damaged Tyres
Out of every part of a vehicle, the tyres probably require the most amount of maintenance. That's because it's the only part of the car that's in contact with the road. If you drive on damaged or badly inflated tyres, you could suffer a blowout, which might cause your car to lose control, potentially injuring passengers and other road users alike.
Fortunately, tyre problems can be detected quite easily. One thing you can do as a car owner is to press on your tyres to check their firmness. If they are soft, chances are they need to be pumped soon. If you've recently pumped them, it could indicate that there's a leak.
You can also check on your tyres visually—inflation levels are harder to judge by sight, but if your tyre treads are worn out or if there are bulges in the rubber from internal defects, you will be able to see them. Your tyres keep you on the road and bear your vehicle's weight, so don't forget to take care of them. If possible, you should do a tyre check once a month, and before any long trip.
5. Fuel Leak
(Photo Credit: A fuel leak doesn't directly affect your driving, but is still extremely dangerous to leave unfixed. This problem is easily detectable—you may see fuel dripping from your car, or smell gasoline while driving. If the leak is serious, you may notice that your car needs to be re-fuelled more than usual. Gasoline is highly flammable, which means a small spark is all it takes to send your car up in flames. You can never be too safe when it comes to fire hazards. If you think you might have a fuel leak, you should get your tank checked and repaired immediately.
Another possible side effect of a fuel leak is headaches and dizziness while driving. Fuel contains toxic carbon monoxide, and if a significant amount has leaked, it could make you sick from breathing it in. Sudden dizziness is extremely dangerous when you're on the road. If you're breathing in enough gasoline to be light-headed, the leak is definitely a big problem. Air the car immediately, and get it to the mechanic as soon as you can.
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