Common car faults and their solutions: 1. Red light on the dashboard: Generally refers to the brake and water temperature indicator lights. If the brake light suddenly turns on while driving, it could be due to worn brake pads, leaking brake fluid, or low brake fluid level. In this case, stop immediately and check, then seek nearby repairs instead of continuing long-distance driving. 2. Noticeably reduced braking effect: Often manifested as the car not stopping immediately after pressing the brake pedal, but continuing to move forward for a considerable distance before stopping. This might indicate a fault in the car's braking system, which is one of the most dangerous faults while driving and can easily lead to traffic accidents. Emergency measures should be taken, usually by checking if the brake pads are worn out, if the brake fluid has deteriorated, or if the tires are severely worn. 3. Steering wheel suddenly becomes heavy: If you suddenly notice significant resistance when turning the steering wheel while driving, and the wheel doesn’t return to its original position after turning, it could be due to a flat tire on one of the front wheels. For hydraulic power steering, it might be an issue with the power steering fluid; for electric power steering, it could be a blown fuse or a short circuit in the wiring. 4. Radiator leakage: The engine requires water circulation for cooling during operation, but if the radiator leaks, stop immediately. If the leak is at the bottom, it might be from the radiator or the windshield washer fluid reservoir, and you can continue driving cautiously. However, if the leaking fluid is yellow, green, or pink antifreeze, it indicates a radiator leak, and you must call for a tow truck. Do not drive until it’s repaired. 5. Vehicle feels unstable when turning: This is often caused by a fault in the front wheel alignment. Common causes include tire repairs that disrupt the balance of the front wheels, loose parts in the drive shaft, damaged overall balance, failed shock absorbers, worn or loose steering components, or improper front wheel alignment. Identify the specific cause before proceeding with repairs. 6. Smoke from the exhaust pipe: White smoke may indicate a dirty air filter causing insufficient air intake, or issues with the carburetor or oxygen sensor. Blue smoke, often accompanied by reduced acceleration and increased noise, might suggest internal engine faults like burning oil or scratches on the cylinder walls, requiring immediate repair to avoid significant damage. Black smoke usually points to problems with the ignition system, low cylinder pressure, or poor fuel quality. Try changing the fuel source first; if the issue persists, visit a repair shop. 7. Failure to start: If your newly purchased car frequently fails to start and the battery is always found dead after checks, don’t panic. Based on experience, batteries rarely drain on their own; it’s more likely due to habits like leaving the headlights on after exiting the car or listening to the audio system while the engine is off, which drains the battery.
