What Are the Common Causes of Car Malfunctions?
2 Answers
Common causes of car malfunctions include the exhaust pipe emitting blue smoke, white smoke from the exhaust pipe (more severe when cold and absent when hot), and engine noise. When stepping on the accelerator pedal while stationary, there may be abnormal "clunking" sounds, and vibrations in the engine compartment, among other issues. Blue smoke from the exhaust pipe is caused by excessive engine oil entering the cylinder but not burning completely. When removing the spark plug, severe carbon buildup may be found, the oil dipstick level may be too high, the gap between the cylinder and piston may be too large, the piston ring may be installed upside down, the intake valve guide may be worn or the seal may be damaged, or the cylinder gasket may be burnt, etc. White smoke may occur due to water in the gasoline or an engine that is too cold, causing the fuel entering the cylinder to not burn completely, resulting in mist or water vapor forming white smoke. Engine noise may be caused by obstacles on the road hitting the engine's underbody shield. If the shield is deformed, the distance between it and the engine oil pan becomes smaller, leading to collisions between the oil pan and the shield during acceleration, which produces abnormal noises and causes the car body to vibrate. Car Maintenance The car engine should be cleaned regularly. Over time, a thick layer of carbon buildup forms on the engine's surface, which can corrode the rubber components inside the engine. In summer, when temperatures are higher, gasoline and water evaporate more easily than usual. Therefore, it is important to frequently check the radiator and fuel tank, and promptly refill them when gasoline or water levels are low.
There are quite a few common causes of car malfunctions. Having driven for many years, the most frequent issues I've encountered are engine problems, such as insufficient oil pressure or cooling system failure leading to overheating and cylinder explosion. There are also transmission system failures, where gear wear causes difficulty in shifting. Electrical systems are prone to issues too, with aging batteries or blown fuses resulting in lights not working. Uneven tire wear or incorrect tire pressure can cause bumpiness or even blowouts. Worn-out brake pads leading to reduced braking power is very dangerous. Short circuits or poor electrical contacts often occur, especially in older cars. It's advisable to regularly maintain and check oil levels and the radiator to prevent these minor issues from accumulating into major problems.
