5 Warning Signs Your Car is About to Breakdown | AAMCO Boise & Nampa

No one wants to deal with their car breaking down – so what can you do to prevent that from happening? There’s a lot that can cause a breakdown, but you can also keep an eye out for a few key signs of trouble. The best way to prevent major car trouble is to pay attention to what seems like a small problem and have it taken care of before it becomes a much bigger car repair.

Trouble Starting Your Car

This can range from a small delay to your engine requiring several attempts to get it running. Pay attention to just how much trouble you’re having to get your car to start and what other symptoms show up. If you hear clicking and the dash lights work, it could be your starter. If your dash lights won’t work either, it’s more likely an old battery.

Pep Up Your Battery

The most likely culprit for a car that won’t start is the battery, especially if it’s winter and you’re dealing with cold temperatures. Extreme temperatures are hard on car batteries, so the expected lifespan can go from 3-5 years to a significantly shorter amount of time. Getting a battery repair done is an easy auto repair service and if you suspect it’s in your near future, keep jumper cables on hand in case you have trouble getting your car to start again – and then make an appointment for a new battery.

Oil Spots Under Your Car

Whenever you notice spots under your car, it’s a sign you should get your car to a repair shop to be inspected. The simplest cause is an oil leak, which can still lead to larger issues when left untreated since low oil levels will lead to extra wear and damage within your engine. A more serious possibility is that you have a coolant leak, which can negatively impact your engine due to overheating.

Fix Leaks Before They Cause Bigger Problems

If you’re able to tell the color of the spots under your car, you can get an idea of which type of leak you’re dealing with. Coolant will be green or orange, while engine oil will range from amber to brown to black depending on how old it is. No matter which fluid you suspect is leaking, it’s best to have a mechanic inspect your car as soon as possible to correct any leaks.

Your Engine Temperature is Running High

Your car’s cooling system is essential to a happy engine and transmission because it controls the internal temperature of both. As parts in your cooling system age and wear out, it’s harder for the whole system to properly moderate those internal temperatures. The older the parts are, the more you’ll notice problems with engine power and higher engine temperatures.

An Ineffective Cooling System Leads to Engine Overheating

When your engine overheats, so does your transmission, and both are essential for a functional car. The higher the engine’s temperature, the more wear, and the damage is done to metal parts inside your car’s engine and transmission. If your engine fully overheats, you’ll run into some serious car repairs and you won’t be able to drive your car.

Your Car Lacks Power When Accelerating

One of the most essential systems in your car is the transmission, which helps transfer power generated in the engine to other systems to keep your car moving. If you notice your car is struggling to accelerate, it’s probably time for a transmission repair service.

A Failing Transmission Means a Lack of Power

Over time, the parts in your transmission will naturally wear out. If parts in your car’s transmission are getting up there in age and miles, it’s time to start getting them replaced and it’s possible to do this more affordably and prevent a major breakdown by staying on top of transmission repairs instead of waiting for a more serious problem.

Your Check Engine Light is On

This may seem obvious, but if your Check Engine light comes on, don’t ignore it. Often times there are other signs and symptoms that have been ignored and have now escalated enough to trigger the Check Engine light. That means it’s past time for a mechanic to take a look.

A Mechanic Can Easily Diagnose the Problem

Modern cars are luckily easy to diagnose when the Check Engine light comes on. That’s because they’re able to see exactly what triggered the light, whether it’s a misfire or an O2 sensor. By getting it diagnosed sooner rather than later, you can prevent a more serious auto repair service and potential breakdown.

You’re In Good Hands with AAMCO Boise Mechanics

Keep up with regular car maintenance with AAMCO Boise car repair services and keep potential breakdowns at bay. Small problems can quickly escalate and eventually strand you with a car that won’t start or run. Trust our mechanics with your car and we’ll keep you safe on the road.

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