Common Car Problems and How to Fix Them: Tips for Frequent Vehicle Users in Colombia

If you're using your vehicle for a living or rely on it to get you around, it’s essential to make sure that it’s in top condition. But even with your best efforts, car problems will still happen. Think of it as the human body. Even with the best diet and exercise, you will still get sick every once in a while.

It’s the same with cars. That’s why every driver should know about the most common car problems and how to try to resolve them. We'll talk about them here and the initial steps that you can do even if you're not a mechanic.

Having a general understanding of vehicle troubleshooting can save you from a lot of trouble. Even with just basic knowledge, you’ll be able to:

• Limit delays in getting to your destination. Instead of having to wait for a mechanic, you can address the issue right away.
• Prevent dangerous situations. There’s always a slight chance of getting stranded in a remote area in Colombia because of common car problems. But if you can take care of those issues right away, then you’re effectively limiting your exposure to danger.
• Be your advocate. Knowing how to fix fundamental car troubles doesn't mean that you won't need a professional anymore. However, you're less likely to fall victim to shady mechanics if you have rudimentary knowledge of how to fix car troubles.
• Be more prepared. Taking care of car issues may require specific equipment and materials. If you know how to troubleshoot, you’ll most likely have the basic repair tools with you as well.
• Save money. Since you don’t have to go to a professional in Colombia for every little thing, you’ll be able to save money. This is especially important if you’re working as an independent driver. By reducing unnecessary expenses, you can take home more of your pay.

Of course, the more car problems that you can confidently fix, the better it is for you. However, even just knowing the most basic things can already make a lot of difference. The following sections will cover the most common car problems, how to diagnose them, and how to fix them.

If your car won’t start, look for the following signs and their respective solutions:

• The dashboard lights are dim or won’t turn on, which means you have a dead or weak battery. Jumpstart or replace the battery to solve the problem.
• The battery terminals are loose or corroded. To resolve this, clean the terminals and then tighten the connections
• The fuel gauge is at E, so refuel the vehicle to get it running again.

With these, you may just be able to avoid needing roadside assistance. In Colombia, this can get pretty expensive if you’re in more remote areas.

Having the check engine light on can mean a lot of things. It can be something as simple as a loose gas cap, which will only require you to retighten it. However, it can also be a sign of more complicated vehicle troubleshooting requirements that may require the expertise of a mechanic. For example, reduced acceleration can mean a mass airflow sensor error. If something needs to be replaced, it’s better to leave it to a mechanic.

Brake issues are hazardous. In the busy city roads in Colombia, this can result in property damage and even personal injuries. So, if you see these things, take care of them right away:

• Squealing and grinding sounds usually mean worn-out brake pads, so have them replaced.
• Brakes feeling spongy can indicate air in the brake lines, so you need to get rid of air and other contaminants in the car’s brake system.
• A brake warning light or a soft-feeling brake pedal is a common sign of worn-out brake pads, so you’ll have to replace them.

If there’s any vibration while braking, please take it to a mechanic right away.

There can be many reasons that an engine may overheat. The right approach will depend on the source. We’ve summarized the most relevant vehicle troubleshooting for this issue below:

Colombia is generally a hot country. So, your engine may be prone to overheating, regardless of the cause. Your job is to stay on top of it to prevent damage and warping of its components. And even though it may seem like a quick fix, don’t cool the engine with water. The sudden temperature change may result in thermal shock, which may cause some of the engine components to crack.

If it takes longer for your vehicle to accelerate or stop, your tires may be the issue. The exact culprit can be behind the feeling of not having as much control over your car. If that’s the case, try to look for any of these and try their respective solutions:

• Visibly flat tire. Inflate the tire to the recommended PSI.
• Damaged tires. Have them replaced.
• Uneven wear. Inspect the wheel alignment and tire rotation.

Taking care of these issues helps you stay safe in every type of terrain in Colombia. They’re also pretty easy to fix, so address them at the first sign of a problem.

If you hear any of these noises, it may be time to fix car issues:

• A squealing sound when starting or breaking, which may mean an issue with the brake pads or the serpentine belt.
• A clunking sound when going over humps or when turning usually points to a problem with the suspension or steering system.
• A humming sound when driving can mean damaged tires or incorrectly placed wheel bearings.
• A knocking sound when idling or accelerating can be an issue with the oil level.

In general, unusual noises are best taken to a mechanic.

As important as it may be to fix problems, it’s better to prevent them altogether. So, here are car maintenance tips and general advice that you should remember:

• Mind the small things. Even something as minor as a small leak should be addressed right away. Every little wrong thing left unaddressed contributes to the vehicle’s inefficiency and eventual breakdown.
• Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Preventive care is far easier and cheaper to address. Plus, it allows the assigned mechanic to identify potential issues.
• Find a trusted and knowledgeable mechanic. You should be able to rely on their recommendations and opinions entirely. If you don’t, then you may be less likely to follow their advice. Seek recommendations from other frequent vehicle users, ideally those who use a similar car model to yours.
• Do your inspection. You don’t need to wait until the following maintenance schedule to find out if there are issues with your vehicle. You can prevent common car problems by regularly checking for things like fluid levels, as well as tire pressure and alignment.
• Know your limits. If your playbook doesn’t work, you don’t necessarily have to explore further. Doing so can result in further damage. In this case, leaving it up to a trained professional is your best move.

An important thing to remember is that major breakdowns don't just happen out of nowhere. It's a result of multiple points of failure. By following these tips, you'll be able to keep your vehicle in good shape.

Even with zero professional experience as a mechanic, you still have the power to fix car issues. Doing so will save you a lot of time and money, while also helping keep you safe on the roads of Colombia.

The key lies in learning how to recognize early signs, applying basic troubleshooting skills, and knowing when to call in a professional. Stay proactive and follow all our car maintenance tips to maximize your car’s lifespan and your peace of mind behind the wheel.