Our car offers us the freedom of commuting on our terms, the ease of running errands, and the joy of a taking a sudden unplanned road trip. These privileges come with the responsibility of caring for our vehicular companions. I’m also happy I learnt to drive when I was 17.
Yet, as with any human-made marvel, cars are not immune to breakdowns. It’s human tendency to react a certain way when a sudden issue arises. While it may seem manageable at first, the temptation to delay repairs due to financial constraints or the belief that it’s a minor glitch can lead to unexpected and eventually, bigger problems.
If you need urgent funds to deal with such situations, and your payment for the month hasn’t come through, financial solutions like payday loans, title loans, cash advance loans etc. can offer you quick access to fix your car.
To help you identify major problems and be prompt in resolving them, we have listed five critical vehicle emergencies. This list serves as a guide to navigating unexpected challenges that you may face on the road.
Let’s get started!
1. Suspension Damage
Your car’s suspension plays an important role in ensuring a smooth and controlled ride. Designed to absorb shocks and bumps, a healthy suspension system keeps the vehicle stable and helps you handle it seamlessly.
However, when this critical component is damaged or broken, the repercussions can be severe. A compromised suspension system can leave your vehicle feeling unbalanced and unstable, posing a serious threat to your safety on the road.
The moment you detect signs of issues with any of the suspension car parts, you will need to immediately resolve it. Whether it’s a worn-out shock absorber or a damaged strut, addressing suspension problems promptly is a non-negotiable. You now have the option to order car parts online so be sure to use this to your advantage instead of waiting for a complete breakdown of your vehicle to happen.
2. Overheating of the Engine
A functioning engine operates within a specific temperature range, and any deviation from this bracket can lead to dangerous consequences. You need to recognise the common signs of an overheated engine such as steam billowing from the hood, rising temperature gauge, abnormal noises, or strange smells.
An overheated engine poses serious threats to both your vehicle and your safety. The excessive heat can destruct important engine components, leading to big repairs that will require hefty costs. Sudden breakdowns, loss of power, and potential fire hazards are some risks associated with this emergency. As soon as you the symptoms of an overheated engine make themselves known, it is time to take your car to a reliable garage for inspection.
3. Tyre Blowout
A tyre blowout is an immediate vehicular emergency, and understanding its causes and consequences is important for every driver. The reasons for a tyre blowout can range from underinflation and overloading to worn-out treads and extreme temperatures.
Whatever the reason for the blowout, it can lead to sudden loss of control and also accidents. To tackle this emergency, it’s essential to always have a spare tyre in your vehicle.
Additionally, learn the basics of changing a tyre as you will need to act promptly if you end up with a blown-out tyre. In the event of a blowout, calmly steer to the side of the road, turn on hazard lights, and follow proper procedures for changing the tyre.
4. Steering Failure
The steering system is the backbone of your vehicle. It controls your vehicle while directing it as and when you need it. When this critical component fails to function properly, it can damage your vehicle and also lead you to a life-threatening emergency.
The steering system can have different types of issues – from steering wheel malfunction and a damaged steering column to a compromised steering gear. Regardless of the problem, the result can be severe and harmful.
Moving through traffic without the ability to steer properly increases the risk of accidents and collisions. The loss of directional control can lead to uncontrollable veering, making it challenging to avoid obstacles or navigate curves safely. To sidestep these issues, immediate action must be taken when you identify any signs of malfunction.
5. Brake Failure
This goes without saying that amongst the other vehicle emergencies, a brake failure requires immediate attention. The brake system is the most important safety feature of your car. Any compromise in their functionality will pose a direct threat to both the driver and the passengers.
A mushy brake pedal, grinding noises, or an unresponsive braking system are red flags of a failing braking system that demand swift action. Identifying these signs is crucial because if it fails while driving, you won’t even have the time to react and bring your vehicle to a safe stop. So, to avoid ending up in such a situation, it would be wise to get your brakes serviced regularly.
To Sum It Up
You should not wait for an emergency to occur to take care of your vehicle. Through periodic maintenance and check-ups, you not only keep your vehicle healthy but also ensure your safety on the road.
However, despite the care you give to your vehicle, you can sometimes face vehicle emergencies. If you face such a situation, don’t waste time and leave the issue unaddressed. Take your vehicle to a reliable garage to inspect and rectify the issue.