There comes a time in every vehicle owner’s life when it makes sense to replace your car parts. After all, cars have become much more durable than they used to be thanks to advancements in manufacturing technology.
However, it isn’t always easy to tell when it?s time to buy a new car. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate you?re ready to part ways with your old car.
1. Your Tires Are Worn Out
Your tires are under a lot of stress and wear as you drive. They are constantly absorbing the forces of the road, abrasions from potholes and other road conditions, and even under-inflation from poor air pressure maintenance.
Tires are made from rubber, and over time this natural material will deteriorate due to exposure to heat, cold, ice, snow, water and sun’s UV rays. If your tires are showing signs of rotting or cracking, they need to be replaced as soon as possible.
You can check to see if your tires need replacement by using an old-fashioned penny test: Place a coin head first into several tread grooves across the tire. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head in most of these grooves, then your treads are shallow and need to be replaced.
This test is simple and can save you money in the long run. Your tires should have a minimum of 2/32nds of an inch of tread depth to pass inspection.
When your treads are too low, they can lose traction, which is dangerous for driving on wet or icy roads and can also affect gas mileage. A low-tread tire is also more prone to blowouts and other accidents.
If you notice your tires are wearing unevenly, take them to the dealership for a professional inspection. Uneven wear could be a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment or a variety of other issues.
Another red flag is the presence of bubbles or bulges in your sidewall. These abnormal bulges usually indicate the integrity of your tire’s structure has been compromised. You should replace these tires as soon as possible to avoid an accident and other tire issues down the road.
2. Your Brakes Are Making Unusual Noises
Your brakes are an essential component of your car and when they start to make strange noises it’s a good sign that they need to be replaced. Brakes work by converting energy from the engine to heat through friction. When they’re worn out, they can’t do their job properly and this can lead to safety problems as well.
One of the most common reasons that your brakes will start to make strange sounds is when you’re braking. If you hear a rattling sound when you apply the brakes, this can be due to the expansion of your brake pads. However, this shouldn’t happen too often and can usually be resolved.
Another type of noise your brakes might make is a squealing sound. This can be caused by the metal tabs that are attached to your brake pads wearing down to the point where they need to be replaced.
When this happens, they rub up against the steel of your rotor disc and make that annoying squealing sound. This is a very important thing to keep an eye out for as it can be a warning sign of serious damage and should be fixed immediately.
Finally, if you hear a grinding sound when you brake, this can be a sign that your rotors are worn down too far. This can occur when you’re braking or if there is debris stuck between your caliper and your rotor disc.
It’s not uncommon to hear brake noises while your vehicle is parked, especially if you’ve left it in the rain for a while. During this time, water vapor can cause corrosion on the brake system. The rust can make the brakes feel soft or change how far you need to press down on the pedal. In any case, it’s good to have your car checked if you fear it’s in need of a Brake Repair.
3. Your Battery Is Dead
Your battery is your car’s primary source of power, and it’s crucial for your vehicle to run. Without it, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the road, unable to start your car or get it running smoothly.
A dead battery is usually a sign that it’s time to get a new one. The good news is that most car batteries will last anywhere from 6 months to 10 years, depending on how they are taken care of and the climate you live in.
Another sign that it’s time to replace your battery is if you notice a problem with the electrical system in your car. This might happen if the headlights are dimming, your radio won’t turn on or any other electrical devices don’t work.
If you’re not sure what the problem is, a visit to an auto repair shop can help. They can test your battery to see if it’s dead and determine if there are any other issues with your charging system.
It’s also a good idea to take your vehicle in for a checkup if you notice that your battery is getting older. Batteries that are between 2 and 5 years old can experience a deteriorating process called sulfation.
You can also try jumping starting your battery to see if that helps. However, it is best to avoid doing this if the battery appears to be dead, as jump starting can actually damage your car’s battery. Instead, try to wait until the battery is fully charged before driving it.
4. Your Transmission Is Failing
When it comes to cars, some models are built differently than others, but they all share the same basic working principles. That’s why so many car parts need to be replaced regularly — they simply wear out with age and use.
One of the most common signs that your vehicle is about to break down is when your transmission begins to fail. It may seem like a small issue at first, but if left unchecked, your transmission could end up costing you thousands of dollars to fix or replace altogether.
This can occur because of a number of different issues, but a main cause is damage to the gears or other parts inside the transmission. These can be as simple as wearing out and needing to be replaced, or as complex as the transmission failing entirely.
Another sign that your transmission is about to fail is when it starts making unusual noises while driving. This could sound like screeching, grinding, or clanking.
Often, this problem can be traced back to a low transmission fluid level. It can be caused by a leak, water infiltration during off-road or flood situations, or even poor maintenance.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your car to make strange noises, it’s a good idea to take your vehicle in for a diagnostic test and check the fluid levels.
Getting an expert to inspect your vehicle before the problem worsens can be a huge relief for your wallet and for your peace of mind on the road. Billion Auto Group has nearly 100 years of combined in-house transmission rebuild experience, so we can be trusted to get your car back on the road safely and effectively.
5. Your Headlights Are Having Issues
Your headlights are a vital safety device, and they should be working correctly to help you see at night. But when they fail or burn out unexpectedly, your visibility can be severely compromised.
Dim and flickering headlights are a sign that they need to be replaced. They can also be caused by a bad bulb or a poor connection.
The most obvious way to determine if you need to replace your headlights is to check whether or not they’re working in high beam mode. If they’re not, it’s likely that the bulb is dead.
Another symptom of an unusable bulb is that it doesn’t emit any light at all. This could be a sign that the bulb has been scratched, dirty, or corroded. If the lens is also foggy, it’s a simple matter of cleaning it up and replacing the bulb.
You should also consider whether the bulb is aging or if it’s past its prime. It’s not uncommon for bulbs to lose a lot of their brightness with age.
If the bulb is a halogen one, then it’s probably going to die eventually. This happens because the gas inside the halogen bulbs slowly creates a film that prevents light from escaping.
This problem can be exacerbated by cold weather. If you drive in freezing conditions, the temperature can make the lighting filaments brittle and break more easily.
In this case, you’ll want to have the bulb replaced before it gets too old. You can do this yourself or bring your car to a mechanic for help. They’ll be able to troubleshoot your bulb and determine if it’s a safe replacement. You may even find that your warranty covers the cost of replacing your headlights.
