What Can Go Wrong With Cars

By Mike R Johnson


Owning an automobile means many things to many people. For some, it is merely a way to get from Point A to Point B. For others, it is a status symbol. To some people, it is the realization of a long wished-for dream. For yet others, it is a privilege they will never know. Owning a car is a big responsibility, and while it is a great thing, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Here are some of the major things that can go wrong with your automobile.

Mechanical Problems

From a car's engine to its computer, there is a lot that can go wrong. Engine problems can be very expensive, and replacing the computer in a car can as well. Other problems like problems with the alternator, the carburetor, certain belts like the timing belt, and the radiator can be wildly expensive and almost always require a professional mechanic. For other things like a dead battery, low oil levels, and even things like brake pads, if you're mechanically inclined you can learn to do these things yourself. It is not difficult to replace the battery in a car, though some auto supply stores, if you buy the new battery from them, will change your battery and dispose of the old one for free. Some people choose to do their oil changes themselves, while others go to either the car dealer or a free-standing lube shop to get this simple procedure performed on their car.

Keeping up with the required and suggested maintenance on your vehicle will go a long way toward protecting your car from costly problems that require repair. Keep the fluid levels in check, get the oil changed (or change it yourself) every three thousand miles, and make sure you have your tires rotated once per year. Also, maintain the proper air pressure in your tires. It will not only extend the life of the tire, but will also save money in fuel costs.

Theft and Vandalism

Sometimes, even if you take great care of your car, things can go wrong. Your car can be vandalized in public parking lots or even parked outside your home, and some cars are frequently stolen. To protect against vandalism and theft, the best thing you can do is to install a quality car alarm. This will scare off would-be vandals and thieves, and as long as you turn it off if the neighborhood cat sets it off, your neighbors won't hate you.

Accidents

Even the best drivers can get into a car accident. While one person is following traffic laws and staying alert and responsive on the road, another is applying mascara, text messaging, or simply not paying attention and an accident can occur. Making sure your car has the proper safety features is the most important thing you can do to prepare for a potential accident. Another thing that is necessary is that drivers and passengers wear their seatbelts at all times. In the event of an accident, the second most worrisome thing (after the threat of injury) is cost. It is important to make sure you have the proper auto insurance coverage so that, even if an accident does not physically lost you an arm and a leg, it does not do so metaphorically either.


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