To Scrap Or Not To Scrap
There’s no worse feeling than the dreaded realization that your car is falling apart on you. To put it bluntly, you either need to cough up a ton of cash to fix it or scrap it all together. So if you’ve ever had the looming thought that your car might be in rough shape, here’s a handy list of things to look out for.
1. Persistent Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason so don’t overlook them. It might be tempting to just ignore them and get on with your day, but these lights — especially check engine and oil pressure — are there to protect you from underlying issues that can quickly get out of hand.
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2. Unusual Noises
Strange noises, in almost all aspects of life, are generally not indicative of anything good. This is doubly true for cars. If you start to hear any knocking, grinding, or squealing then you might have a mechanical issue on your hands and it’s best to get it checked out by a professional.
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3. Frequent Overheating
Constant overheating is neither desirable nor something to gloss over. If your vehicle experiences persistent issues with overheating, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with your cooling system or engine. If that’s the case, your car needs to be looked at posthaste.
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4. Poor Fuel Efficiency
Not only is poor fuel efficiency a burden on your wallet, but it could also be an indication that something is seriously wrong with your car (which could lead to even more of a burden on your wallet). An abrupt change in fuel efficiency is generally caused by engine trouble or issues with the fuel system.
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5. Transmission Issues
Regardless of whether your car is automatic or manual, you’ll need to keep an eye on gear shifting, especially if it becomes increasingly difficult to do. Delayed shifts, slipping gears, and strange noise are all symptoms of a transmission problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
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6. Rust and Corrosion
It should go without saying that rust is never an indication of anything good. If you start to see rust and corrosion along the body or undercarriage of your vehicle then you might be in trouble. Not only does rust spread, but it also weakens integral metal components that ensure the structural integrity of your car.
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7. Exhaust Smoke
Another blatantly obvious sign. If you see excessive or coloured exhaust fumes then that’s a pretty clear sign that you’ve got a severe engine issue. Anything from burning oil to coolant leaks to improper fuel mixtures could be the culprit, so it’s best to get this diagnosed as soon as possible.
8. Unresponsive Brakes
Not only is this a sign that your car might be in some serious trouble, but it’s also a major safety concern if left unchecked. If at any point you feel that your brakes feel spongy, slow to respond, or make weird noise then it’s time to get it looked at — for your sake and others.
9. Leaking Fluids
Puddles of fluid under your car are a tried and true indication that something is off. Whether it’s leaking oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, ignoring it could lead to devastating engine or transmission decay.
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10. Electrical Failures
Frequent electrical problems are a pretty good indicator that something more serious is going on. Non-functioning windows, flickering lights, or just a dead battery are all signs that you have a dwindling electrical system on your hands. Ultimately, these electrical malfunctions could come back to haunt you in the long run.
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1. Smooth and Quiet Ride
A smooth and quiet ride is exactly what you should be looking for in a well-maintained car. This is generally a sign that most of your car’s major components (i.e. engine, brakes, and suspension) are in good working order and that there’s no cause for alarm on that front.
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2. Regularly Maintained Fluids
If you’re regualirly changing and maintaining your car’s fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant then you’re taking all the right steps to reduce engine wear and prevent future mechanical failures. Fluids that are consistently clean and at the correct levels are a solid indication that your car is in good health.
3. Consistent Fuel Efficiency
All cars have a base fuel efficiency that you should expect to remain consistent throughout its lifespan — unless something is wrong. If your car is showing steady mileage then you can rest assured knowing that your tires, fuel system and engine are all working optimally.
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4. Cool and Comfortable Cabin
A solid indicator of your car’s overall health is a functioning HVAC system that helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle at all times. Your car’s heating and air conditioning systems are vital in ensuring a comfortable ride so they must be free of any leaks or blockages that could impede performance.
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5. Functional Lights and Signals
Properly functioning exterior and interior car lights are a sign that your car’s electrical system is in good shape and that there’s no cause for concern. Headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and even dashboard lights all play a pivotal role in ensuring your car is safe for the road so never take them lightly.
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6. Consistently Passing Emissions Tests
If you’re regularly maintaining your car, particularly replacing air filters and oxygen sensors, then there’s a good chance you won’t have any problems with passing emissions tests. These tests help you gauge whether or not your car is working cleanly and efficiently, ensuring that your engine, exhaust, and emissions control system are all up to snuff.
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7. Well-Maintained Tires
Tires that are evenly worn with abundant tread are a good indicator that your vehicle's alignment and suspension are in optimal shape. A lot of this comes down to proper inflation and consistent tire rotation, which in the long run will help maintain your car’s overall condition and prolong its lifespan.
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8. Responsive Steering
Responsive steering not only makes driving smoother and safer, but it’s also a great way to gauge the overall health and condition of your vehicle. If you find that you can steer precisely without lag, looseness, or shakiness, then you can rest assured knowing that your suspension, steering components, and tires are all working properly.
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9. Consistent Engine Performance
As the most crucial component of any vehicle, engine performance is a major reflection of the overall health and maintenance of your car. Properly functioning spark plugs, fuel injectors, and ignition systems can all be guaged by how easily your car starts, how smoothly it idles, and whether or not it can accelerate without pause.
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10. Properly Functioning Safety Features
Aside from indicating good vehicle health, properly functioning safety features are there to ensure your own health and well-being — along with your passengers and others on the road. Crucial features like airbags, seat belts, and anti-lock brakes are put in place to keep you and others safe, so having these features working and intact is a vital indicator of what shape your car is in.
