Being a new driver is overwhelming. Besides learning all the tricks to driving safely and efficiently, new drivers must also understand various car problems and the proper maintenance practices to address them. Being unprepared for specific issues may leave you on the side of the road and unable to do anything. 

Read on to learn more about these car problems that may catch you off guard while on the road. Discover how to deal with them or prevent them from happening.

Flat Tires  

Various factors can cause a flat tire. These include poor air retention, punctures from sharp objects on the road, and driving on potholes. Normal wear and tear from prolonged use can also cause flat tires. 

A flat tire will hinder your overall driving experience. Your car will feel sluggish or swerve on one side every time you drive. In worse cases, it will cause your vehicle to break down on the road, which will be a major inconvenience if you don’t know how to change it. 

The best way to deal with a flat tire is always to follow the manufacturer’s tire maintenance instructions to prolong your tire’s quality. Check their air pressure every two to four weeks to ensure they aren’t over or under-inflated. Of course, it’s best to know how to change tires and always have a spare ready.

Overheating Engine

An overheating engine can happen anywhere and anytime. Although modern vehicles often give signs or indicators, they may still occur without warning. Plus, other new drivers might purchase outdated used cars, making them more susceptible to this issue. 

Among the most common causes of this issue are cooling system leaks, defective radiator fans, broken water pumps, or clogged coolant hoses. Regardless of the root, overheating can cause severe to permanent damage, especially when ignored. 

When dealing with overheating, don’t panic. Pull over safely, but don’t open the hood yet. It might put you at risk of burns. Wait for the engine temperature gauge to settle before doing so. Then, check and add coolant. Learning this procedure beforehand is best, so you’re prepared when your car overheats.

It would also help to immediately turn off the air conditioner to reduce the engine’s stress. Plus, dial the heat to the maximum to pull heat away from the engine. 

Meanwhile, if the coolant hose is clogged or if the issue is from a broken radiator fan or water pump, this step won’t work.

Dead Battery

Dead batteries are typically caused by lights being left on, exposure to extreme temperatures, charging systems failing, parasitic drains, and leaving the vehicle parked for a long time. Unfortunately, this is one of the issues you can’t afford to have when on the road. 

It’s best to take good care of your batteries by avoiding some of the causes mentioned above to prevent unexpected breakdowns during trips. Plus, it’s ideal to replace your car batteries over time. 

On average, car batteries last for three to more than five years, depending on use. However, most drivers replace their batteries after three years of use.

Moreover, it’s also best to learn how to jumpstart a car in case you need to do so.

Faulty Brakes

Brake system problems are dangerous for drivers and other motorists on the road. When you have faulty brakes, your car will take much longer to stop or have difficulty stopping. Sometimes, they don’t stop at all, causing various vehicular accidents. 

The common cause of faulty brakes is worn-out pads, usually from everyday driving or harsh braking habits. Unfortunately, this problem requires a professional’s help. The good news is that you can identify this problem quickly. 

The most common sign of a faulty system is the squealing sound you hear when applying brakes. When you hear this high-pitched sound while driving and stopping, bring your car to a mechanic so they can replace your brake pads.

Broken Starter

A broken starter will prevent you from turning on your vehicle. It’s usually caused by various factors, including battery corrosion, dirty or corroded starter connections, damaged or worn-out starter system parts, and oil leaks. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that also requires professional repair.

Still, it’s vital to know the common bad starter symptoms to communicate with a mechanic properly. For instance, a clicking sound could be an indicator that there’s a problem with your starter.

Get Ahead of the Problem 

Understanding your vehicle better is critical to prolonging its life and improving its performance. Knowing all the issues, like the ones mentioned above and more, will help you avoid and resolve the majority of car problems that you may encounter. 

Moreover, ignoring all the signs will leave you with irreversible damage that is costly and time-consuming. Save yourself the trip to the mechanic by taking good care of your vehicle.