Common Car Problems and How to Handle Them on the Road

Harsh Chauhan
Jun 28, 2024
2 min read

As drivers, we all hope for smooth journeys without any hiccups. However, car problems can strike unexpectedly, leaving us stranded on the road. Knowing how to handle common car issues can save time, money, and stress. Here’s a guide to some of the most frequent car problems and how to address them when they occur.

1. Flat Tire

Signs: Thumping noise, difficulty steering, or a noticeable drop in the car’s height on one side.

How to Handle:

Pull over safely: Find a flat, stable, and safe spot to change the tire.
Use your hazard lights: Ensure other drivers are aware of your situation.
Change the tire: Use your car’s jack, spare tire, and lug wrench. Loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car, remove the flat tire, place the spare, and tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern.
Seek professional help: Call roadside assistance if you’re uncomfortable changing the tire yourself.

2. Dead Battery

Signs: Engine won’t start, dim headlights, or clicking noise when turning the key.

How to Handle:

Jumpstart the battery: Use jumper cables and another vehicle with a working battery. Connect the cables correctly: positive to positive, negative to negative.
Wait and try again: After a few minutes of the working car running, try starting your car.
Replace the battery: If jumpstarting doesn’t work, you may need a new battery. Contact a roadside assistance service for help.

3. Overheating Engine

Signs: Temperature gauge in the red zone, steam from the hood, or a hot coolant smell.

How to Handle:

Pull over immediately: Continuing to drive can cause severe engine damage.
Turn off the engine: Allow it to cool down completely before opening the hood.
Check coolant levels: Add coolant if it’s low, but never open the radiator cap while the engine is hot.
Call for assistance: If the problem persists, seek professional help to avoid further damage.

4. Brake Issues

Signs: Squeaking or grinding noises, spongy brake pedal, or the car pulling to one side when braking.

How to Handle:

Pull over safely: If your brakes feel unsafe, stop driving immediately.
Inspect brake fluid: Check the brake fluid level and add more if necessary.
Seek professional help: Brake issues can be serious. Have your vehicle inspected by a mechanic before driving again.

5. Empty Fuel Tank

Signs: Engine sputtering, loss of power, or the fuel gauge reading empty.

How to Handle:

Find a safe spot to pull over: Ensure you’re off the road and in a secure location.
Call for roadside assistance: Many services can bring you enough fuel to reach the nearest gas station.
Carry a spare fuel can: If you frequently drive in remote areas, having a spare fuel can save you in a pinch.

Stay Prepared

Preparation is key to handling car problems efficiently. Keep your vehicle well-maintained, carry an emergency kit, and know the contact information for a reliable roadside assistance service like All American Roadside CA. By staying prepared, you can confidently handle unexpected issues and get back on the road quickly and safely.

For reliable roadside assistance, contact All American Roadside CA: