What to Do When Your Car Starts Breaking Down

For the amateur handyman who loves learning about cars, hearing the sound of an engine starting to break down can mean a challenge in their immediate future. But to the novice, one wrong clunk can send them into a spiral of anxiety. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do for your car before you have to take it to the mechanic. Understanding a bit about car mechanics can save you money, bail you out of dangerous situations (think car broken down in a desolate area), and give you more leverage when you take your ride to the shop.

Identify the Problem

The first step with any malfunction is to identify where the system failed. Usually, this means determining if the problem is in the electrical department or the hardware department. Use your car’s repair manual to run a quick diagnostics test.

• Does the car turn on – Asking yourself the basic questions can help narrow down your problem. If the vehicle doesn’t start, it could be a blown battery, a faulty starter, or the ignition switch itself.

• Test the battery – Batteries at the end of their life will read less than what they’re supposed to. A quick test with a voltmeter can tell you if your battery is still functioning or not.

• Check the oil – If you hear any clunking sounds while driving or if your car keeps overheating, this could be a result of low oil. When checking the oil, make sure your car’s engine has cooled down and you’re on flat ground.

• Change the air filter – If you hear unusual sounds from the engine and black smoke keeps exiting your exhaust, then it might be time to change your air filter.

• Use a code reader – For less than a hundred bucks, you can get yourself a handheld code reader that plugs into your car’s computer. Cheaper versions will generate the code and allow you to search online for what it means. Newer ones will identify what and where the problem is.

Quick Fix or Costly Repair

If you’ve identified the problem, great! If not, head over to your local mechanic to see if they can run a diagnosis for you. Don’t have them repair the car just yet. There are some quick fixes that you can do at home to avoid expensive fees.

Here are some common quick fixes that can be done by ordering parts online and watching YouTube tutorials:

• Changing spark plugs
• Replacing brake pads
• Oil and battery change
• Headlights and taillights

Not Worth Fixing? Sell the Car!

If the repairs are astronomical and you’d rather invest that money into a new car, the option to sell is always on the table. If you’re not sure how to sell a car, have no fear, it’s easier than you think. The main steps go as follows:

• Collect the necessary paperwork including title and car history report
• Clean your car inside and out
• Set an asking price
• List your car online
• Set up a test drive
• Sell the car

If you don’t know how much to sell your car for, check online with a car valuation company. There are plenty of great resources that will rate your car against the market. Or see how much it’s worth to trade-in. Further, dealerships will often give you a sizeable discount on a new vehicle if you’re trading in your old one.

When to Visit a Mechanic

The best advice for car owners is if you’re not confident, don’t try to fix it. If someone’s appendix explodes, you don’t start performing surgery just because it’s going to be cheaper than sending them to a hospital. Neither should you tear apart your car’s engine in order to avoid paying the mechanic’s fee. If your car isn’t running properly and you’re worried that one day you’re going to be stranded on the side of the freeway, it’s time to visit the mechanic.

Whatever You Do, Don’t Wait to Fix It

When your car starts breaking down, it can feel like the ground beneath your feet is crumbling. Strange noises and weird jerks make you wonder which day in the future will be spent on the side of the road with a smoking car. The anticipation of this event can cause anxiety, so try not to procrastinate any longer than you have to. Otherwise, you’ll be cursing at yourself while you wait for a tow truck to pick you up.