As a car is put through its paces over the long term, bits and pieces of it will begin to wear down. They’ll lose functionality, cause a failure of the delicate balance required for the car to function optimally, and lead to worse performance, and possibly more serious issues.
Some parts are more likely than others to fail after a car has been driven for great distances, resulting in a few problems that automotive professionals are likely to see. Curious about what these problems are? Here are a few examples.
1. Pros in Auto Parts Careers Know Well-Used Cars Can Have Trouble Starting
It’s a surprise to nobody that cars that have seen a lot of action can have a bit of trouble starting up. They may misfire, or stall, or exhibit other issues that prevent normal functioning. Often, this is because the ignition coil has begun to degrade.
It’s important to note, however, that ignition coils can often be kept in much better shape when spark plugs are changed on the recommended schedule. This ensures the coil won’t have to overwork to make up for the diminished capacity of the plugs, and that drivers can avoid pricey repairs further down the road. For that reason, professionals in auto parts careers know all too well that spark plugs are likely to be among the most frequently ordered and stocked components in many auto shops.
2. Pros in Careers in the Auto Industry Might Know Older Cars Can Start to Smoke
Smoke billowing from a car’s tailpipe isn’t so uncommon, but that doesn’t make it okay. Cars aren’t supposed to emit smoke while they’re running, so if there’s smoke, there’s a problem.
Auto enthusiasts know that the colour of the smoke can be quite helpful in determining what the problem is. Here are a few examples:
- Black smoke: Typically means there is an excess of unburned fuel, likely caused by malfunctioning fuel injectors or air filter
- Blue smoke: Typically means oil is burning, likely caused by a seal failure in the engine.
- Grey smoke: Can also be caused by burning oil, or by burning transmission fluid. The latter is likely caused by a broken transmission modulator
- White smoke: A small amount is okay and might just be condensation. Large amounts mean burning coolant, likely caused by damaged cylinder heads or engine block
In other words, a smoking car will give a lot of hints about which parts are likely failing. From there, mechanics or DIY auto enthusiasts will be able to come to an auto parts specialist for assistance in finding the correct replacement for their vehicle.
3. Headlights Are Important Components That Need Replacing After Long-Term Use
Cars that have seen a lot of use can exhibit problems apart from the mechanical kind. For example, you might see them struggle to keep the road adequately lit in front of them while being used at night—a definite hazard that must be addressed.
Dim or inconsistent lights are caused by degradation of the headlights and lenses, which can result from a huge number of factors. Things like vibrations and jostling, the heat of the car, debris, solar radiation, and more can cause damage to the lights and lenses of the headlights over time.
Believe it or not, not all headlights will be compatible with all cars, with connectors sometimes not aligning properly, making installation impossible. If ever you order replacement headlights, be sure to check that the version you order will properly fit with the model it is meant for.
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