Even the calmest driver can easily lose their cool because of a sudden problem with the car. It may be anything: the vehicle has a flat tire, doesn’t start on a cold morning, the air conditioning can’t work, or the transmission doesn’t switch well. This list can be unlimited. Let’s figure out which car breakdowns are the most dangerous. In this article, we consider the most common ones, in the presence of which it isn’t recommended to run the car. Also, this information will help you navigate when choosing a used car at a salvage car auction, the reliability of which you can see by reading the article “How Reputable is AutoBidMaster?“.
Metal Corrosion
The word corrosion should be understood as a chemical reaction of the metal with oxygen and water. Elementary oxidation occurs, and a large amount of rust is formed.
Any vehicle that is older than five years has this problem. It isn’t surprising, because the layer of corrosion protection applied at the plant ceases to work. Additional efforts need to be made to prevent the further spread of the problem.
The main dangers of corrosion include the loss of strength of the body part. The metal becomes very fragile and brittle. If nothing is done, then the slightest hit will cause a lot of trouble and complications. You’ll have to spend a lot of time and money on restoring the body or even buying a new car.
Breakage of the Gas Distribution Mechanism Belt
Nowadays, many cars are designed by using the belt of the gas distribution mechanism. This approach reduces the cost several times because it isn’t necessary to use other complex equipment. But if there is a break in the belt, then there will be a lot of trouble, especially when it happens at high speed.
Here are some key problems that may occur because of the gas distribution mechanism belt breakage:
- the saddle of the cylinder head is deformed;
- the bottom of the piston is damaged;
- engine valve bending.
Experts note that the 16-valve engine most often suffers. To prevent negative consequences, you need to carry out constant adjustments and check the belt tension.
Leakage of the Fuel System
If the integrality of the fuel hose, fitting, or gas tank is violated, then rapid gasoline leakage and even an external fire can occur. If any seeping appears, there is an urgent need to contact a specialized service and conduct a detailed inspection and repair.
Wheel Bearing Malfunction
When the wheel bearing breaks, there is a sharp turning of the wheel outwards. It is impossible to drive a car. You can get into a traffic accident. This is especially dangerous at high speeds when the driver moves along a country highway.
The main signs of rapid failure of the ball bearing include:
- decreasing the car’s handling;
- knocking during the movement;
- creaking and crackling of the steering wheel, especially during a maximum turn.
To prevent this, you should regularly conduct proper diagnostics and inspections.
Low Level of Technical Fluids
All technical fluids in the vehicle perform their functions. If a shortage or excess of one of them is detected, then a lot of trouble may arise.
Foremost, it’s important to monitor the oil level in the engine. You need to regularly check it in the motor compartment without waiting for the control lamp to light on the car dashboard. It’ll save your engine from having to replace the whole cylinder-piston group and the crankshaft groove.
In turn, the shortage of coolant leads to an increase in the motor operating temperature. It’s worth noting that in severe cases, systematic overheating causes curvature of the cylinder head cover, which requires expensive repairs.
Brake fluid is also of particular importance since the efficiency of the most important safety system directly depends on it. This is a hygroscopic substance that needs not only to be controlled but also to be systematically replaced in order to avoid boiling and brake failure on a long descent.
It’s also worth remembering about the transmission oil in the gearbox. This one doesn’t require changing as often as the engine lubricant. That’s why many car owners simply forget about this important procedure. For a manual transmission, this is fraught with an increase in force on the lever and the inability to engage one of the gears. If these symptoms are further ignored, then excessive wear of the bearings occurs, and it makes driving impossible.
The automatic transmission is more demanding on the level and condition of the technical fluid since a change in its properties during long-term operation leads to a breakdown and the risk of the need to replace the entire mechanical assembly.
Steering Defects
The loss of steering sensitivity during turns indicates problems in the most important vehicle system. Problems can arise as a result of wear on the steering rod tip and steering shaft bearing, as well as during long-term operation of the car in off-road conditions.
Remember that the total backlash of the steering wheel of a car shouldn’t exceed 10°. Even small deviations from the norm in combination with vibration when picking up speed show a malfunction of the steering elements. It’s possible to conduct a thorough check of the state of the system as well as test a hydraulic or electronic amplifier only in professional service centers using special equipment.
The Bottom Line
The most dangerous vehicle damage can occur with the fuel, steering, or brake systems. It’s also important to pay attention to technical fluids and body corrosion.
If you control these reviewed vehicle systems and follow all the instructions concerning car service, you will avoid a lot of significant breakages. Don’t neglect your car since you entrust your life and the lives of your passengers to it practically every day.
