10 car Symptoms you Should Never Ignore

These days, any one can own and operate a vehicle without knowing the first thing about what's under the bonnet. Is it smart, though? Probably not. Not understanding what could be going wrong with your vehicle, and catching problems fast can result in very expensive repairs later on when the car finally breaks down on the side of a road.

If you're new to owning and operating a vehicle, or simply new to car repairs, there are a few symptoms you shouldn't ignore. Before we dive into those symptoms, though, let's discuss a few items you should have in your garage so you can determine exactly what is wrong with your car when you come across these symptoms.

• Service Manuals- Be specific to the type of vehicle you own. If you own a Vauxhall, the service manual you own should help you tear down your Vauxhall and put it back together easily. How does it do this? With excellent diagrams, visuals and text.

• Basic Tools- To find out if certain car parts are malfunctioning, you'll need open-end and socket wrenches, support stands, a car jack, screwdrivers and pliers. You may not know what to do when you discover the part is broken or worn, but you'll know what the problem is using these tools to get to it.

• Multi-Meter- Testing the electrical current of your Vauxhall is important, and this tool can help you do it.

• OBD Code Reader- If you have the extra money, investing in your own code reader can be extremely helpful when certain sensors fail or your check engine light comes on. Can't afford it? Don't worry. Most mechanics have one and can easily diagnose your car using it.

Now that you have the tools, let's discuss some of the most common problems you shouldn't ignore.

A Flat Tyre

Flat tyres are no joke. Driving on one at high speeds can lead to loss of control of your Vauxhall. You also risk a blow-out, and decrease your fuel mileage on these damaged tyres. Fixing them isn't hard. You simply need to jack up the car on a stable area of the frame (not on a plastic piece) and take the old tyre off. Replace it with a new tyre or the spare in your boot.

Headlight/Taillight Out

You may not immediately notice this problem unless you're driving after dark. However, sometimes the indicator light will blink rapidly to let you know there's a problem with one of the lamps. Bulbs to replace these lights are not expensive, and they can actually save your life. When a headlight or taillight goes out, you leave yourself vulnerable. These Vauxhall parts help you see at night and let others know your intentions on the road. Without them, you could be involved in an accident very easily. Don't wait to replace them. In fact, be prepared for such an event by carrying a few extra bulbs with you just in case.

Dead Battery

It happens to all of us, usually at the worst time. If your car won't start, the battery is the most likely suspect to blame. Hook the battery up to a charger or tester at your house, or visit a car parts store that offers this service free. This will help you understand whether the battery has a charge or whether the problem lies with other car parts, like the alternator or starter. If you notice any corrosion on the battery, be sure to clean this off with a metal brush. While a dead battery isn't dangerous by itself, it can prevent you from getting to where you need to go and doing what you want to do.

Bad Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are responsible for combustion in the engine. If they are misfiring, loaded down with a bunch of crud from the road or simply faulty, you won't be able to start the engine or run your Vauxhall properly. Luckily, this is a task you can easily take care of in your own garage. You simply need to pop off the covers to these Vauxhall parts, unscrew the plugs and replace them with new, clean car parts.

Ignoring this problem isn't the best idea, either. It can easily result in engine misfiring, surging and lack of acceleration. These symptoms show you just how hard it is for your engine to function on worn-out spark plugs. Putting this much stress on it isn't the best idea.

Broken Wing Mirror

You see DIY replacements for wing mirrors too often on the road. The truth is, replacing that broken wing mirror with a makeup mirror or taping it back onto the car with duct tape is dangerous. These mirrors help you see where you're going on the road. When you change lanes, you need this mirror to help you determine whether it's safe to move over. Ignoring a broken mirror, or attempting to save money by 'fixing' it yourself can result in accidents that could have been avoided.

Squeaky Belts

Squeaky belts are annoying and very easy to spot. However, many of us ignore them. The problem with ignoring these Vauxhall parts is that the squeaky sound often indicates a real issue. The belt may be worn down, too old or cracked. Replacing it immediately can help you avoid damaging other car parts when it finally breaks down all the way.

Do you make it a habit to ignore certain problems with your car, just hoping they will go away on their own? They won't. In fact, they will probably get even worse. Make a change today. Stock up on the most common replacement car parts and be ready to investigate every new sound, sight or smell that could indicate a problem with your Vauxhall.