5 Common Signs of Failing Vauxhall Vectra Parts and How to Handle Them

Diagnosing problems with your car can seem like an impossible task when you're doing it yourself, but it helps to think of your car the same way you would think of your own body. If, for instance, you begin to have stomach pains out of the blue, you'd probably begin thinking about the last thing you ate in order to determine why the pain is occurring. This is how you should think when you begin diagnosing trouble with your Vauxhall. As soon as you start noticing something out of the ordinary occurring, you should take steps to determine what might be causing it and how to fix it.

When it comes to the Vauxhall, and any other car for that matter, there are certain car parts that often break down and need repairs. By understanding what these common parts are, learning the signals they give when they need repair, and knowing how to fix them, you can save yourself a lot of time, energy, and even money.

Common Signs of Mechanical Problems and How to Fix Them

• Noisy in Neutral- When you're driving down the motorway and switching gears, you expect your transmission to make a bit of noise. But, when you're idling in neutral, the last thing you expect is for things to go bump. Sounds like this can indicate both simple and complex problems with your transmission. It could mean that you need to replace your transmission fluid. Alternatively, a lot of noise coming from the transmission when you're in neutral could signal a serious problem, like worn reverse idler gears, worn gear teeth, or worn bearings. If this is the case, you'll need to replace these worn Vauxhall parts as quickly as possible to avoid a complete breakdown of the transmission.

• Erratic Symptoms- You're driving down the road when suddenly your speedometer stops working, your headlights go from very dim to extremely bright, and suddenly your power windows seem to move at a snail's pace. No, your Vectra isn't haunted. The problem is likely caused by a failing alternator. The alternator supplies almost all of your car's electric needs, and when it isn't working properly, the accessories that draw power from it begin to fail as well. Luckily, most newer cars are programmed to shut down unnecessary accessories first if alternator problems occur, like the radio and your heated seats, so you can still use the headlamps to safely pull the car over to the shoulder. Replacing the alternator is most often the only solution to the this problem.

• Increased Temperature- When the engine operating temperature increases, your first thought may be that there is something wrong with the radiator, but other Vauxhall parts can be to blame as well. The oil pump, for instance, will often increase the engine's operating temperature when it is going out. This is because oil is essential to the engine; it reduce frictions between car parts and keeps the temperature regulated. If the oil pump is failing, the flow of oil will be reduce, and your car parts won't be lubricated properly. This caused them to heat up, and the increased friction between the parts leads to higher overall temperatures. Getting to the mechanic as quickly as possible is essential, as the longer the high temperatures are allowed to occur, the more damage will be inflicted to the engine and other car parts.

• Yes I'll Start, No I Won't- Does it seem sometimes like your Vauxhall Vectra is just playing games with you? One minute, it will start right up, but the next it won't? If so, you've run into what is known as an “intermittent” issue. This is a sign that the terminals on your battery are corroded, broken, calcified or loose. To fix this issue, check the cables on your battery first, as they are the most common culprit. Be sure they are secure on the battery posts and fit firmly. There shouldn't be any play in them at all. If they are frayed or falling apart, replace them as quickly as possible.

If the issue is due to corrosion, you may not have to replace any Vauxhall parts; you might just need to take the time to clean them. To clean the battery's cables, first remove them. Use a brush to clean off as much corrosion as possible. Use the brush to clean corrosion off the terminal as well, and check for any damage that may have occurred to the terminal or the battery case. Once this is done, use a corrosion cleaner specifically made for cars to clean the cables, posts, and wires thoroughly. Allow these parts to dry completely before replacing them and hooking the battery back up to the vehicle.

• Check Engine Light- The check engine light on your car can come on for any number of reasons, but one of the most common is a problem with the mass airflow sensor. This sensor is responsible for measuring and regulating the amount of air that enters the engine, as the engine depends on a precise mixture of air and fuel. When this sensor isn't working properly, the car will begin using more fuel than is necessary. This not only hit your pocketbook in terms of trips to the pump, but it can also damage your engine if not taken care of quickly. If you notice your check engine light is on, visit your mechanic to have him run a diagnostic check of your sensors. A replacement mass airflow sensor is not very expensive, and can save you a lot of money by avoiding a replacement of your engine.

Are you hearing funny noises coming from beneath your bonnet? Is your Vauxhall Vectra acting erratically? Your car is probably trying to tell you that something is going wrong. Make sure to pay attention so you know when to replace or fix these common problematic Vauxhall parts before they become even bigger issues. Knowing what to do now can save you time and money in the long run.