To Scrap or Not to Scrap
There’s no worse feeling than the dreaded realization your car is falling apart. To put it bluntly, you either need to cough up a ton of cash to fix it or scrap it altogether. So if you’ve ever had the looming thought that your car might be in rough shape, here’s a handy list of things to look out for. (Don't worry, we also break down some good signs to keep an eye on, too).
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1. Persistent Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason, so don’t overlook them. It might be tempting to just ignore them and get on with your day, but these lights—especially check engine and oil pressure—are there to protect you from underlying issues that can quickly get out of hand.
2. Unusual Noises
Strange noises, in almost all aspects of life, are generally not indicative of anything good. This is doubly true for cars. If you start to hear any knocking, grinding, or squealing then you might have a mechanical issue on your hands and it’s best to get it checked out by a professional.
3. Frequent Overheating
Constant overheating is neither desirable nor something to gloss over. If your vehicle experiences persistent issues with overheating, it could be a sign that there’s a problem with your cooling system or engine. If that’s the case, your car needs to be looked at.
4. Poor Fuel Efficiency
Not only is poor fuel efficiency a burden on your wallet, but it could also be an indication that something is seriously wrong with your car (which could lead to even more of a burden).
An abrupt change in fuel efficiency is generally caused by engine trouble or issues with the fuel system.
5. Transmission Issues
Regardless of whether your car is automatic or manual, you’ll need to keep an eye on gear shifting, especially if it becomes difficult to do. Delayed shifts, slipping gears, and strange noise are all symptoms of a transmission problem that needs to be dealt with as soon as possible.
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6. Rust and Corrosion
It should go without saying that rust is never an indication of anything good. If you start to see rust and corrosion along the body or undercarriage of your vehicle then you might be in trouble. Not only does rust spread, but it also weakens integral metal components that ensure the structural integrity of your car.
7. Exhaust Smoke
Another blatantly obvious sign. If you see excessive or coloured exhaust fumes then that’s a pretty clear warning that you’ve got an engine issue. Anything from burning oil to coolant leaks to improper fuel mixtures could be the culprit, so it’s best to get this diagnosed.
8. Unresponsive Brakes
Not only is this a sign that your car might be in some serious trouble, but it’s also a major safety concern if left unchecked. If at any point you feel that your brakes feel spongy, slow to respond, or make weird noise, then it’s time to get it looked at—for your sake and others.
9. Leaking Fluids
Puddles of fluid under your car are a tried and true indication that something's off.
Whether it’s leaking oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, ignoring it could lead to devastating engine or transmission decay.
10. Electrical Failures
Frequent electrical problems are a pretty good sign of something serious. Non-functioning windows, flickering lights, or just a dead battery are all warnings that you have a dwindling electrical system. Ultimately, these malfunctions could come back to haunt you in the long run.
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Though it's hard to say goodbye, not every car is doomed to the junkyard. Let's explore a few green flags that indicate a strong vehicle.
1. Smooth and Quiet Ride
A smooth ride is exactly what you should look for in a well-maintained car. This is generally a sign that most of your car’s major components (i.e. engine, brakes, and suspension) are in good working order and that there’s no cause for alarm.
2. Regularly Maintained Fluids
Regularly changing engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and even coolant helps reduce engine wear. It also prevents future mechanical failures. Fluids that are consistently clean and at the correct levels are a solid indication that your car is in good health.
3. Consistent Fuel Efficiency
All cars have a base fuel efficiency that you should expect to remain consistent throughout its lifespan—unless something is wrong. If your car shows steady mileage, you can rest easy knowing that your tires, fuel system and engine are all working well.
4. Cool and Comfortable Cabin
A functioning HVAC system helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle. Your car’s heating and air conditioning systems are vital in ensuring a comfortable ride, so they have to be free of any leaks or blockages that could impede performance.
5. Functional Lights and Signals
Properly functioning exterior and interior car lights are a sign that your car’s electrical system is in good shape. Headlights, turn signals, brake lights, and even dashboard lights all play a pivotal role in ensuring your car is safe for the road, so never take them lightly.
6. Consistently Passing Emissions Tests
If you’re regularly maintaining your car, particularly replacing air filters and oxygen sensors, then there’s a good chance you won’t have any problems passing emissions tests. These tests help gauge whether or not your car is working, ensuring that your control system is up to snuff.
7. Well-Maintained Tires
Evenly worn tires signal your vehicle's alignment and suspension are in optimal shape. A lot of this comes down to proper inflation and consistent rotation, which help maintain your car’s overall condition. When done correctly, it often prolongs its lifespan.
8. Responsive Steering
Responsive steering not only makes driving smoother, but it’s also a great way to gauge the condition of your vehicle. If you find that you can steer without lag, then you can rest assured knowing that your suspension and tires are working properly.
9. Consistent Engine Performance
As the most crucial component of any vehicle, engine performance is a major reflection of your car's health. Properly functioning spark plugs, fuel injectors, and ignition systems can all be gauged by how easily your car starts, how smoothly it idles, and whether or not it can accelerate without pause.
10. Properly Functioning Safety Features
Safety features ensure your own well-being—along with your passengers and others on the road. Crucial features like airbags, seat belts, and anti-lock brakes are put in place to keep you and others safe, so having these features intact is a vital indicator of what shape you're in.
