Watching for Emergency Signs: Car Problems That Need an Immediate Fix

June 30, 2022

Your car is a very complex machine that relies on a ton of different parts to operate correctly. Unfortunately, this means there’s a whole lot that can go wrong with it. From your engine to your suspension system, your headlights to your air conditioning, pretty much every component of your car can develop problems that inhibit your ability to drive.

While some vehicle issues can wait for your next maintenance appointment, others can be life-threatening. It’s important to know which problems you can put off for now and which will necessitate emergency car repair. Keep reading to learn the signs of urgent vehicle problems which you should watch out for as you drive in Minnesota.

Mechanic working under a lifted car, tightening bolts on the suspension system.

4 Signs of Serious Problems With Your Vehicle

  1. Weird Engine Noises – Does it sound like something is banging around in your engine every time you step on the gas? Such sounds indicate that your pistons are firing incorrectly because the fuel and the air in your vehicle aren’t mixing properly. Continuing to drive your automobile in this state can exacerbate problems with your engine to the point of complete engine failure. Instead of hoping the sounds will go away, drive straight to a reliable auto repair shop in Minnesota to have your vehicle’s engine inspected and repaired.
  2. Grinding Brakes – If you put your foot down on the brakes and hear a loud grinding noise, this is an indication that your brakes have been dangerously worn down. That grinding sound you hear is most likely the brake disc and caliper scraping against one another. Over time, your brakes can be worn down to the point where they don’t work, which may result in a severe accident if you’re driving at a high speed and your brakes fail on you. Squealing sounds from your brakes are more common and indicative of a less severe issue, while grinding sounds should be addressed by an auto mechanic right away.
  3. Leaking Coolant – If you pull out of your garage and you notice a puddle on the floor where your car was parked, that means your engine coolant is leaking. This is a more severe problem than some might think. Coolant is necessary to prevent your engine from overheating when you drive, a threat which is especially prevalent on hot summer days in Minnesota and when you drive a long distance without stopping. Many vehicles have a warning light for leaking coolant, which is important to watch for because some cars are built to prevent leaking coolant from dripping out.
  4. Stiff Steering Wheel – Do you have a hard time turning your steering wheel? This is a sign that you need to schedule an appointment at an auto repair shop in MN immediately. Several factors can lead to a stiff steering wheel in your automobile, including a damaged serpentine belt, a malfunctioning power steering pump and a lack of power steering fluid. Any of these issues will have a detrimental impact on your car’s handling, so you should get your steering fixed before you find yourself in a situation where you need to turn quickly and you can’t.

Trusted Auto Repair for All Your Car Troubles in MN

When a serious problem arises with your car, it’s important to bring it to a team of reliable auto mechanics who can identify and repair all issues. Contact Arvu Auto today for the most dependable vehicle repair services in the West Minneapolis metro!

Visit Our Long Lake Location:

560 Willow Dr N, Long Lake, MN 55356 | Phone: 952-444-1093 Text: 952-234-7675

If you’re in the surrounding areas, we also serve drivers at our Cokato and Watertown locations:

Cokato: 14177 US Highway 12, Cokato, MN 55321 | Phone: 320-286-5925 Text: 320-247-6296

Watertown: 601 White St SE, Watertown, MN 55388 | Phone: 952-955-2761 Text: 952-955-2761

Give us a call or schedule your appointment online today. At Arvu Auto, you’re in control of your vehicle’s care—we’re here to provide expert service and honest recommendations, so you can always Drive in Confidence.

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