Close How To Tell If Your Car Is Dying
Have you been driving a used car for some time and are unsure whether to keep going? Or have you just received an expensive repair estimate and feel unsure about whether to have the work done? As a vehicle owner, you'll probably be confronted with these dilemmas at some point, especially as your car gets older. There are several signs you should look out for to know when it's best to go shopping for a new ride. Our team at Carson City Hyundai has gathered some of the most common indications that your car is on its last legs.
Your Engine Stops Working
You may find yourself on the road when your crossover stalls, or maybe you can't get it started even though your battery is in good working order. In either case, you may be dealing with an engine that can't run anymore. The engine is one of the most complex parts of your vehicle, which is why you can end up paying a considerable amount of money to have it replaced or rebuilt.
In some cases, an engine repair may make sense. For example, if your crossover or truck is otherwise in good condition, you may be better off paying between $7,000 and $10,000 to rectify the problem. However, if your vehicle is worth less than the repair, it's usually time to start browsing the new inventory on offer in your local area.
Strange Noises Are Coming From Your Engine
It's unusual for your engine to break down without giving any warning. One common symptom of an approaching problem is a strange noise emanating from inside your engine block. It can sometimes sound like a pinging or clunking sound. This may indicate a problem with a cylinder or that parts have come loose. Whatever the issue, chances are you'll be facing a hefty repair bill that may not be worth your while spending your hard-earned cash on.
Your Car Won't Start
If your car fails to start, it doesn't automatically mean it's on its last legs. The problem may just be an old battery, which you can replace quite cheaply. However, if your battery is in good working order, you may be dealing with a much more serious engine problem. The best course of action is to take your vehicle to a reliable service center so an expert mechanic can perform a quick checkup
Your Vehicle Burns Through Oil
Regularly changing your engine oil is a key part of any good maintenance regime. Fresh oil every six months or so helps your engine's components run smoothly and protects against excessive wear and tear. If you notice that your vehicle is burning through an unusually high amount of oil, you may want to consider buying a replacement. The reason your engine has become so thirsty may be that valve linings have hardened so that they can no longer keep the oil inside. Fixing this type of problem can prove time-consuming and extremely pricey.
You're Always Having to Buy New Parts
Replacing auto parts from time to time as they wear out is a normal part of any maintenance regime. For example, many tires typically need replacing after five or six years, while a battery typically dies after three or four years of use. But you shouldn't have to spend lots of money on parts all the time. If you're a frequent customer at your local parts center and your yearly parts bill amounts to a big portion of your vehicle's total value, it may be time to look for another ride.
Transmission Trouble
Besides your engine, your vehicle's transmission is the most difficult part of your car to fix. It consists of many complex components exposed to a lot of wear and tear as your vehicle ages. The job of your transmission is to transfer the power from your engine to the drive shaft, which is essential to keep your car running. If you notice an unusual sound coming from your transmission or you lose power while your engine continues running, you may well have transmission trouble.
The main issue with transmission repairs is that even opening it to assess the damage is a big job. Rebuilding a damaged transmission requires significant skill and patience due to its various components. As a result, you can expect a repair job to range from $4,000 to $5,000. Even replacing your transmission is expensive because buying the parts for a new one won't be cheap. Your best option may be to accept that you've driven your car for the last time.
Get Your Vehicle Serviced at Carson City Hyundai
If you're unsure what condition your car is in or if you need it repaired, you can rely on our auto experts at Carson City Hyundai. At our service center, our Hyundai-certified technicians can closely examine your vehicle and use their extensive knowledge of cars and modern diagnostic equipment to tell you exactly what the issue is. Before we start any big repair job, we can present you with a cost breakdown for parts and labor so you can decide whether the repair job is worth your while.
We can help you find a new or used vehicle if you need to replace your car. Our extensive inventory includes compact cars, crossovers ideal for families, and trucks for the job site or heading out of town for an adventure. If you consider purchasing a vehicle from our dealership, check out our vehicle specials and financing options to ensure you get the best deal possible.
To learn more about our service center, or ask questions about any of our new or used cars, don't hesitate to contact us today. Here at Carson City Hyundai, we have dedicated teams of sales, service, and parts staff ready to help you. We'd be delighted to answer your call, respond to your online message, or chat with you in person if you stop by our Carson City dealership today.