Schearer’s Expert Answers to Common Auto Repair Questions
Why is my car losing power when I accelerate?
If your vehicle feels like all its power is getting drained, especially while increasing the speed, blocked fuel injectors, dirty air filters, or faulty sensors might be the culprit.
What do blue and white smoke signals mean?
Blue smoke indicates the engine oil is dripping on the hot engine parts and getting burned, whereas white smoke might mean coolant leaks.
Why does my check engine light come on constantly?
The check engine light appears on the dashboard when an issue occurs in the engine, exhaust, or transmission system. It might signal minor problems, such as a loose gas cap, or severe troubles like misfires.
Why is my car stalling at idle?
If your vehicle stalls while idling, it could be the throttle body, EGR, or vacuum leak. Ignoring this issue can cause significant engine wear.
Is there a strong fuel smell while driving?
When your vehicle engine encounters a fuel leak or an injector issue, you might smell a strong fuel aroma, especially while driving.
Why is my turbo making strange noises?
Along with sluggish engine performance, if the engine whistles or grinds, the turbo may need an inspection.
Why does my car pull to one side when braking?
If your brake system has uneven brake pad wear or a sticking caliper, it can tilt your vehicle to either side, particularly while applying the brakes.
Can brake failure happen suddenly?
Yes, if you neglect different warning signs related to the brake system for too long, it can fail abruptly, causing severe road accidents.
Are aftermarket pads safe for European cars?
High-quality aftermarket parts suitable for your car model can be used as replacements. Still, it’s always better to use OEM parts as per the factory specifications to ensure high performance and durability.
Can worn suspension affect braking?
Yes, when any suspension part wears out, it can lead to nose-diving and uneven pad wear, which gradually escalates over time and causes permanent brake failure.
How long does a brake job take?
Swapping out worn brake pads usually takes about 1–2 hours. But in case of major replacements like rotor or caliper, it might take several hours.
Why is my car leaning during turns?
If your vehicle drifts to one side while making turns in a sharp area, it can be a red flag. This nuisance might result from worn sway bar links or bushings, which reduce stability, putting you at risk of hazardous road crashes.
Why is my steering wheel hard to turn?
It can be quite tough to continue driving with a stiffer steering wheel. This issue usually occurs due to low fluid, a failing pump, or a malfunctioning rack.
What causes premature suspension wear?
If you regularly drive on rough roads, carry heavy loads, or neglect routine suspension maintenance, the suspension system can wear out prematurely.
Can potholes destroy suspension parts?
Yes, absolutely, it only takes one solid hit from a deep pothole or curb to bend a control arm or mess up a shock. Once this happens, it can throw off the whole suspension and affect how your car drives.