As the nights draw in and the chill of autumn creeps upon us, it’s time to embrace the spooky season. Halloween is all about frightful fun, but there’s nothing fun about car troubles lurking in the shadows. Just like a ghost haunting a deserted house, certain faults can develop in your vehicle, leaving you feeling scared and unprepared. Whether you're planning to drive to a Halloween party or just navigating through autumn's unpredictable weather, it's crucial to be aware of the scariest faults that could plague your car. Here, we explore five terrifying faults that could send shivers down your spine if they go unchecked.
The devilry of electrical gremlins
One of the more sinister (and common) issues that can arise in any vehicle is electrical faults. Like gremlins, these can appear unexpectedly, causing all sorts of mayhem. It can be deeply unsettling to get into your car on a dark, rainy evening, only to find that the lights won’t turn on or the engine won't start. Battery failure, corroded terminals, and faulty wiring are all common examples of electrical gremlins.
Electrical issues can lead to unexpected breakdowns, leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere – and we’ve all seen how those films start. Regular checks on your battery and wiring can help you keep these gremlins at bay.
The screeching of banshee brakes
Brakes are perhaps the most critical component of your vehicle, but strangely, they’re often overlooked – sometimes until it’s too late. A malfunctioning braking system can turn your harmless drive into a terrifying experience – spooky season or not. A leaking brake fluid reservoir or even a faulty master cylinder are both examples of problems that can lead to potentially catastrophic failures.
Listen for unsettling sounds like grinding or squeaking when you apply the brakes. If your car pulls to one side or if the brake pedal feels spongy, those are both major indicators of potentially deadly issues. And of course, make sure to keep an ear out for the telltale screech of worn-out brake pads…
Phantom engine problems
Sometimes, an engine can appear to take on a life of its own. You may find yourself driving along when suddenly, your engine begins to overheat or misfire. Issues like oil leaks, worn-out spark plugs, or a failing fuel pump can cause your engine to behave erratically, almost as if there’s a ghost in the machine...
Regular maintenance is key to avoiding these engine horrors. Keep an eye on your engine temperature, oil levels, and listen for unusual noises. If something doesn’t sound right, it’s worth having a professional investigate. Ignoring engine problems can lead to costly repairs and potential breakdowns – and as we touched on above, nobody wants to be stranded on a dark road in the middle of the night.
A nightmare with your suspension
Your car’s suspension system is essential for a smooth and safe ride. However, as components wear down, it can lead to suspension nightmares. Excessive bouncing, clunking noises over bumps, or uneven tyre wear are all signs of potential trouble. These problems can significantly affect your car’s handling, making it feel unstable or difficult to control.
Most terrifyingly, suspension issues can lead to loss of control while driving, especially in poor weather conditions. Again, regular checks and timely repairs can help prevent suspension-related scares.
Terror with four tyres
Tyres are the only contact your car has with the road, making their condition crucial for safety. Tyre terror can manifest in various forms, including bald tyres, punctures, or improper inflation. Driving on worn-out or poorly inflated tyres can lead to reduced grip and increased stopping distances, putting you at greater risk of an accident.
To keep yourself safe from that, keep an eye on your tyre tread and pressure, especially as the weather changes. As the autumn leaves begin to fall, wet roads can make driving treacherous, and your tyres need to be up for the challenge!
Now of course it’s worth mentioning that this is far from an exhaustive list of potentially serious issues your car can face, so make sure to keep an eye on your dashboard warning lights!
If anything goes wrong, don’t forget that the salvage cars we supply here at RAW2K can be an excellent source of spare parts, or you can even find a car that’s still in decent working order – one that won’t take too much to bring back on the roads! Here at RAW2K, we update our online car auctions daily and weekly. We also include makes and models available from some of the world's leading manufacturers and, as we know now, firm public favourites like Volkswagen, Ford, Renault and many more. Why not take a look around, and see what you can find?
