What’s Causing My Car’s Performance Issues?
It happens at some point in every person’s driving career — they begin to hear strange noises, encounter odd smells, or see noticeable performance issues with their vehicle. The severity of each problem can range from a quick fix to potentially needing to buy a new car.
How do you know if you need new control arms or if your transmission is about to go? This helpful guide should help give you some idea of what is causing your car’s performance issues.
Your Car Is Making Strange Noises
Our vehicles make a cacophony of sounds on a daily basis that we come to expect and can tune out for the most part. That’s what makes it more noticeable when we hear something out of the ordinary while driving. When a specific noise breaks you out of your routine to take notice, that’s when you know you need to see your mechanic.
The underlying cause of each noise can vary greatly in severity, but based on the type of sound, you can get a better idea of what kind of repairs your car will need. Some of the most common ones you may encounter include:
- Squeaky or Squealing Brakes
- Grinding
- Metal on Metal
- Screeching Under the Hood
- Clunking Noises
If you hear noises during turns, it can trace back to issues with your upper control arms, steering knuckles, or poor wheel alignment. These issues can see dips in your engine and steering performance, making it more difficult to drive. With the help of a trained professional, your vehicle can receive the replacement parts you need to improve your handling and engine performance.
You Start Smelling Odd Odors
Not every problem can be solved by replacing a control arm. Some issues stem from fluid leaks in the many components of your car that help make everything go. Knowing how to identify the source of the smell goes a long way in determining how to fix it.
The Most Common Leaks
For most vehicles, the most likely places you’ll encounter a leak are in your antifreeze or brake fluid. These odors are distinctive and are much easier to differentiate when you know what to look for. Antifreeze leaks are defined by a sweet smell and visible steam coming from underneath your hood. The clear liquid determines brake fluid leaks with a noticeable odor underneath your vehicle.
Heavy Acrid Burning Smells
When it comes to odd smells coming from your vehicle, each one deserves your immediate attention. Still, the minor details will help you determine where it’s coming from. Heavy and thick odors paired with smoke coming from your hood tend to stem from burning oil, while an acrid burnt toast smell indicates electrical problems. Additionally, anytime you smell rotten eggs, your emissions are to blame.
Performance Issues
You want your car to take you where you want to go when you need it without interruptions. However, at some point, your vehicle will suffer some performance issues. Engine stalling, bad spark plugs, catalytic converters, and more can create havoc during your daily commute. The widest experienced causes of car performance issues include cutting out, dieseling, hesitation, rough idling, and sluggish handling.
Identifying the different engine issues lets you give your preferred auto body shop a place to start. If you are a DIY enthusiast, it will help you know what parts you need to buy from Metrix Premium Chassis Parts.
Turn to Metrix Premium Chassis Parts for Your Performance Issues
When your car starts to experience performance issues, you have options available to help fix the problems. From getting new greaseable ball joints to sway bar links and more, Metrix Premium Chassis Parts has the high-quality pieces you need to give your car the boost it deserves. Check out our full inventory and find everything you need today!