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What Are the Most Common Issues with Older Vehicles?

February 28, 2025

Owning an older vehicle can be a great way to save money and keep a reliable car on the road. However, as cars age, they naturally develop issues that require attention. Some problems can be minor inconveniences, while others can lead to costly repairs if ignored. Whether you’re holding onto a trusted vehicle for sentimental reasons or trying to avoid a car payment, understanding the most common issues with aging cars can help you stay ahead of potential breakdowns.


Worn-Out Suspension and Steering Components


Over time, the suspension and steering system takes a beating from everyday driving. Roads filled with potholes, speed bumps, and uneven surfaces can accelerate wear on components like ball joints, tie rods, control arms, and struts. If you start noticing clunking sounds, excessive bouncing, or difficulty steering, these could be signs of worn suspension parts.


Ignoring suspension problems not only makes the ride uncomfortable but can also impact safety. Uneven tire wear, poor handling, and increased stopping distances can all result from a failing suspension system. Regular inspections and timely replacements can keep your car stable and responsive on the road.


Oil Leaks and Engine Wear


As vehicles age, seals and gaskets can dry out and crack, leading to oil leaks. The most common areas for leaks include the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. If you’ve noticed oil spots in your driveway or a burning oil smell while driving, it’s time to get it checked.


In addition to leaks, older engines often experience increased wear on internal components, leading to low oil pressure or excessive oil consumption. Running an engine with low oil levels can cause severe damage, so it’s important to check your oil regularly and address leaks as soon as they appear.


Electrical System Malfunctions


Older vehicles are more prone to electrical issues, especially if wiring has started to corrode or if connections have loosened over time. Common electrical problems include:


  • Flickering or dim headlights
  • Power window failures
  • Unresponsive dashboard gauges
  • Starter and alternator failures


In warm climates like Peoria, AZ, extreme heat can accelerate electrical system deterioration. Battery life can also be affected by high temperatures, leading to more frequent replacements. If you’re experiencing intermittent electrical failures, a full inspection of the wiring and battery health can help prevent unexpected breakdowns.


Transmission Slipping and Delayed Shifts


Automatic transmissions in older cars often show signs of wear, particularly if maintenance has been neglected. Issues, like delayed shifting, slipping gears, or rough gear changes, can indicate low transmission fluid levels or internal wear.


Transmission fluid should be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, but many drivers overlook this service. Over time, dirty or degraded fluid can cause excess friction and heat, leading to transmission failure. If you notice hesitation when accelerating or difficulty shifting gears, it’s a good idea to have your transmission checked before major repairs are needed.


Rust and Corrosion on the Undercarriage


Rust is a silent killer for older vehicles, especially in areas with high humidity or where road salt is used in the winter. While rust on the body of a car is often just cosmetic, corrosion on the undercarriage, brake lines, or fuel lines can be a serious safety concern.


If left unchecked, rust can weaken structural components and lead to exhaust leaks, frame damage, or even brake failure. Regular undercarriage inspections and protective coatings can help extend the life of your vehicle and prevent major repairs down the line.


Keeping Your Older Car Reliable


Just because a car is aging doesn’t mean it has to be unreliable. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and staying aware of potential problems can help you keep your vehicle running for years to come. Whether it’s checking your oil, inspecting your suspension, or monitoring your transmission, taking care of small issues early can prevent expensive repairs later.


For drivers in Peoria, AZ, where high temperatures can accelerate wear on vehicles, proper maintenance is even more important. Heat can cause fluid degradation, battery issues, and rubber component failures, making routine inspections a must for keeping your car in top condition.


Keeping an older car on the road takes proper care. Trust Steveo’s Garage in Peoria, AZ, for all your maintenance and repair needs. Contact us today for professional service!

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The timing belt is a critical component of your engine that often goes unnoticed. This part ensures your engine runs properly, and a failure here can lead to serious damage. Whether you’ve heard of it or not, understanding what the engine timing belt does, when to replace it, and how to spot issues can save you from expensive repairs and major headaches. So, what exactly is the timing belt, and why should you care? What Is an Engine Timing Belt The engine timing belt is a rubber belt with teeth on the inside that synchronizes the rotation of your car’s crankshaft and camshaft. In simple terms, it controls the timing of the engine’s valves. These valves need to open and close at precise intervals to allow air and fuel into the engine and expel exhaust gasses. If the timing is off by even a little, the engine’s performance can suffer, or worse, the engine could fail. Without a functioning timing belt, the engine’s internal components can clash—like the pistons and valves—causing significant damage. This part is essential for the smooth operation of your vehicle, but it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. How Long Does a Timing Belt Last One of the most common questions about timing belts is how long they last. Timing belts don’t last forever, and most manufacturers recommend replacing them between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, depending on your vehicle. However, this can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as how you drive and maintain it. Regularly checking your owner’s manual for the recommended interval is a good idea, but keep in mind that timing belts can wear out faster in harsher driving conditions. Factors like extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, and hauling heavy loads can all contribute to quicker wear and tear. Signs Your Timing Belt May Be Failing Catching a failing timing belt early can save you from costly repairs or even engine replacement . But how do you know if it’s time to replace your timing belt before it snaps? Ticking Noise From the Engine A worn-out timing belt can cause a ticking or clicking noise coming from the engine. If you hear this sound, it’s a red flag that something is wrong with your engine’s timing components. Engine Misfires Since the timing belt controls the opening and closing of the engine valves, a bad belt can lead to misfires. If the belt slips or is worn, it can throw off the engine's timing and cause poor combustion, leading to a rough ride. Oil Leaks If you notice oil leaking from the front of your engine, it could be a sign of a failing timing belt cover or gasket. This can cause the belt to wear prematurely or slip out of place. Trouble Starting the Car If the timing belt is broken, your car won’t start at all. This is because the engine’s internal components can no longer function in sync, preventing the engine from turning over. What Happens If Your Timing Belt Fails The consequences of a broken timing belt can be catastrophic. In some engines, known as “interference engines,” a broken timing belt can cause the pistons and valves to collide, leading to severe damage to the engine. Repairs in such cases are extensive and often require a full engine rebuild or replacement, which can cost thousands of dollars. Even if your engine isn’t of the interference variety, a failed timing belt will still leave you stranded and could cause significant damage to other engine components. That’s why it’s critical to replace the belt at the recommended intervals and not wait until it breaks. Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain You might have heard of a timing chain and wondered if it's the same as a timing belt. While both perform similar functions, there are some key differences. Timing Belt Made of rubber, it’s quieter but needs to be replaced more often due to wear. Timing Chain Made of metal, it typically lasts much longer than a timing belt but can be noisier. Timing chains are found in many modern engines and are usually more durable, but they are not immune to problems. Knowing what type of system your car uses can help you stay ahead of maintenance and avoid unexpected breakdowns. Should You Replace the Water Pump Along With the Timing Belt When you replace the timing belt, many experts recommend replacing the water pump as well, even if it appears to be in good condition. This is because the timing belt often drives the water pump, and it’s easier to replace both at the same time rather than waiting for the water pump to fail, which would require you to redo the same labor-intensive job. Don’t wait for your timing belt to fail! Schedule an appointment with Steveo's Garage now and avoid expensive repairs with timely maintenance. We’re here to help keep your engine running at its best.
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