Some car breakdowns are not critical and allow you to operate the car, while others, on the contrary, require immediate elimination. It is essential to understand that a car needs maintenance and thoughtful operation to be safe. Here is a list of six common car malfunctions that you should never ignore.

1. Indicators and control lamps

The driver reads information about the state of the car and its systems from the instrument panel through control lamps that show the state of the engine, gearbox, steering, working fluids, and so on. Therefore, if some indicators in your car simply do not work, it is impossible to identify the presence of a problem in time. This not only exacerbates the malfunction, which can lead to more costly repairs but simply threatens the safety of passengers.

Non-working indicators and control lamps on the dashboard must be repaired immediately. It is easy to find out about their malfunction - usually, when the ignition is turned on, all the lamps on the shield light up, just for the purpose of visual diagnostics of their serviceability. If you see a non-light icon, plan a visit to the service.

2. Brake system

It's no secret that the braking system of a car must always be in good working order. Indeed, a slight leak of brake fluid from the line or a drop in pressure in the system allows you to operate the car for some time. 

But it is impossible to predict when this leak will develop into a critical one or the liquid will simply leave the system. Any malfunctions of the brake system (like air in the line, damage to seals or hoses, breakdown of the booster, jamming of actuators, and so on) require prompt elimination.

3. Steering

Malfunctions of the steering system (breakdown of the hydraulic or electric booster, steering rack, or individual components) are also critical elements since they directly affect traffic safety. At the slightest suspicion of problems with the steering, go to a car service for diagnostics. Most likely, there wouldn’t be anything terrible, but it is better to solve any problem right away - it is both easier and cheaper.

4. Power supply

A malfunction of the battery charging system and the generator itself cannot be ignored. For some time, of course, you can move around using the charge stored in the battery. But, since in modern cars all systems, without exception, are powered from the onboard network, it will be possible to drive no more than 20 miles on one battery. So the fire of the red battery warning lamp (battery icon) on the instrument panel is another reason to repair the electrical system.

5. Wiring

Continuing the conversation about the electrics in the car, it is also worth mentioning such a nuance as a malfunction in the electrical circuit of the car. Any damage to the insulation of the wires can lead to a short circuit and even a fire. So, due to a banal malfunction of the electrical wiring of lighting devices, you can lose the entire car.

6. Chassis

Many car drivers are usually in no hurry to eliminate problems with the chassis if the car can move. But it's not so simple. For example, a “buzzing” hub bearing during movement can become very hot and expand, which sooner or later leads to jamming of the hub assembly and blocking the wheel.

The result is a complete loss of control and, at best, a departure from the road. It is impossible to predict this moment in advance, but it is possible and necessary to repair it in time. The same rule applies to other components such as shock absorbers, springs, levers, and silent blocks.