10 Most Common Car Problems
10 Common Car Problems Mississippi Drivers Should Never Ignore (And How William Wells Tire & Auto Helps You Stay Ahead)
Intro:
If there’s one thing we’ve learned after decades of serving Starkville, Columbus, and West Point—it’s this:
Car trouble doesn’t start big. It starts small.
A warning light. A strange noise. A new vibration. Most people ignore the early signs until it’s too late—and that $150 fix turns into a $1,500 repair.
At William Wells Tire & Auto, we’re not here to scare you. We’re here to give you clarity. We help drivers across Mississippi catch the early signs, make informed decisions, and keep their vehicles safe and reliable—without the stress.
This guide walks you through the 10 most common problems we see in our shops every day, what they mean, and how to handle them before they get worse.
1. Check Engine Light Comes On
It’s easy to ignore. But that little light means your car is trying to warn you. Sometimes it’s a loose gas cap. Sometimes it’s a serious engine or emissions issue. Either way, it’s not a message you want to ignore.
What to do: Stop by any of our three locations. We’ll scan it, explain it clearly, and give you real options—not a scare tactic.
2. The Car Struggles to Start—or Won’t Start at All
Clicking sounds, delayed starts, or repeated jumpstarts are signs your electrical system is struggling. Could be a dying battery—or something deeper like a failing starter or alternator.
What to do: We’ll run a full charging system test. You’ll know exactly what’s going wrong, and how to fix it fast—before you get stuck somewhere.
3. Squealing or Grinding Brakes
When your brakes make noise, they’re asking for attention. Worn pads, warped rotors, or weak hydraulic pressure can all show up as noise—or reduced stopping power.
What to do: We’ll inspect the full brake system and give you an honest assessment. No pressure. Just the facts, straight from the shop you trust.
4. Engine Overheating or Temperature Spikes
Your engine is built to run hot—but not
too hot. Low coolant, failing thermostats, or radiator issues can push the temp too far, too fast—and destroy the engine if you don’t act quickly.
What to do: Shut it off. Call us. We’ll inspect your cooling system, pressure-test for leaks, and protect your engine from serious damage.
5. Steering Feels Loose, or the Car Pulls to One Side
If your steering wheel shakes, the car drifts, or something feels unstable on the road, it could be a sign of worn suspension, bad alignment, or uneven tire pressure.
What to do: Come in for a road test and full inspection. We’ll get your car handling right and protect your tires in the process.
6. Transmission Hesitation, Slipping, or Jerky Shifting
Transmission issues don’t usually happen all at once. They start with small symptoms—delayed shifts, odd noises, or slipping between gears.
What to do: Let us inspect the fluid, run diagnostics, and explain your options. Catching it early can save you thousands.
7. Leaks Under the Car (Oil, Coolant, Transmission Fluid)
Spots on the driveway aren’t normal. Leaks are early signs of worn seals, cracked hoses, or failing gaskets. And when fluid levels drop, systems fail.
What to do: We’ll trace the leak, show you the source, and help you fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
8. Air Conditioning Isn’t Cold (or Smells Musty)
In a Mississippi summer, a weak AC system is more than an inconvenience—it’s a real problem. Warm air or odd smells often mean a refrigerant leak, failing compressor, or airflow issue.
What to do: We’ll run a full AC performance check, test for leaks, and get your cabin comfortable again.
9. Uneven Tire Wear or Poor Gas Mileage
When your tires wear unevenly—or your MPG drops—it’s often a sign of bad alignment, poor inflation, or suspension issues. You’re literally burning rubber and fuel at the same time.
What to do: Let us inspect your tires, alignment, and suspension. We’ll help you protect your tires and save money at the pump.
10. A Strange Noise You’ve Learned to Tune Out
Clicking, whining, thumping—whatever it is, if it wasn’t there before, it means something. Most major repairs start as small sounds that get ignored.
What to do: Tell us what you’re hearing. We’ll drive it, inspect it, and give you the straight story.
Why Drivers Across Mississippi Trust William Wells Tire & Auto
We’re not just another shop. We’re part of this community. Whether you’re in Starkville, Columbus, or West Point, you’ll get the same thing at every location:
Clear communication. Honest diagnostics. Respect for your time and your wallet.
No pressure. No guessing. Just real help from a shop that stands behind its work—and its word.
Call us today or stop by your nearest William Wells Tire & Auto location:
Starkville – (662) 268-4081 – 12919 MS-182
Columbus – (662) 240-2414 – 1625 Gardner Blvd
West Point – (662) 495-8558 – 93 W Broad St
Or schedule service online at williamwellstireandautorepair.com
Let’s get ahead of the problem—before it gets ahead of you.
For more information please watch the video
