Auto servicing for mums

Two Situations in Which You Should Take Your Vehicle to a Mechanic Immediately

There are certain situations in which it is important to seek out the help of a mechanic immediately. Read on to find out what these situations are.

You have put petrol into your diesel-fuelled car

If your car runs on diesel but you have accidentally filled its fuel tank with petrol, it is absolutely essential to have the vehicle inspected and repaired by a mechanic as soon as possible. If the petrol that you have put into your car's fuel tank reaches the engine block, it could lead to the destruction of most, if not all, of the engine's most vital components.

This is because when petrol is put into a diesel-fuelled vehicle, it generates friction. If the car is switched on after this mistake has been made, the moving, petrol-coated engine parts will begin to abrade one another. This will not only result in these parts sustaining friction-induced damage but will also lead to the production of heat. This heat can cause further problems, as it can result in the severe distortion of the engine's metal components.

If you make this mistake, you should not attempt to drive your car to the mechanic, as this will allow the petrol to reach and flow through the entire engine block. Instead, you should switch off the engine and arrange for the car to be towed to the auto repair centre.

In this situation, it is best to have a mechanic who specialises diesel auto diagnostics carry out the inspection and repair process, as their experience in this area will mean that they will be better able to resolve the issue and minimise the amount of damage that the petrol does to your vehicle's engine.

Your car's electrics are malfunctioning

If you have noticed that your car lights seem to be dimmer than usual or that your windshield wipers are not moving quite as quickly as they normally do, you should visit a mechanic as soon as possible. Issues with a car's electrics are often a sign that the vehicle's alternator is in need of repair. The alternator is the part of your car that helps to power the battery and keep the vehicle's electrics in good working order.

If the electrics are not performing as they should, there is a very good chance that the alternator will fail in the near future. If this happens whilst you're driving, you may end up stranded on the side of the road, as without a working alternator, both your car battery and the electrics will stop functioning.

As such, it is best to contact a mechanic the moment you notice any changes in your car's lights, windshield wipers, radio or other electrically-powered components.


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