Owning a vehicle is essential for many people, but a vehicle comes with a lot of responsibility. Maintaining or repairing a vehicle may be an inconvenience and cost money, but failure to do so can lead to even more costly repairs, and in some cases it can become a safety hazard. As a vehicle owner, it is important to never ignore these auto issues:  

Bad Brake Pads

Brakes pads are car parts that wear out somewhat quickly due to being used constantly. It is best to follow the brake pad replacement guidelines in your vehicle's owners manual, but if you are unsure when the last time the brake pads were changed you will know that they are going bad when you hear squealing while applying pressure to the brake pedal. If you do not have the brake pads changed as soon as you hear squealing, you will eventually hear a grinding sound when braking-- this can cause a lot of damage to your vehicle and warp the brake rotors. For your safety and the safety of other drivers, always get your brake pads changed at the first sign that they are going bad.

Chipped Windshield

Chipped windshields are an annoyance, but even if the chip does not look big it is important not to ignore it. If it is not repaired, changes in temperature or driving over a pothole can cause your whole windshield to crack. It is much less expensive to have a chip repaired than it is to have your windshield replaced, so take care of the problem as soon as possible. There are a number of mobile windshield repair services in many areas, so you can get your chipped windshield fixed without even leaving your home. If the chip on your windshield becomes cracked before you can get it repaired, make plans to replace your windshield (from professionals such as those from Glass Pro Incorporated) as quickly as possible--driving with a cracked windshield can be quite dangerous, and in some areas it may be possible to get a traffic ticket if a cracked windshield makes it difficult for you to clearly see the road.

Radiator Problems

The radiator in your vehicle is responsible for keeping your engine, transmission, and other important auto parts from getting too hot while the vehicle is in operation. If your radiator has problems and you don't address them immediately, you run the risk of having to replace your engine or transmission, which can be very expensive. Two common signs of a radiator problem are overheating and leaking coolant. Coolant is often green in color, so if you see a small puddle of green fluid under your vehicle you need to take your car to a mechanic.  

Problems Shifting Gears

The transmission makes it possible for your vehicle to shift gears, and when the transmission is in good repair shifting should be smooth. If you notice buckling or shuddering when shifting gears on your car, your transmission needs servicing. If a transmission problem is caught early there is a good chance that it can be repaired, but if you ignore the issue you may have to have the whole transmission replaced.