A Look at the Top 5 Car Problems for Hoosiers

Source: Marco de Benedictis / Getty
Travel on U.S. roads in 2023 rose 2.1% to 3.263 trillion miles. Car problems can be a serious inconvenience for many, especially with car travel being a significant factor of American life. Poor infrastructure leads to higher car repair costs and contributes to common issues like flat tires and steering problems.

Source: Felix Andres Montana Otalora / Getty
Indiana’s roads rank poorly compared to other states which creates more car problems. A 2023 study by Consumer Affairs placed Indiana 22nd for worst road conditions in the U.S. Nearly 22% of the state’s roads are in poor condition, causing frequent maintenance issues for drivers.

Source: Addictive Stock / Getty
What Are Hoosiers Top Car Problems?
A recent study reveals the top five car issues in Indiana. This is based on Google search data from Jones & Swanson. Here are the results:
- Flat Tire Flat tires are the most common car problem in Indiana. They generate an average of 997 searches per month. A flat tire can happen due to under-inflation, bad roads, or temperature changes. Driving on a flat tire is dangerous, so fixing it quickly is essential.
- Squeaking Brakes Squeaking brakes come in second with 548 searches per month. This is usually caused by worn brake pads. Dirt or debris in the brake system or a lack of lubrication can also cause squeaking. Ignoring this problem can make it worse.
- Leaking Oil Leaking oil ranks third with 489 searches each month. This issue can be due to a damaged oil pan, too much oil, or a loose drain plug. Oil leaks are dangerous because the oil can catch fire.
- Transmission Slipping Transmission slipping is the fourth most common issue, with 352 searches per month. This problem affects both manual and automatic cars. Low transmission fluid or broken parts can be the cause, and it poses a serious safety risk.
- Steering Wheel Shaking Lastly, steering wheel shaking had 338 monthly searches. This can be caused by unbalanced wheels, alignment issues, or problems with the brakes or suspension. It affects the driver’s control and should be addressed immediately.
A Look at the Top 5 Car Problems for Hoosiers was originally published on ronewibc.staging.go.ione.nyc