Google search data reveals Wisconsin’s most common car issues
- Wisconsin’s biggest car dilemma is a flat tire, which generated 620 average monthly Google searches
- Squeaking brakes ranks second, with 447 average monthly searches
- Flat tires are the most common car issue in every state
- Experts discuss the increase in traffic on U.S. roads and why it is crucial to address mechanical problems as soon as possible
A new study has uncovered the top five most common car issues in Wisconsin.
Personal injury attorneys at Jones & Swanson analyzed the average number of monthly searches for various terms, such as ‘flat tire’ and ‘leaking oil,’ in Wisconsin over the past 12 months.
The terms with the highest number of average monthly searches determined the most common car issues in Wisconsin.
1. A Flat Tire
Wisconsin’s most common car problem is a flat tire, which generated 620 average monthly searches.
A flat tire can be caused by multiple factors, such as incorrect inflation, poor road conditions, and even temperature changes. Driving with a flat tire is unsafe as it makes controlling your vehicle more difficult. A flat tire can also cause damage to your wheel, so it is important that drivers see to this issue as soon as possible.
2. Squeaking Brakes
Wisconsin’s second most common car issue is squeaking brakes, which received 447 average monthly searches.
The most likely cause of squeaking brakes is worn brake pads, which have a metal indicator that alerts drivers when they are wearing down and need replacement. Other causes of squeaking brakes include dirt and debris entering the brake pads and lack of lubrication within the braking system.
3. Leaking Oil
Leaking oil is Wisconsin’s third most common car dilemma, as it garnered 352 average monthly searches.
Oil can begin to leak from your vehicle for multiple reasons. Identifying the source of the leak is the first step to stopping it. Causes include an excess amount of oil in your engine, a damaged oil pan, or a loose drain plug. Drivers must attend to this issue as soon as possible, as the leaking oil can become flammable.
4. Steering Wheel Shaking
Ranking fourth is steering wheel shaking, which received 273 average monthly searches in Wisconsin.
Unbalanced or misaligned wheels can cause your steering wheel to shake, as well as issues with the braking system or the car’s suspension. Identifying the issue is a priority when noticing your steering wheel shaking, as causes can become severe when ignored, and a shaking steering wheel reduces a driver’s control over the vehicle.
5. A Dead Battery
A dead battery is in fifth place, as it generated 256 average monthly searches in Wisconsin.
A dead battery will prevent you from starting your car’s engine. Signs that your car battery is dead include dim headlights, dashboard warning lights, and electrical issues such as your radio or heating system not working. Monitoring your battery’s health and performing regular vehicle maintenance can help prevent this issue. However, if you do find yourself with a dead battery, you can jump-start your car with a jump lead or charge it with a battery charger.
The most common car issues in Wisconsin
| Rank | Car Issue | Average Number of Monthly Searches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A Flat Tire | 620 |
| 2 | Squeaking Brakes | 447 |
| 3 | Leaking Oil | 352 |
| 4 | Steering Wheel Shaking | 273 |
| 5 | A Dead Battery | 256 |
Chase Swanson, Partner at Jones & Swanson, commented on the findings,
“Travel on U.S. roads in 2023 rose 2.1% to 3.263 trillion miles following a mass return to offices and lower gasoline prices. With car travel being a significant factor of American life, vehicle issues can be a serious inconvenience for many.
“Neglected vehicle problems can cause distractions and fatalities, as faulty motors present hazards that can lead to collisions. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to address any car problems to ensure their own safety and that of others on the road.”
This information has been provided by personal injury attorneys Jones & Swanson.
-ENDS-
If you use this story, please credit and link Jones & Swanson as they conducted the research.
Methodology:
First, a list of car issue-related terms such as ‘flat tire’ and ‘leaking oil’ was created.
For each included term, the average number of searches made in Wisconsin during each month over the last 12 months was retrieved from Google Keyword Planner.
The full list of terms is available upon request.
The car issue-related terms were analyzed based on searches for each issue within 19 different templates, including:
• [issue]
• what causes + [issue]
• car + [issue]
The average search volume for each issue was calculated and a ranking of the issues with the highest number of average monthly searches to the lowest was created.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
