If your car is exhibiting any of these signs, it is probably time for auto repair. Here are some things to notice.
A car owner must be observant to notice signs that often mean it's time for auto repair. Just gassing it up and driving it from Point A to Point B is not enough. A person must look,
listen, smell, and feel whether there is something peculiar going on. Drivers get to know their own vehicles extremely well so it's up to them to notice when things are starting to go wrong. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Puddle: Puddles of fluids under a car, truck or SUV could spell trouble. Not sure where it's coming from? Notice the color. Red often means that transmission fluids are leaking. It could also be power-steering solution. Brown or black greasy spots are often bad news - the engine is the culprit and might need a seal or gasket repaired. Cracked hoses, ineffective water pump or a defective radiator could be spewing yellow, green, light blue or bright orange. Clear is usually not a problem but rather some condensation.
- Strange sounds: If a vehicle starts to make weird sounds, it is giving a signal that something is not working correctly. Here are some possibilities:
o Shrill: If there's a shrill noise and a racing engine, it could be a fan belt, AC system or a problem with the power steering.
o Screaming screech: Screeches that sound somewhat metallic may be brakes wearing out.
o Sharp clicking: Sharp clicks could be a valve that's stuck, a need for more engine oil or a bent blade on a fan.
o Pounding: A pounding knock could be the crankshaft, converter or transmission parts.
o Dinging: Could be the wrong gas type with incorrect octane.
- Something's burning: There are lots of different burning smells such as that which smells like eggs, burning toast, burnt resin, burnt metal, gasoline vapors and more. Icky sweet odors are probably coolant that's leaking out. All of these odors should be brought to the attention of a mechanic as soon as possible.
- Won't steer correctly: Steering problems are potentially dangerous and could be because of tires being out of alignment or worn out steering wheel parts. If it's trying to move to the left or right without the driver's intention, it could be tires or problems with the front end.
- Inappropriate bounce: When the shock absorbers are worn out, the car will bounce around more than it should. Springs and suspension could also be to blame. It could be that tires are not inflated to the proper pressure.
- Won't start up properly: Could be the starter, accelerator or many other issues. If "check engine" light comes on, get it in for a diagnosis.
- Won't stop properly: The brakes may need servicing.
- Uses too much gas or oil: This could be many problems including simply needing a tune-up or work on the transmission.
When a car starts to look, sound, smell or feel peculiar, it's up to the owner to notice. Making an appointment for auto repair should be done sooner than later.
