Wondering if it is time for car repair? These signs are important ones to watch for when driving your vehicle.
Have you ever wondered if your vehicle was behaving the way it should? Some rattles and noises may be completely innocent,
not causing any problems for your vehicle. Others, however, show that it is definitely time for car repair. Ignoring some signs may leave you stranded on the side of the road.
What's That Noise?
One of the main reasons people bring their car to the mechanic is for a funny noise. Cars are noisy contraptions, but some noises can point to a particular problem. For instance, a "clunking" noise is ever a good thing. There are many different systems that this could be affecting, but the bottom line is that if your car is clunking, you need to bring it in.
Sometimes you will notice a loud "click" when you turn. This is another problem that needs to be looked at right away. If your CV joint is starting to go bad, you can replace it fairly inexpensively. If you ignore the problem and it breaks and damages other systems, you will find yourself with a big bill.
Most noises happen when your vehicle is running, but some can occur when it has stopped. If you notice it clicking when it is not running, then bring it in to the car repair shop. This could indicate you need an oil change.
Many noises come from the brakes, and these are not a system you want to mess around with. If your brakes squeal, squeak, or grind, you need to bring your vehicle in. While these can be anything from worn out pads to full brake failure, you do not want to wait and risk a situation where you cannot stop your vehicle.
What's That Smell?
Next, notice the way your vehicle smells. If you notice burning smells, stop your vehicle and call the car repair place immediately. However, you should not risk continuing to drive a vehicle that could be burning inside. If you smell fuel, then you also need to get immediate help. Of course, these smells could come from something outside of your vehicle, but you should stop and evaluate the situation before putting yourself at risk.
What's That Light?
Modern vehicles are equipped with warning lights that alert drivers to potential problems. If one of these comes on, then it is time to visit the car repair shop. Keep in mind that red lights indicate an emergency, while yellow lights indicate a less serious problem. If the light is yellow, you should get it checked out, but it is not an emergency.
Remember, when it comes to noticing the need for car repair, trust your senses. If something doesn't feel, look, sound, or smell right, then you are better off getting things checked out. You will always be happy with a short check than risking being stranded on the side of the road or putting yourself in a dangerous situation. When it comes to driving, you are always better safe than sorry.
