Owning a car is a huge responsibility. One wrong move can seriously hurt you, your loved one, or a stranger.
It is your job to not only drive carefully while on the road but also to recognize the signs and symptoms of potential problems in your vehicle. Here are some things that you need to look out for.
Do You Hear That?
You drive your car every day. You should be able to notice when an unusual sound coming out of your vehicle.
Noise is a good indicator that your vehicle needs a thorough check-up. Squeaks may mean that your brake pads are worn out and need to be replaced.
If you hear ringing, beeping, grinding, grating, or if your car simply sounds louder than normal, bring it to a trusted mechanic. Subaru auto-repair services across the entire nation can look for the problem and fix it before it becomes serious.
What is That Smell?
The interiors of cars always have a mix of different smells but, beyond the scent of the leftovers you took home or your friend’s perfume, is there an odor that you cannot trace where it is coming from?
If you smell rubber or smoke, that usually is a bad sign that something is not right.
The smell of rubber might mean that fluids are leaking. A problem with the engine’s gasket may be causing the unpleasant odor. The radiator’s coolant spilling over the hot engine of your car may also release the rubbery scent.
Sometimes, the many different belts in the engine wear out and create friction. As a result, you might notice the smell of burning rubber.
On the other hand, smoke is also a warning sign that something is not working as intended. White smoke, for example, is caused by leaking coolant. It might result in your car overheating. Black smoke is connected to gasoline and needs to be checked out ASAP. If the smoke has a blue tint, an oil leak may have happened.
Is Your Car Shaking?
Often, rough roads cause the vehicle to feel like a bumpy roller coaster ride. Sometimes, the shaking and sputtering you feel may have to do with malfunctioning parts.
Vibrating sensations may be caused by several issues. Failing suspension, for example, will cause your car to shake because it cannot lessen the impact that the vehicle is often subjected to. You should also check your wheels and tires, as aligning might be needed.
Do You Step on the Brakes Hard?
Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. Avoid accidents by bringing your car to the mechanic as soon as you notice that something is amiss with your brakes.
Spongy brakes — if it does not respond quickly — may be caused by low or old brake fluids. Replenishment or replacement is needed.
Your Car Does Not Follow Your Lead
When you steer the steering wheel to the left, your car must head to the left. If it does not cooperate, look at the tie rods and tie rod ends. These components connect the wheels to the steering wheel. Otherwise, the problem may lie in the power steering system (power steering fluid, pump, and belt).
Proper maintenance of your vehicle is needed to make sure that every part is working efficiently. Being vigilant for signs that your car is in distress will save you from a lot of headache and expensive repairs/replacement later on.