Warning Signs  of  Car  Trouble

How much and how often do you depend on your car?  Easy answer isn’t it?  You depend on your car quite a bit every single day, right?  Your daily tasks, needs, wants, and responsibilities would be incredibly hard to meet if you didn’t have your car, wouldn’t they?  Take into consideration all the things you typically do in a single day; take the kids to school, go to work, if your lunch hour is long enough, you run errands on lunch, pick the kids up from school and/or any after-school programs, attend doctor appointments, go to the grocery store, and finally—run more errands—quite a bit for one day.  Most non-married Americans, and even some married couples, only have one car, which is the heart that keeps them alive day-to-day.  Can you imagine how much more difficult it would be to complete these daily tasks if your car was down for repairs and you had to rely on public transportation?

Many people seem to be under the notion that when their car malfunctions; it comes from nowhere with no warning signs—that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Your car will almost always let you know when a problem is developing that will require mechanical work and sometimes immediate attention.  The problem is; many people ignore a car’s warning signs until its too late, which is usually the same time an unexpected engine failure occurs and leaves the owner stranded roadside.  Today we’ll be discussing how to recognize your car’s warning signs and to when your car is trying to tell you something’s wrong.  Despite the unfortunate reality that your car may need repairs, a positive is that in most cases, you don’t have to be an ASE Certified Mechanic to know when something’s wrong because your gives you obvious signals.

Service  Engine  Light

This is the number one warning sign something is wrong with your car—your engine light will come on.  DO NOT ignore your engine light simply because you may not visibly notice any difference in your car’s performance—find out right away what’s wrong and remember the ‘Service Engine’ light doesn’t come on for nothing.  Most part stores can use an OBD II Scanner to read the DTCs in your car’s system.  Some OBD II scanners will be able to indicate exactly what the problem is while others will give you an ‘idea’, and at least point you in the right direction.  There is no charge for a parts store attendant to check the DTCs and it only takes a couple minutes, and may also save you a lot of money.

Fluid  Leaks

Fluid leaks are a clear indication of a possible or developing problem, and it’s good to know what kind of leak you may have.  Here’s a color chart to help.

Fluid                                       Fluid Color

Coolant/Antifreeze                 Green (most common), Pink (DEXCOOL)

Power Steering                       Clear, Bright Red

Transmission Fluid                Dark Red

Motor Oil                                  Dark Black, Light Brown

Brake Fluid                              Clear

Sluggish  Performance  &  Drivability

If you have noticed decreased acceleration, or slow and sluggish acceleration, it could indicate a transmission problem, poor fuel circulation, a hole in the muffler or exhausts, as well as host of additional mechanical issues—do not ignore this sign.

Troubled  or  Slow  Starts

If your car isn’t starting the same there’s a good chance something is wrong.  This could be the result of a bad or failing battery, a failing starter or alternator, a bad ignition, a failing fuel pump or fuel filter, and clogged fuel injectors.  There are several other possible mechanical failure that could trigger a slow starting vehicle, but those listed are among the most common.

Noises

Noises are very good warning signs and will not steer you wrong.  You know when you hear a squeaking near your front tires, it’s time for new brakes.  If your car suddenly sounds like an airplane has landed in your driveway, you probably have an exhaust leak or a hole in your exhaust/muffler.  A thudding sound can mean anything from a flat tire or bad CV joint/axle to severe engine trouble—pay attention to the noises your car makes.

Vibration  &  Pulling

Vibration and pulling are also excellent warning signs.  If you’re experiencing any level of vibration and/or pulling it could mean that you need an alignment, bad brakes and/or rotors, bad tires, or additional suspension-related issues.  Nonetheless, do not take these things lightly, and have your car inspected by your mechanic as soon as possible.

The moral of the story is simple—don’t ignore your car’s warning signs!