Any unidentified issues with your car can put you, your passengers and other road users in harm’s way. That’s why, as a driver, it’s so important to keep an eye out for the telltale signs of any issues under the bonnet or inside the vehicle. In this article, we explore why identifying these signs is so important and what you should be checking for.
The importance of early diagnosis and repairs
Car faults span from minor issues to major breakdowns. Whatever the severity of a fault, the longer it’s left unchecked, the more damage can be done to the car. As such, unidentified and unresolved issues usually go on to cause your vehicle more damage down the line and, crucially, more cost for yourself.
For example, what starts as a lack of lubrication in the engine, which is a relatively easy fix, can quickly turn into damaged internal chambers and components which often require a completely new engine and a hefty bill for yourself.
So, the more aware you are of issues with your car, the greater amounts of money, time and hassle you can save yourself. Your future self will surely be delighted with your efforts.
Things to look out for:
Car troubles can be wide-ranging and not always easy to diagnose by yourself. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s best to seek the advice and expertise of a trained professional. In the meantime, you can keep an eye out for any of the following:
- Warning lights – You should be paying attention to any warning lights on your dashboard, but it’s surprising how many people don’t. These come from internal monitoring systems and alert you to any issues that need checking or resolving. There should be a guide to the different symbols in your vehicle handbook.
- Squeaking noises – A car shouldn’t normally squeak. If yours does, this could be a sign your brake pads need replacing or there’s something caught in a wheel. Most garages offer free brake checks, so make use of these if you can. If you know how to, you can also use a trolley jack to get a better look under the chassis and behind the wheel.
- Exhaust smoke – Some fumes visible in cold weather are normal, but anything excessive or discoloured could be a sign that something’s not right in the engine or exhaust system. Keep an eye on what’s coming out and when it’s happening.
- Smelling fuel or burning – You shouldn’t be able to smell anything coming from your car while driving. If you’re smelling burning or fuel, get someone to take a look as soon as possible before the situation potentially becomes more severe.
- Fluid leaks – Check under your car to see if there’s fluid leaking. A little motor oil or antifreeze isn’t anything to worry about, but excessive leaking is definitely something to take a closer look at.
- Ineffective pedals – If your pedals feel spongy or unresponsive in any way, this could be a sign of issues with hydraulic fluid, your clutch or any number of internal components. Avoid driving until you’ve had this checked out by a mechanic because a brake or clutch failure could cause a crash on the road.