A few things could turn your day around in a bad way. One of them is the lack of your morning dose of coffee, and the other is car trouble. The last thing you want is to to start your day with these two things in mind. You could sort the coffee situation by driving to the next Starbucks, but car trouble could have you grounded for hours. The good thing about your vehicle is that it communicates to you. If you paid attention, then you could avoid the inconveniences that come with a breakdown. Here are some telltales that your car needs attention:
- Weird Noises
A car hums comfortingly as you drive it. If the noise becomes a convoluted mess of noise under the hood, it could be the sound of your engine giving in. The engine wears out naturally due to the mileage, and sometimes the level of oil sides could make it emit that noise. Have someone check it as soon as you get those signs because the engine is the force that drives the car. If it is busted, then you are grounded.
- Excessive Smoking
Smoke coming from the exhaust is a good indicator of car trouble. The color of smoke emitted will help you make an informed decision on what could be ailing the car. White smoke says that there could be a leak in the coolant, blue smoke indicates an oil leak in the engine while black smoke is an indication that too much gasoline is being burnt. To be safe, it is best to drive right into your local auto shop to have it checked before escalation.
- Increased Fuel Consumption
If your car suddenly acts thirsty for fuel, then it could be the onset of car trouble. It could be a clogged air filter, but it could also be a more serious engine problem.
- Sudden Transmission Issues
If your car develops sudden problems when accelerating or braking, then there could be a bigger concern that you need to be checked. It could be a transmission issue that of left unchecked could accelerate.
- Leaks
If you notice any leaks on the ground where you park your car, you may want to have it checked immediately. Some leaks, such as water leaking at the front of your car on the passenger side are normal. The leak is caused by water that collects while your air conditioner unit runs. Those are expected during summer and should not worry you. Any other leak, however, should have you running to the auto repair shop for a check.
Procrastination is what causes most car problems to escalate. Major car issues start as small problems that were left unchecked for too long. The result it you paying a hefty bill to have some part overhauled while a simple check up would have cleared you at the price of a few bottles of wine. Make a habit of having your car checked regularly just to be certain that all well.
Written by Marc Laferierre, owner of Dents Unlimited. Dents Unlimited offers the best car repair Columbia MO has to offer.