I’m Sensing A Problem

Common Signs Your Car Needs Repairs

Our phone is probably the number one thing in our lives that we rely on the most. For most of us, our vehicle is number two. If we are without either one, panic begins to set in, and the catastrophic scenarios limited only by our imagination begin to terrorize our very core.

Small dog with big, scared eyes.

Imagine, if you will, your vehicle won’t start and your phone is dead. Oh, and you’re late for the next feeding display at Gatorland! Making sure the battery in both devices is charged is where the similarities end.

Our vehicles rely on us just as much as we rely on them. They need fuel, regular maintenance, and preventative care. And yes, sometimes unexpected repairs. Knowing when your vehicle requires any of these makes the difference of whether you make it to your next reptilian feeding event. With that in mind, let’s discuss the signs, symptoms, and clues that it’s time to bring your car or truck in for service.

Consider using four of your five senses, and skip tasting anything on your vehicle that might be a problem. Let’s start with sight. If you recall your driver’s education training, before getting into your vehicle, it’s important to do the circle of safety. You know, the one where we walk around our car and kick all the tires. 

Right. I see people doing that one all the time. 

I’m not going to convince even myself to do that one every time I need to go somewhere. 

Car dashboard

Okay then, what am I looking for? What can I “see?”

• Dash Warning Lights

• Service Messages

• Failed Exterior Lamps (rapid blinking turn signal is a tell-tale sign.)

• Wipers that are streaky or don’t clear the windshield well

• Smoke from under the hood (pull over, shut it down!)

• Visibly low tire pressure (Most cars have a monitoring system, but if you don’t, you’re going to need to check them manually.)

• Reminder Stickers (Don’t forget to look at these once in a while!)

The next and probably most important sense you’re going to use is your hearing.

Unfortunately, this is going to require a baseline which means you’re going to need to turn your radio down occasionally. Taylor Swift can’t tell you when your wheel bearing sounds like a cringy werewolf cub and neither can you if you’re never listening. It’s important to periodically drive your vehicle without any other audible influences. 

Get an idea for what your vehicle sounds like when everything is as it should be, and you’ll know when something sounds off. Listen for abnormal rotational or rhythmic noises that could indicate a problem in the tires or drivetrain. Pay attention to any clunking or rattling when going over bumps that suggest a suspension issue. You could have squeaks and squeals in the brakes, ticks and tings in the engine, or springs and sproings in the chassis!  Whatever it may be, abnormal noises are vital signals that something is wrong and it’s time to get the vehicle inspected.

Scrabble tiles spelling out "Listen More".

By following the advice of a certain breakfast cereal mascot, your next sense can also alert you to potential problems that will need rectifying. Abnormal smells are not just annoying, that can also reveal other serious issues. Your engine reaches very high temperatures and even a minor fluid leak will burn and emit very unpleasant odors. Whether it is coolant, oil, brake, or steering fluid, they will all produce a noticeable smell. Other burning smells can emanate from brakes when there is an issue. These smells can usually be isolated to a specific wheel. Electrical burning smells are unique and must be addressed immediately. 

Bottom line, follow your nose and if it stinks, get it looked at.

Lastly, what you feel (not emotionally, unless it helps) can be very useful when determining if there might be a problem with your vehicle. These are very recognizable sensations you’ll feel while driving. Any excessive vibration, whether it’s in the steering wheel, pedals, shifter, or the entire vehicle, can not only make for an uncomfortable driving experience, but it can also point to a potential serious issue. A pulsating brake pedal during stopping usually indicates a problem with the brake rotors that may need addressing. If you notice late or harder than normal transmission shifts get it looked at.

If you get comfortable with your own vehicle, which you should, you’ll have no problem recognizing any signs or symptoms that something might be off. It may not be necessary on every drive, but occasionally pay attention to your vehicle just in case it might be trying to tell you something.