In order to keep your car in good condition and heading off repair issues, you must have a sound knowledge about the different problems that can occur in your ride as well as the ways by which you can detect them. There are many signs of trouble which can be recognised just by using the senses of smell, hearing and sight. Now you might be wondering how that is possible. Have a look at some of the common signs of car problem that you can trace by keeping your senses alert:
Odours :
If you smell something similar to the odour of burned toasts, it can be an indicator of burning insulation and electrical shorts. A continuous stench of rotten eggs may signal problems in the catalytic convertor or some other device associated with emission control. A thick pungent odour can mean burning oil, and you will require to check for leaks. In case your engine gets flooded, you might be able to detect the smell of gasoline vapours. If it persists for long, it can mean that your fuel system is leaking. Burning resin odours indicate overheated clutch or brakes. A sweet and steamy smell generally signals a coolant leak, but sometimes it can also be the sign of an overheated engine if accompanied by a warm, metallic scent.
Sounds :
Different kinds of noise emitted by a car can indicate different problems –
- Squeal – Worn or loose power steering, air conditioning belt or fan
- Click – Bent or loose fan blade, lax wheel cover, less engine oil or constrained valve lifter
- Rumble – Faulty exhaust pipe, muffler or converter, or worn out universal joint
- Heavy Knock – Lax transmission torque converter or worn crankshaft
- Clunk – Loose muffler, shock absorber or exhaust pipe
Sight :
Occasional fluid drops or small stains may not be a big deal, but sometimes they might deserve attention. Yellowish green, fluorescent orange or pastel blue coloured fluids can indicate either antifreeze leak or overheated engine, the cause of which may be leaking radiator, water pump or bad hose. Red oily stains generally mean power-steering or transmission fluid leak. A black or dark brown fluid is the sign of a leaking engine.
If you come across any of these problems and decide to inspect it at home, do use the right diagnostic equipment. For instance, if you are using products of Launch, make sure that they have been purchased from an authorised dealer of Launch automotive diagnostics in Ireland. This will prevent the issues from worsening any further.
