Auto Repair in the Know

Sometimes car trouble can sneak up on you. Simply relying on your check engine light is not enough to address numerous mechanic problems that could occur from normal driving. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to become more in tune with what you may see, hear, and smell to avoid being stranded.

Warning Lights – Naturally the first type of warning signs for engine trouble is naturally the amber warning lights. These lights are located on your dashboard and usually consist of oil pressure, oil level, and/or the check engine warning. The latter could be indicative a number of problems. By taking your vehicle to a mechanic immediately, they can diagnose what’s happening and hopefully figure out a quick solution. You can even purchase one of these diagnostic tools yourself for about $100 at your local auto parts retailer.

Jerky Driving – All cars should provide a relatively fluid, smooth ride. If there are any jerky sensations, stalls, or delays, chances are something may be wrong. This could be a sign of clogged fuel lines, impaired spark plugs, or a number of other issues. In many cases, these sensations can be averted with regular oil changes and replacing belts and filters at recommended intervals.

Funny Noises – If tapping, popping, or rattling noises from the engine have permeated the cabin, there may be an expensive mechanical issues lurking. Issues could involve anything from the starter to the cylinders. If these noises sound familiar, have your vehicle inspected immediately to avoid costs damage.

Unusual Smells – All cars emit gases since they burn fossil fuels. However, emissions systems on your vehicles should prevent your car from emitting too many odors. If you smell anything from inside your vehicle, that may be a sign that your vehicle is leaking from an otherwise closed-loop system. Some gases, such as carbon monoxide, are extremely dangerous, and if you smell that gas in the cabin or the smell burning rubber from belts under the hood, don’t hesitate to get it checked out. Washington DC Honda dealers typically warn that if something just doesn’t smell or seem right, chances are there may be an issue developing.

Up in Smoke – If you’re seeing smoke, chances are there’s a foreign substance being burned along with the fuel-air mixture inside your engine. Blue smoke means oil is being burned, and white smoke typically means water condensation or antifreeze is being burned.

If any of these issues sound familiar, get them inspected by an auto repair professional fast. By getting these issues checked out in a timely manner, you may be able to avert more costly repairs down the road.

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Tags: auto repair, carbon monoxide, check engine, coolant, engine trouble, oil, warning signs

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 29th, 2009 at 8:56 pm and is filed under Auto Service Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.