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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Before draining the fluid in the radiator, you’ll want to let the engine cool down first -  an important step that Auto Body Louisville says is often forgotten! Leave the car turned off for several hours to help ensure the engine compartment isn’t hot. One reason for this is that when the engine and radiator is hot, the pressure inside goes up and opening the cap could lead to severe injury for you or for those around you.

The next step is to detach the battery before draining the radiator. This will ensure that the fan in the front of the radiator doesn’t suddenly turn on while you have your hands around the radiator and will help prevent any injury that could occur. Albuquerque used cars dealers also suggests that you’ll want to prepare a plastic container before hand that the coolant could drain into. Make sure it is a sturdy container that can safely and securely store the harmful fluid, recommends Body Shop Chicago. You may consider placing a blanket or tarp over the engine to prevent any coolant from spraying on to other engine components.

After these precautions are taken, you may then open the radiator cap which is located at the top portion of the radiator. Land Rover Service Aurora says will help reduce the pressure in the radiator and help the fluid flow out when it’s drained from the bottom of the radiator. Then, remove the plug from the bottom of the radiator and empty fluids into the container.

Do not move the container until all fluid appears to have been emptied from the container warns Newark Dodge dealers. Using a hose, you may want to flush the radiator out with water to remove and other debris that may be present within the radiator. Once it has drained again completely, place the plug back into the bottom of the radiator and fill the radiator with coolant or anti-free from the top based on the manufacturer-recommended amount. After the radiator is filled, place the cap back on, connect the battery, and then check for any leaks. After that, the last step is to take the container of radiator fluid to your nearest recycling facility for proper disposal.

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