9 Car Danger Signs You Should Know

Having your car serviced regularly by a qualified car mechanic is probably the most effective way you can keep your car safe and reliable. Let’s face it, in this day and age we are all concerned about money but when it comes to motor vehicles there can be no compromise. You simply cannot afford to have your car operating at less than its optimum.

With the safety of ourselves and our passages clearly in our mind we need to be constantly on the alert for car problems so we can nip them in the bud and avoid expensive repair jobs. Your mechanic is the go to guy for everything but there are occasions when you can play your part too.

Even if you don’t have a mechanical mind and are happy to know where to put the petrol in and how to start the car, you can still add to your skill base by learning a few things that can help you diagnose the problem before it gets beyond control. This means you can play your part in reducing motor vehicle repair bills, and at the same time impress your auto mechanic!

Let’s have a look at a few warning signs that all may not be well with your motor vehicle.

• The brake warning light. If your vehicle is fitted with the brake warning light you have the advantage of predicting brake problems before they occur. Quite simply, if the brake light comes on take it to your mechanic as soon as you can.
• If you feel your brakes grabbing, that is, a feeling that the brake pad is catching and holding for too long, your brakes are in urgent need of repair.
• If your brakes have a vibration that you feel through the pedal or there is a squealing noise coming from your wheels when you apply the brakes, take them to your auto mechanic for adjustment or repair.
• If you are driving and apply your brakes and feel the pedal go straight to the floor, gently apply your handbrake to bring a vehicle to a stop and call your mechanic as soon as possible.
• If your car pulls to the left or the right when you apply the brakes, they need to be adjusted urgently.
• If your car makes a startling noise like a rifle shot from the exhaust you should visit your auto mechanic to have the fuel mixture checked.
• If you feel a low-frequency booming noise and it feels like you are riding inside a metal drum, you need to have your driveshaft checked immediately.
• If you hear a knocking or cracking sound coming from under the bonnet, you should stop your car immediately as you may have blown head gasket. You should call for your car to be towed to the mechanic immediately.
• When the oil light continually flashes on your dashboard, it’s time for a quick visit to the service station.

Whilst these warning signs are not an exhaustive list they do mean that you should be making a visit to your mechanic as soon as possible.