How to Check For Clues

Be on the Lookout

You know your car better than anyone, and often a good indication of early issues is the clues your car makes. Clues of sounds, feels, smells and leaks may appear and are not to be ignored. If picked up early, the repair might be a simple one preventing costly damage to the rest of the system.

Learn more about checking vital engine fluids here.

Learn more about checking your lights here.

Learn more about checking your wipers here.

Learn more about checking your tyres here.

Slow Starts

A good indicator that your battery needs replacing is when your car is slow to start after you turn the key compared to previous times you've started it. The voltage might be too low to for the starter motor to kick over the engine resulting in a slower turnover speed and reduced spark to ignite the fuel.

Whiny Steering

if your steering starts making whining noises as you turn a corner, or is feeling much heavier, you may have a power steering issue. This can be comfortable to drive and parrallel park.

Odd Sweet Smells

If you start to smell something sweet when your car starts to run, it’s most likely coolant escaping the system and requires further inspection.

Smoking Out The Exhaust

Engines are designed to burn as clean as possible to met emissions. If your vehicle starts to smoke under acceleration, your engine is burning a vital fluid from the system which may turn into a larger problem if unchecked and left to it's devices.

• Light Blue Smoke: It this most likely engine oil burning
• White Smoke: Coolant burns with a strong sweet smell
• Black Smoke: This may indicate a overfueling issue.

Suspension Sounds

Listen for knocks and bumps too, this isn’t normal for cars to have these sounds. It could mean that something is worn in the suspension or is loose.

Other Warnings

Keep an eye out for warning lights on your car dash and on your car’s temperature gauge for any signs that things could be heating up. It’s really just about taking a bit of notice and watching out for anything out of the ordinary. If you think something isn’t right get it inspected by a professional.

Leaks

Your car shouldn’t leak. The only puddle it should be leaving is a bit of water from the air conditioner. So, a puddle of oil or coloured liquid is a sure sign that something isn’t right. Getting a leak checked as early as possible is always the best practice.