Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore In Your Car
Highlights
It's imperative that you don't ignore the warning signs that your car gives you. Otherwise, you might end up with a broken-down car in the middle of nowhere. Or there's also the possibility of accidents taking place. But you can be rest assured that none of them will happen to you if you know about all the warning signs that we've listed below.
Rough shifts
Apart from your engine, the transmission happens to be one of the most crucial parts of your car. Anything out of the ordinary in its functioning must be taken seriously. That's why if you start experiencing roughness when you're shifting gears something is usually wrong with transmission fluid, filters and screens. They require periodic maintenance in order to ensure a longer life.
Excessive smoke from exhaust
Yes, a little smoke while starting the car is not a cause of concern. But when your exhaust starts spewing a lot of it, there's something really wrong with the engine. This could be due to an oil leak or a general breakdown of the exhaust system. Either way, this is one more sign that you just can't afford to ignore.
Check engine light
This one's a no brainer actually. Just get it ingrained in your mind that the check engine sign cannot be ignored. And the reason is pretty clear. It is only meant to light up when there's something wrong with your engine. It might be something minor or could be something dangerous. Just remember to take your car to the nearest service station to get things checked. Better yet, stop driving the car entirely and ask the service person to visit you instead.
Uneven tyre wear
The ultimate danger of blowouts and flat tyres can be avoided sometimes by a little observation. Keep an eye out for tyre threads and if they are wearing unevenly. Uneven tyre wear takes place when there's a misbalance in the weight distribution of the car or a chamber misalignment, among other things.
Squeaky belts
As much as they are annoying, squeaky belts are also potential danger signs. They start making sounds when there's unusual wear on them. Since they are highly important for powering the electrical systems of your car, they cannot be ignored. You can sometimes stop the squeaking with just a little adjustment but sometimes, a complete replacement is needed.
Grinding brakes
Driving around with worn brakes is an extremely foolish thing to do. How do you know when the brakes are worn? You'll know it when you start hearing grinding or squeaking sounds while braking. It's an indication that your brake pads need replacements since the sounds are coming from the metal tabs behind them that are now exposed.
Those are all the signs you need to be on the lookout for if you wish to ensure a long life for your car and a safe drive for yourself and your loved ones.