Your car doesn't need to outright break down or seize up while you're on the highway for it to need repairs; very often, there are many subtle and small signs that something is breaking or has already broken and needs fixing or replacement, even though you can still drive the car. Note a few of those signs here, so you can keep your car in good repair and avoid actually suffering a breakdown while driving!
Fluid depletion
Engine oil can burn away, but not so much that you should need to add more before it's time to get the oil changed. If your car's oil light is always coming on, but you're having the oil changed as recommended, check for an oil leak or other such damage.
Transmission fluid should not burn away and should never get low; if it does, this means there is a leak in the system, and this should be found and patched. If you're always having to refill the coolant reservoir tank, this can also mean a leaking hose or damage to the car's radiator. Have these checked so the engine doesn't overheat.
Smells
Never overlook a burning smell from under the car's hood, as this can mean that the vehicle is burning transmission fluid, and this can cause excessive wear and tear on the vehicle. If you notice a burning smell from the back of the car, the catalytic converter may not be filtering fumes and emissions as it should, so more pollution is exiting out the back of the car. If you smell what resembles burning rubber, this could mean the vehicle needs an alignment, as one tyre may be dragging and literally burning away its rubber.
Squealing
A squealing sound should never be ignored; if you hear this noise when you first start the car, this could be a fan belt that needs replacing, or it may also be the belt to the alternator. If this belt were to snap, the battery would not charge and the car could soon stall.
Squealing when you turn usually means damage to the tie rods, which connect the wheels to the axles; if these are bent, the metal may make a squealing noise as you pull away from that tyre. Squealing after you release the brake pedal may indicate that the brake callipers are still engaged. If left unchecked, this can cause serious damage to the vehicle, so ensure this is addressed as soon as possible.
Contact a car repair shop for additional advice.
Share8 January 2018
Hello, my name is Brian and if there is one thing I like to do, it is to go driving in my car. There is no better way to relax and unwind than heading out on the open road. I am not an auto mechanic or a car dealer, but over the years I have spent many years working with people such people and they have been kind enough to teach me a thing or two about buying and maintain automobiles. I have decided to start this blog so I can share everything I have learnt with the rest of the world.