Knowing how to identify common car problems can come in handy. It can save you money and time. Even if you are not an automotive expert, being able to detect early signs of car problems can help you stop the issue before it accelerates.
Vehicles are more reliable today compared to the previous years. But that doesn’t mean that car malfunction doesn’t occur. On the contrary, breakdowns still happen, and any auto owner should have some skills to help them diagnose car issues. Here are simple techniques that you can use to diagnose your vehicle.
Listen Carefully
You should open your ears and listen to any unusual noises coming from your car. Such sounds are a sign that some components of your vehicle are not in good condition. When you hear, you can identify a lot of problems such as engine trouble, brakes malfunction, among other issues.
For instance, when you hear squealing after stepping on the brakes, it is a sign that brake pads have worn out. Also, a squeaking that may occur after you turn the wheel can be a sign of damaged suspensions or worn-out shocks. So, always open your ears while driving a vehicle.
Check for Leaks
You may think it is just water dripping from your conditioning unit, but you must check the color. The different colors of the liquid indicate various problems. When you find that the liquid is clear and slippery, it implies that the brake fluid is leaking.
When the fluid is dark red, it can be the power steering or transmission fluid. And a black or amber liquid can be engine dripping oil.
Use Your Smelling Sense
When there are different types of smells inside or outside your car, it might be that there are issues with your vehicle. Compared to listening, scents are natural to detect since they are more noticeable.
So, ensure that you are aware of any strange smells in your vehicle. You can check for the following scents.
- Exhaust fumes smell within your car
- Gas or oil smell
- Coolant smell
- Burnt rubber or wood
- Mould or mildew smell
All these smells can translate into different car problems that you can pinpoint when you use your smelling senses.
Use Diagnostic Tools
Another way to identify any problems with your vehicle is by using diagnostic tools. There is much diagnostic software that you can use, such as vag com cable. When you use such tools, you can be able to know the main issues with your vehicle.
Use your hands
It would be best if you used your sense of touch to identify some vehicle trouble. When you detect vibration and heat, you can quickly pinpoint where the issues are and determine the cause.
For instance, to know that there are some problems with engine mounts, excessive vibration on the steering wheel will help you. Another indication of engine problem is inadequate throttle response
These are some of the tips that you can use to identify any car problem. Always report the issues to your mechanics for proper diagnosis using tools such as vag com cable and repair.