Drivers of older cars often have a hard time telling the difference between minor problems caused by typical wear and tear and serious issues that need immediate professional attention. As a general rule, it’s best to err on the side of caution and head to the mechanic any time a new problem arises, but not everyone likes to take that approach. That said, even drivers who don’t feel that it’s worth getting every minor issue evaluated should call their mechanics when they notice the problems below.
Serious Fluid Leaks
On a hot summer day, it’s normal to see water pooled beneath a car since it leaks from air conditioning systems in the form of condensation. Older vehicles sometimes have minor fluid leaks that their drivers already know about, as well. However, drivers who notice puddles of oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, or power steering fluid beneath their cars when they move them out of the driveway need to find a mechanic right away. By getting immediate auto repair Naperville drivers may be able to prevent dangerous vehicle malfunctions.
Unresponsive Brakes
Drivers shouldn’t wait until their brakes are completely worn down to have the pads replaced, nor should they assume that if the car stops eventually, that’s good enough. Brake pads that screech, squeal, or make grinding noises usually just need to be replaced, which is best done before they damage the rotors. Shuddering and shaking or a lack of normal responsiveness could indicate more serious problems that need to be addressed immediately.
Unusual Engine Noises
No engine operates in total silence, and it’s not uncommon for cars to get a little louder over time. However, when drivers notice sudden noises, loud sounds, or any kind of grinding, popping, growling, or banging coming from the engine compartment, it’s time to head to the mechanic. While a car that won’t run is less dangerous than one that won’t stop, drivers still don’t want to ignore these issues.
Exhaust Problems
Most people don’t give much thought to their cars’ exhaust systems. However, they can be good indicators of vehicles’ overall health. If the car’s exhaust starts to smell particularly strong or looks dirty when it comes out of the tailpipe, part of the filtering system may be damaged. The catalytic converter is the most obvious culprit but there are other, less straightforward, and more damaging issues that can cause changes in exhaust color or odor, as well.
Cars Need Some Care to Keep Running Right
Older cars, in particular, need frequent maintenance to keep them running right for as long as possible. Ignoring warning signs of more serious issues to come is dangerous to both cars and their drivers, particularly when the problems impact brakes, steering, and other vital systems. Even drivers who don’t like the idea of spending extra money on cars that have already put in their time should still head to the mechanic to get the problems checked out. The fix might be easy and affordable, whereas ignoring it could be catastrophically expensive.