Have you ever wondered how you can instantly know if the car
you own is having problems? Well, it is very simple… just take a
good look!
By asking yourself some basic, common-sense
questions you can quickly and easily diagnose your car just like
an expert! Below are some sample questions you should ask
yourself when diagnosing your car:
1. Are there any
stains or drops of fluid under your vehicle? There may be no
problem whatsoever, however you do want to check for wet spots,
as this could be a symptom of a serious problem.
2. What
color is the liquid under the car? Yellowish green, blue or
orange colors can show an overheated engine or an antifreeze
leak. You could have a leaky radiator or a water pump in need of
repair. If this is the problem, you need to get to a repair shop
immediately.
Some other common symptoms you can look for
include:
- A dark brown or black oily fluid can show that
the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could be the
cause of the leak. The repair for this problem can be
exorbitant, so you will want to seek out a reputable mechanic
right away.
- A red oily looking spot shows a
transmission or power steering fluid leak. Another reason to see
your car doctor! Sometimes the liquid is clear, and this is
usually normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner.
There is no need for concern.
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- If you see light smoke
coming from a wheel - it could be a stuck brake. Call a tow
truck.
- Smoke coming from any part of the vehicle shows
a need for repair. Sniff around, and you may detect your
vehicles problem. The smell of burned toast can signal an
electrical short and burning insulation. Have a mechanic come to
look at your car. Do not risk driving it anywhere.
- The
smell of gas after a failed start may mean the engine is
flooded. Just wait a couple of minutes and try again. If you
keep noticing the gas odor, this could be a sign of a leak in
the fuel system - a potentially dangerous problem that needs
immediate attention.
- If you see steam emerging from
under the hood, stop and pull over. You definitely do not want
to keep driving an overheated vehicle. Your engine will most
likely be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck.
Just by
following these simple guidelines and asking yourself some
common-sense questions, you can spot problems with your car even
before you call the mechanic!
About the Author:
Dr. Drew Henry owns a network of auto-related sites, including
Hot Cars Paradise,
Online Car Auction Zone and
Muscle Cars Central. Visit his
sites today.
