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How to Tell If Your Car Doesn’t ‘Feel’ Right
Most people who drive the same car over and over can ‘tell’ when their vehicle is not performing properly. You know what it feels like when your automobile is driving fine, and conversely, you can also feel when something is wrong. Perhaps the car is emitting a strange smell. Maybe the turning capabilities become difficult, indicating an alignment issue. Or, there is a strange sound that you can’t remember being there before, like a clunk or rattle. Maybe you can’t put your finger on exactly what it is, but you know for sure that the handling is off or that something is vibrating, for example.
The most important thing to remember is that any of the aforementioned instances probably indicate that something is wrong with the car – something that requires immediate attention. The trouble is that if you leave it, the problem will most likely get worse and could end up costing you far more to fix than if you just deal with the mechanical issue right away. Remember the old song you use to sing as a kid – “the knee bone’s connected to the shin bone” and so on…Well, a car is very much like a human body – many parts working together to form a complicated process. When there is a problem with one part of your car, neglecting to fix it could cause further problems to other areas, which is why it is important to deal with it as soon as possible.
Some of the most common problems that you should be aware of are:
1) Your car becomes more difficult to steer – this could mean something as simple as adding power steering fluid, to a major issue with the cars’ alignment.
2) The car or truck appears to be ‘pulling’ itself to the left or the right – again, this could mean an alignment issue, or it could mean that your tires aren’t properly inflated – this could be a serious safety issue.
3) If your car appears to have a strange vibration, this could mean a variety of things. It most likely means that your car needs to be re-balanced, but it could also indicate an engine or transmission issue – get to a mechanic right away.
4) If your braking system appears to have changed significantly – you may notice that it requires more pressure than ‘normal’ to get the car to come to a complete stop. This could mean that you need a break job immediately – don’t play around with braking issues. If you notice this type of change, or a squeaking when you brake, get the vehicle to a mechanic right away.
5) This may seem unnecessary to mention, but if you notice any of the safety lights illuminate on your dash board, take the vehicle in. Even if you don’t think it’s a problem. It may not be mechanical, it may be electrical, but either way, the on board computer in your vehicle will require service.
6) If you notice a major change in the fuel economy of your vehicle, this may indicate that something is wrong. If your car starts burning more gas than usual, get to a mechanic. You may need a full system flush, which will be worth the money when you offset savings at the fuel pump.
7) If shifting gears becomes more difficult, or you notice a grinding, thumping, or thudding when changing between gears, take it to a mechanic (and prey that you don’t need a new transmission – this can get expensive!).
This may sound a little silly, but when you take the vehicle to a trustworthy mechanic, let them know the sounds you have been hearing or the things you have been feeling. A mechanic can often diagnose a vehicle problem by the sound or the symptoms you have experienced. Don’t be afraid to tell them you have been hearing a rattle, a clunk, or smelling a strange odour. This may actually help the mechanic address the issue faster.
Remember, if something is wrong with you car, you can often tell just by using your senses. If you see, hear, feel, or smell something wrong with your car (please don’t taste the vehicle!), get it to a mechanic as soon as possible. It may also be in your best interest to find a mechanic that you trust before hand so you know where to take the car should something happen to it!
