Seven Sounds of Serious Car Talk

Seven Sounds of Serious Car Talk

Are you a born mechanic?  I congratulate you.  Personally, I drove my first car for years without even knowing how to raise the hood.

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If you’re like me and have no clue about the inside workings of automobiles and such, take heart.  You can actually tell a lot by what your car says.

Yep.  Those squeaks, squeals, rattles, and rumbles offer valuable clues about problems and maintenance needs.

Scenario One
Your car squeals at you.  A shrill, sharp noise, (mostly related to engine speed) can indicate loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.   Loose car parts are not good news.  Take your car in for a look-over.

Scenario Two
Your car makes a clicking sound.  In this case, you might have a loose wheel cover, or a loose or bent fan blade.   Don’t try beating the dashboard to see if the problem goes away.  Remember the loose car part warning above.

A clicking noise may also mean you have a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.

Scenario Three
Your car screeches.  Piercing metallic sounds can be caused by brake wear indicators to let you know it's time for maintenance.   Sometimes brakes will squeal, even when they’re in okay shape.  Go ahead and get it checked out, though.  You want your brakes in top condition all the time.

Scenario Four
Your car makes a low rumbling noise.   This could mean something’s up with your exhaust pipe, converter or muffler.

Scenario Five
Your car has a high-pitched pinging sound.     This is usually caused by using gas with a lower octane rating than recommended. Check your owner's manual for the proper octane rating. If the pinging continues, engine ignition timing may be the issue.

Scenario Six
Your car has a rhythmic pounding sound.  This could indicate a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings.   Or maybe a loose transmission torque converter.



Scenario Seven
Your car makes a thumping sound now and again.  In this case, you might be dealing with a loose shock absorber or other suspension component.   There might also be a loose exhaust pipe or muffler.

Basically, if your car is saying anything other than a pleasant “hum”, you could be in hot water.  Get it checked out right away.  And casually ask, “I was wondering if maybe I had a loose transmission torque converter…” – just to see what look the mechanic gives you.



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How to Summer-ize your Car

We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter.  Who wants to get stuck in sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car?

But what about during the summer?  Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.

Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run.  Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!  I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.

Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it!   At least take a look-through periodically.  How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?

Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.  This could save you a major breakdown.

Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician.  A check up here can save you a huge bill later.

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.

Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician.  This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.

Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. 

Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.

Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.

Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly.  Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles!  Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.

Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!

Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.

Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.

Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!








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Nine Secrets to Maintaining Your Car

Robert Sikorsky’s little book Drive It Forever offers invaluable tips to keep your car going the extra mile.  His stellar advice could save you a year’s worth of car payments or more!

The smoother you drive, the longer your car will run.  Stopping and starting, fast lane changes, scratching off all lead to shorter life for your car.

Naturally, you can’t drive at all without stopping and starting.  But your goal is to keep moving smoothly any time that you can.  Does it look like a stoplight is about to turn green?  Then slow down and if possible, gently keep moving until the light changes.

Less engine idle means less engine wear, says Sikorsky.  If you have to idle longer than 30 seconds, you may as well turn the engine off and start it when you’re ready to roll.  So turn off the car if you’re waiting in parking lots, waiting on others to ready themselves for travel, if you have to go back in the house for something, etc.

And never rev up the car while it’s not moving. 

If you’re driving in “bumper to bumper” barely moving traffic, it’s wise to turn your air conditioner off.  This saves a lot of wear on your car.  The engine has to work overtime if the air is on and you’re stopping and starting frequently.

You’ve probably heard that it’s good to take your car out periodically for a good drive on the highway now and again, and that’s good advice.  This allows your engine to get fully warmed up and helps get rid of some deposits built up by short trips.

If it’s below freezing, try not to take your car out on short trips of less than five miles.  Sikorsky says this is one of the worst possible conditions for your car.

Don’t cruise around a parking lot forever, trying to find a spot.  Go ahead and park further away and get in a little exercise.

Avoid accelerating suddenly unless there’s an emergency situation.  Putting the pedal to the metal may get you someplace today, but tomorrow you may end up hitching a ride from a neighbor.

If possible, don’t park your car headed uphill.  When you’re ready to start it later, the engine will have to use extra power to pull itself.  It’s better to park headed downhill than uphill.

Driving on dusty roads cuts your gas mileage considerably as well as adds to engine wear.

I’ve found Drive It Forever a valuable read!   It’s personal, and easy to read, even if you’re mechanically challenged.













22 inch rims for sale






























Take Care of Your Tires and rims

We often ignore them unless they're flat.  But tires play a vital role in the overall condition of your car.  Maintain them properly, and you'll save money on repairs and on fuel costs.

Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures that they wear longer and can prevent accidents. Your car likely has a card or sticker attached to the door edge or the inside of the glove box door.  The right amount of air your tires need is specified here.  In case your car doesn't have this sticker, you can check your owner's manual.

Serious accidents can happen if your tires are under-inflated or overloaded.  One of my tires blew-out on me and caused an accident.  Luckily I was on a little traveled country road and was going slowly.  I hate to think of what might have happened if I had been in major traffic.

Buy your own quality tire gauge.  You can't tell if tires are inflated properly just by looking.  And the air meters at your service station may not be correct!

Ask your auto supply dealer for a tire gauge calibrated up to 80 PSI.  They'll know what you mean, even if you don't.

Take a moment at the beginning of each month to check your tire pressure (don't forget the spare!  Uhm, you do have a spare tire, don't you??)  Check them before you get in the car to drive.  Write down the actual under-inflation amount for each tire.  Take this info with you to the service station.

Now measure the inflation again and record these numbers.  (Don't worry, this only takes a couple minutes.)  Now inflate the tires to a level that equals the warm pressure (that you just took) plus the first under-inflation amount. (called the "cold" inflation pressure) 

If the above instructions sound intimidating or confusing, take your car to a shop and give them the “cold” pressure numbers.  They’ll put the correct amount of air in your tires for a minimum fee – sometimes they’ll not charge you at all.

The leading cause of tire failure is under-inflation.  So make a habit to check them once a month.

Overloading your vehicle can lead to tire failure, too.   Just because you have a pick-up truck doesn’t mean it can carry an infinite load.

Schedule a tire check into your calendar each month and you’ll save money, save fuel, and perhaps, even save your family from a car accident.


Buying a Used Car - the Wise Way!

I have always purchased my cars used.  And each time, I got a great deal.  Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree.  There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.

Spending a little time now may save you serious money later.  Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there.  Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.

Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.  While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often.  Take heed.  Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Are you going to purchase from an individual?

Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic.  If he/she says no... beware.  No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.

Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.  Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.

Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made.  That's not always the case, though.  To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.  Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!

Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.  My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car  by Brad Crouch.

Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster.  Guess what?  Come November, I found out it didn't work.  If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater.  And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!

Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.  

Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.


There you go.  Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!













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When Your Car Doesn’t Feel Right

Okay, something’s wrong with your car.  You know it.  It just doesn’t “feel” right. 

That may sound lame when you’re talking to your mechanic, but believe me, it’s not something you want to ignore.

Maybe you feel like the car is difficult to handle.  Maybe the ride just seems less smooth and stable.  Perhaps there’s a vibration that wasn’t there before.

These symptoms almost always indicate a problem.

Is it harder to steer your vehicle?  Do you have difficulty steering in a straight line?  This might mean your front wheels are misaligned or you have worn steering parts.

Does your car feel like it wants to steer or pull to the right or left?  You’ll need to get this checked out.  It may only be that your tires aren’t properly inflated.  But it could also mean that your front end is misaligned or damaged in some way.  That’s nothing to play around with!

Maybe your car feels like it’s vibrating.  Your tires may need balancing in this case.

It’s a good idea to check your shock absorbers and struts, too.  They might need replacing if the car rides “strangely”.

If you put on your brakes, and your car pulls to one side – that means you need to take in it for repair.

If the brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained – same thing.  Take it in.

If you hear or feel scraping or grinding when you apply the brake, this indicates a problem that needs to be checked out.

And of course, the no brainer – You need to get your car to a repair shop if the "brake" light on the instrument panel is lit.

Engine trouble is on the menu if you find that your car is hard to start.  Other indicators include the check engine light coming on, your car using more than one quart of oil between changes, the car engine running after you remove the key, if the car stalls or idles roughly, and if there’s poor acceleration.  Also, getting fewer miles to the gallon is nothing to pooh-pooh.  That could mean an engine problem, too.


Say the word “transmission problems” and your wallet being drained of all that’s in it comes to mind.  You might have a problem of this nature if there’s a delayed response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse, if your car doesn’t shift during regular acceleration, or if the engine speeds up, but the car doesn’t respond.  If shifting is hard – there could be a problem with transmission, too.

Just for your peace of mind, make sure the mechanic checks to see if it’s just a disconnected hose problem or if maybe the filter is plugged.  These repairs are much simpler and cheaper than having your transmission replaced.

When it comes right down to it, you know your car and how it’s supposed to feel when all is well.  If something doesn’t quite feel right, get it checked out.  You may end up saving money and someone’s life!


Seven Sounds of Serious Car Talk

Are you a born mechanic?  I congratulate you.  Personally, I drove my first car for years without even knowing how to raise the hood.

If you’re like me and have no clue about the inside workings of automobiles and such, take heart.  You can actually tell a lot by what your car says.

Yep.  Those squeaks, squeals, rattles, and rumbles offer valuable clues about problems and maintenance needs.

Scenario One
Your car squeals at you.  A shrill, sharp noise, (mostly related to engine speed) can indicate loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.   Loose car parts are not good news.  Take your car in for a look-over.

Scenario Two
Your car makes a clicking sound.  In this case, you might have a loose wheel cover, or a loose or bent fan blade.   Don’t try beating the dashboard to see if the problem goes away.  Remember the loose car part warning above.

A clicking noise may also mean you have a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.

Scenario Three
Your car screeches.  Piercing metallic sounds can be caused by brake wear indicators to let you know it's time for maintenance.   Sometimes brakes will squeal, even when they’re in okay shape.  Go ahead and get it checked out, though.  You want your brakes in top condition all the time.

Scenario Four
Your car makes a low rumbling noise.   This could mean something’s up with your exhaust pipe, converter or muffler.

Scenario Five
Your car has a high-pitched pinging sound.     This is usually caused by using gas with a lower octane rating than recommended. Check your owner's manual for the proper octane rating. If the pinging continues, engine ignition timing may be the issue.

Scenario Six
Your car has a rhythmic pounding sound.  This could indicate a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings.   Or maybe a loose transmission torque converter.



Scenario Seven
Your car makes a thumping sound now and again.  In this case, you might be dealing with a loose shock absorber or other suspension component.   There might also be a loose exhaust pipe or muffler.

Basically, if your car is saying anything other than a pleasant “hum”, you could be in hot water.  Get it checked out right away.  And casually ask, “I was wondering if maybe I had a loose transmission torque converter…” – just to see what look the mechanic gives you.





22 inch rims for sale
































How to Summer-ize your Car

We go to great lengths to make sure our vehicles are ready for winter.  Who wants to get stuck in sub-zero degree weather with a stalled car?

But what about during the summer?  Believe it or not, the heat takes its toll on your car, too, so it’s important to keep your car serviced.

Periodic maintenance on your car will save you tremendous hassle in the long run.  Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!  I made it a point to get my car serviced according to the dealer’s schedule, and when I traded it in, I got far more than I expected due to the stellar condition of the engine.

Now I know this isn’t bedtime reading, but the owner’s manual can be your best friend – assuming you read it!   At least take a look-through periodically.  How about while you’re waiting to get your oil changed?

Follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules.  This could save you a major breakdown.

Have the air conditioning system looked over by a qualified technician.  A check up here can save you a huge bill later.

The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. Prevent this problem by making sure the cooling system is flushed and refilled as recommended.

Have your car’s belts, clamps, and hoses checked by a technician.  This only takes a few minutes and is usually inexpensive.

Change your oil and oil filter every 3,000 miles or four times a year.

Replace air and fuel filters as recommended. 

Get plenty of windshield washer solvent – we have a tendency to use a lot of this in the winter, so your fluids may be low.

Tires should be rotated every 5000 miles or so.

Check the spare tire to make sure it’s inflated properly.  Also, make sure you have a jack along with it!

Transmission troubles equal money troubles equal emotional troubles!  Have your transmission serviced periodically, and prevent big-time repair bills.

If you notice that your brakes are less efficient, get them checked out right away.

Have your battery checked periodically to see how much life it has left!

Inspect all lights and bulbs to make sure they’re working.

Carry a first aid kit, flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, and a cell phone.

There you go – a simple list to keep your car in great running shape. Remember, your car needs to be maintained and checked over even in the summer.

Taking care of your car takes only a few minutes each month, and pays you big dividends for the life of your vehicle!



































Nine Secrets to Maintaining Your Car

Robert Sikorsky’s little book Drive It Forever offers invaluable tips to keep your car going the extra mile.  His stellar advice could save you a year’s worth of car payments or more!

The smoother you drive, the longer your car will run.  Stopping and starting, fast lane changes, scratching off all lead to shorter life for your car.

Naturally, you can’t drive at all without stopping and starting.  But your goal is to keep moving smoothly any time that you can.  Does it look like a stoplight is about to turn green?  Then slow down and if possible, gently keep moving until the light changes.

Less engine idle means less engine wear, says Sikorsky.  If you have to idle longer than 30 seconds, you may as well turn the engine off and start it when you’re ready to roll.  So turn off the car if you’re waiting in parking lots, waiting on others to ready themselves for travel, if you have to go back in the house for something, etc.

And never rev up the car while it’s not moving. 

If you’re driving in “bumper to bumper” barely moving traffic, it’s wise to turn your air conditioner off.  This saves a lot of wear on your car.  The engine has to work overtime if the air is on and you’re stopping and starting frequently.

You’ve probably heard that it’s good to take your car out periodically for a good drive on the highway now and again, and that’s good advice.  This allows your engine to get fully warmed up and helps get rid of some deposits built up by short trips.

If it’s below freezing, try not to take your car out on short trips of less than five miles.  Sikorsky says this is one of the worst possible conditions for your car.

Don’t cruise around a parking lot forever, trying to find a spot.  Go ahead and park further away and get in a little exercise.

Avoid accelerating suddenly unless there’s an emergency situation.  Putting the pedal to the metal may get you someplace today, but tomorrow you may end up hitching a ride from a neighbor.

If possible, don’t park your car headed uphill.  When you’re ready to start it later, the engine will have to use extra power to pull itself.  It’s better to park headed downhill than uphill.

Driving on dusty roads cuts your gas mileage considerably as well as adds to engine wear.

I’ve found Drive It Forever a valuable read!   It’s personal, and easy to read, even if you’re mechanically challenged.












































Take Care of Your Tires and rims

We often ignore them unless they're flat.  But tires play a vital role in the overall condition of your car.  Maintain them properly, and you'll save money on repairs and on fuel costs.

Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures that they wear longer and can prevent accidents. Your car likely has a card or sticker attached to the door edge or the inside of the glove box door.  The right amount of air your tires need is specified here.  In case your car doesn't have this sticker, you can check your owner's manual.

Serious accidents can happen if your tires are under-inflated or overloaded.  One of my tires blew-out on me and caused an accident.  Luckily I was on a little traveled country road and was going slowly.  I hate to think of what might have happened if I had been in major traffic.

Buy your own quality tire gauge.  You can't tell if tires are inflated properly just by looking.  And the air meters at your service station may not be correct!

Ask your auto supply dealer for a tire gauge calibrated up to 80 PSI.  They'll know what you mean, even if you don't.

Take a moment at the beginning of each month to check your tire pressure (don't forget the spare!  Uhm, you do have a spare tire, don't you??)  Check them before you get in the car to drive.  Write down the actual under-inflation amount for each tire.  Take this info with you to the service station.

Now measure the inflation again and record these numbers.  (Don't worry, this only takes a couple minutes.)  Now inflate the tires to a level that equals the warm pressure (that you just took) plus the first under-inflation amount. (called the "cold" inflation pressure) 

If the above instructions sound intimidating or confusing, take your car to a shop and give them the “cold” pressure numbers.  They’ll put the correct amount of air in your tires for a minimum fee – sometimes they’ll not charge you at all.

The leading cause of tire failure is under-inflation.  So make a habit to check them once a month.

Overloading your vehicle can lead to tire failure, too.   Just because you have a pick-up truck doesn’t mean it can carry an infinite load.

Schedule a tire check into your calendar each month and you’ll save money, save fuel, and perhaps, even save your family from a car accident.


Buying a Used Car - the Wise Way!

I have always purchased my cars used.  And each time, I got a great deal.  Don't think I counted on luck, though - no siree.  There are a few "musts" for making sure you don't end up drinking "lemon"-ade.

Spending a little time now may save you serious money later.  Check Consumer Reports on the safest cars out there.  Looks are one thing, but don't ignore safety.

Go to a reputable car repair shop and ask if you can bring the vehicle by for a look-over.  While you're there, ask what cars they have to repair most often.  Take heed.  Also, ask what the inspection includes, how long it takes, and the price. Always get this information in writing - just to be safe.

Once the vehicle has been inspected, ask the mechanic for a written report with a cost estimate for all necessary repairs. Be sure the report includes the vehicle’s make, model and VIN. Go over it with a fine-toothed comb and make sure you understand every item. If you decide to make an offer to the dealer after approving the inspection, you can use the estimated repair costs to negotiate the price of the vehicle.

Are you going to purchase from an individual?

Remember, private sellers generally are not covered by the Used Car Rule and don’t have to use the Buyers Guide. However, you can use the Guide’s list of an auto’s major systems as a shopping tool. You also can ask the seller if you can have the vehicle inspected by your mechanic.  If he/she says no... beware.  No matter how nice the car appears, something fishy is going on.

Now, a private sale likely will be on an "as is" basis, unless your purchase agreement with the seller specifically states otherwise. If you have a written contract, the seller has to live up to the contract. The car also may be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty or a separately purchased service contract. But that doesn't mean that the warranty and service contract are transferable.  Plus, other limits or costs may apply. Before you buy the car, ask if it's still under warranty or service contract, and review that baby carefully.

Some states will require vehicle sellers to pass a vehicle inspection before a sale is made.  That's not always the case, though.  To find out what your state requires, contact your state Attorney General's office or a local consumer protection agency.  Hey, it's just a phone call. And it could save you a real headache later!

Whether you end up buying a used car from a dealer, a co-worker, or a neighbor, follow these tips to learn as much as you can about the car:

Examine the car carefully yourself using an inspection checklist. You can find a checklist in many of the magazine articles, books and Internet sites that deal with buying a used car.  My favorite book that I've used several times is How to Buy and Maintain a Used Car  by Brad Crouch.

Once I bought a used car in August, and never thought to test the rear defroster.  Guess what?  Come November, I found out it didn't work.  If you're shopping in the summer, don't forget to check the heater.  And if it's cold as ice outside, still turn that air on full blast and make sure it works!

Test drive the car under varied road conditions—on hills, highways, and in stop-and-go traffic.  

Ask for the car’s maintenance record. If the owner doesn’t have copies, contact the dealership or repair shop where most of the work was done. They may share their files with you.

Talk to the previous owner, especially if the present owner is unfamiliar with the car’s history.

Have the car inspected by a mechanic you hire.


There you go.  Do your homework, and it's very likely that, like me, you'll find yourself buying used every time!























When Your Car Doesn’t Feel Right

Okay, something’s wrong with your car.  You know it.  It just doesn’t “feel” right. 

That may sound lame when you’re talking to your mechanic, but believe me, it’s not something you want to ignore.

Maybe you feel like the car is difficult to handle.  Maybe the ride just seems less smooth and stable.  Perhaps there’s a vibration that wasn’t there before.

These symptoms almost always indicate a problem.

Is it harder to steer your vehicle?  Do you have difficulty steering in a straight line?  This might mean your front wheels are misaligned or you have worn steering parts.

Does your car feel like it wants to steer or pull to the right or left?  You’ll need to get this checked out.  It may only be that your tires aren’t properly inflated.  But it could also mean that your front end is misaligned or damaged in some way.  That’s nothing to play around with!

Maybe your car feels like it’s vibrating.  Your tires may need balancing in this case.

It’s a good idea to check your shock absorbers and struts, too.  They might need replacing if the car rides “strangely”.

If you put on your brakes, and your car pulls to one side – that means you need to take in it for repair.

If the brake pedal sinks to the floor when pressure is maintained – same thing.  Take it in.

If you hear or feel scraping or grinding when you apply the brake, this indicates a problem that needs to be checked out.

And of course, the no brainer – You need to get your car to a repair shop if the "brake" light on the instrument panel is lit.

Engine trouble is on the menu if you find that your car is hard to start.  Other indicators include the check engine light coming on, your car using more than one quart of oil between changes, the car engine running after you remove the key, if the car stalls or idles roughly, and if there’s poor acceleration.  Also, getting fewer miles to the gallon is nothing to pooh-pooh.  That could mean an engine problem, too.


Say the word “transmission problems” and your wallet being drained of all that’s in it comes to mind.  You might have a problem of this nature if there’s a delayed response when shifting from neutral to drive or reverse, if your car doesn’t shift during regular acceleration, or if the engine speeds up, but the car doesn’t respond.  If shifting is hard – there could be a problem with transmission, too.

Just for your peace of mind, make sure the mechanic checks to see if it’s just a disconnected hose problem or if maybe the filter is plugged.  These repairs are much simpler and cheaper than having your transmission replaced.

When it comes right down to it, you know your car and how it’s supposed to feel when all is well.  If something doesn’t quite feel right, get it checked out.  You may end up saving money and someone’s life!



 

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