—
Personal vehicles need regular maintenance to remain operational; otherwise, all those moving parts can (and will) break down. Hopefully, you’re taking your car in for an oil change per your manufacturer’s recommendations—this will help your engine run smoother, and allow a mechanic to spot potential issues and resolve them before they can escalate.
Sometimes, however, you’ll see a sign that your vehicle is in need of maintenance and/or repair, long before your scheduled maintenance arrives naturally. Knowing how to recognize these signs, and knowing when to take action, could keep your car running far longer—and greatly increase your safety.
Why Immediate Maintenance Is So Necessary
There are some car needs that can be put off indefinitely, such as a malfunctioning passenger-side window. Others, like a broken taillight or damaged windshield, are necessary to be able to drive legally.
But this article focuses on maintenance issues that could be ignored, but shouldn’t be. So why is it so important that these items be addressed proactively?
Safety. The first and most important reason is safety. Some issues, if left unchecked, could fail unexpectedly while you’re driving on the highway, or impair your ability to react appropriately. For example, worn brakes could impair your stopping distance, harming your ability to come to a complete stop in time to prevent a collision.
Escalation. Remember, cars are complex machines full of moving parts and interacting systems. If there’s a problem with one of those systems, or just one component, it could easily escalate to start affecting surrounding systems.
Cost. For the most part, it’s much less expensive to fix a problem in its early stages of development than it is in its late stages of development. For example, it’s far less expensive to fill up a partially deflated tire with air, or patch a hole in a tire than it is to get a new tire for a total blowout.
The Most Important Indications
These are just some of the most important warning signs telling you to maintain or repair your vehicle immediately:
- Abnormal braking. Your brakes are one of the most important features of your car, since they allow you to slow down and come to a stop. If they’re not working properly, or if they’re wearing out, they could seriously jeopardize your safety. There are many warning signs to watch for here, including excessive squeaking or other strange noises, or excessive force required on your brake pedal to get your brakes to engage. In many cases, replacing the pads is sufficient to restore your braking capacity to normal—a cheap fix that could save your life.
- A check engine light. If your check engine light is on, you should get it diagnosed; the reality is, a “check engine” warning could mean one of dozens of different things, and most mechanics will have a diagnostic tool they can use to see exactly what the problem is. In some cases, it may be the result of a loose wire or something similarly innocuous. In other cases, it may be a catastrophic failure that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Don’t take the gamble.
- Steering difficulties. Your steering can also be a serious safety hazard if it starts to be affected by wear and tear. If you notice that it takes more effort than usual to steer your vehicle, or if there’s any other kind of abnormal response, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional. Even if your car only strays a few feet from the center of the road, your risk of an accident will escalate exponentially.
- Clunking noises. Clunking noises can cause anxiety in even the most experienced motorists. Is it something rolling around in the trunk, or is it something wrong with your engine? In some cases, you can find the culprit here quickly, but if the noise persists, don’t assume that everything is okay. See if you can replicate the issue, then explain what the noise is and where you’re hearing it to a mechanic.
- A strange smell. Finally, be wary of smells. If you notice the smell of gasoline while driving, it could be that you splashed some on you the last time you refueled, or it could be the sign of a worn or broken fuel line. Smelling something burning is also a bad sign that should be addressed immediately.
These warning signs aren’t comprehensive; they represent some of the most urgent vehicle needs. Make sure you’re attuned to them while driving, and teach your family how to watch for them as well; it’s a matter of safety that shouldn’t be neglected by anyone.
—
This content is sponsored by Larry Alton.
—
What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
◊♦◊
Get the best stories from The Good Men Project delivered straight to your inbox, here.
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
—
Photo credit: Pixabay