MOTORING NEWS - The majority of modern vehicles have very little need for a mechanic between services, but on the odd occasion you may need to know when to ask for expert help. If your vehicle is no longer under warranty, you'll want to pay close attention to the warning signs.
Here are some tips on what to look out for:
Warning lights
This may seem obvious, but there are many people who don't notice warning lights or assume they're not urgent. Make a point of checking the dashboard when you switch on the vehicle. If warning lights are showing, check what they are. Depending on this, decide if your car can be driven or not. If you're unsure what the warning light means, it's best to contact the manufacturer or dealership. Engine warning lights can indicate a very serious problem and you could cause major and expensive damage if you ignore them.
Odd sounds
Sometimes it's as simple as that something is just not sounding right. Most drivers know their cars well - after all, we spend a lot of time in them. If you pick up any sounds that seem unusual, it's best to get it checked by an expert.
Leaking
If you notice any liquids leaking out of your car, it needs to be checked. Some cars tend to leak a little bit of coolant or water, especially if they've been driven over long distances. But regular puddles under your car could indicate a bigger problem. If it's clear that the liquid is fuel or oil, it's best to call your mechanic and ask how to proceed. If it's a fuel leak or a serious oil leak, you might not be able to drive it at all and will need to have the vehicle towed.
If things get foggy
If there is any kind of smoke or steam coming out of the engine, pull over and call an expert. There are rare cases when it's just a little bit of excess oil burning off, but as a rule you should never see any smoke or steam coming from the engine.
Loss of power
A loss of power can indicate a fault with the engine. It might be gradual, or you may notice an overnight difference. If your car suddenly becomes sluggish when you try to accelerate, it's a clear warning sign that the engine needs attention. In some newer cars it could simply require a software adjustment, but it's best not to take any risks.
Electronic glitches
Small electronic 'glitches' will make their way into most vehicles over time. The radio might be sluggish to switch on, or the windows might not open as smoothly as they used to. If your car is showing a number of electronic glitches, it may mean there's a bigger underlying problem.
So, if you start picking up unnecessary delays or certain functions are unresponsive, your car needs to be looked at.
As with any other "appliance", you need to pay attention to your car and be aware of signs that could indicate yours need attention. Even minor things, such as electronic glitches, can be a sign of a serious underlying problem that can leave you stranded if you don't get it looked at.
Article: Suzuki
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