If your car is making a new noise, losing fluid, falling apart or not starting, it can be a headache trying to figure out precisely what is wrong. However, these interruptions are to be expected during the life of your vehicle and luckily there are some time-tested ways you can determine the cause of the problem. If you’re not too familiar with engines, it might be a good idea to call a professional mechanic to assist you, or if you are on the road already, to call a mobile mechanic in the Gold Coast area.
When getting in touch with a mechanic, it can be helpful to take stock of the situation yourself before making the call to ensure they know what they are dealing with. The more accurate information you can provide, the better advice or service your mechanic can give you. Remember, mechanical issues with vehicles can be serious, so use common sense and be forthright about your mechanical aptitude when deciding on which steps to take.
Continue reading to learn how you can recognise issues with your car and what action you should take.
Check For Obvious Problem Signs
It is sometimes immediately obvious as to what the issue is with your car. Perhaps your tire is completely flat with a nail in it, for example. In this case, you can either fix the problem yourself or contract the work out to a professional mechanic.
Less obviously, but still important is to take note of the warning lights on your dashboard. While a Check Engine light can indicate a number of problems, other indicators such as the temperature light or tire pressure light can be useful to the layman. These problems can be solved quickly without the need to call for assistance.
Consult your vehicle’s manual for more detailed instructions if you notice these indicators.
Check For Leaks
If you notice any puddles forming underneath your vehicle, it is important to get the problem sorted out immediately. Whether the fluid is oil or anything else, you can be sure that it is meant to be flowing freely through your engine rather than causing stains on your driveway. Call a professional if you cannot make the repair yourself or if you have difficulty in determining the source of the leak.
Listen For Classic Creaks Or Clunks.
From time to time, every vehicle makes a new sound that causes concern. You may have a worn-out part or perhaps some components are lacking proper lubrication. Other sounds, such as grinding, are usually indicative of a transmission problem. Backfiring sounds can be caused by old spark plugs, old air filters or potentially something more serious. If you cannot solve the problem yourself, make sure to take your car into a mechanic to find and fix the problem properly.
Where There’s Smoke…
You may have a serious problem if you see smoke coming from your engine. Cracked cylinder heads or blown gaskets can potentially put your car out-of-commission entirely. Take note of the colour of the smoke so that you can inform the mechanic later. Blue smoke is usually related to leaking oil, while black smoke is caused by a variety of potentially serious issues.
As an aside, you should consider keeping a small fire extinguisher in your vehicle in case of an emergency situation.
Let The Professionals Take Care Of It
Depending on your personal knowledge of automobile mechanics, sometimes it is necessary to call a professional to diagnose and solve your car-related issues. While it can be frustrating, and sometimes expensive, to take your car in, you can then be sure that your problem will be solved competently. If you do have car trouble, make sure that your car is well-maintained and safe to drive before continuing on your way.