Spot vehicle problems with your senses

AAA Colorado has designated October as Car Care Month. Motorists who prepare now for the onset of colder weather will increase their safety during the winter-driving season. The more you know about your vehicle, the more likely it is you can head off problems. Many common vehicle problems can be spotted by using your senses.

Looks Like Trouble

Identifying the cause of a puddle of fluid under your vehicle may save you serious trouble down the road. Small stains or an occasional drop may be of little concern. But wet spots deserve attention and bigger puddles should be checked immediately by a trusted mechanic. Fluids can be identified by their color and consistency:

• Yellowish green, pastel blue or fluorescent orange/red colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak that could be caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator.
• Dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. The leak could be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
• A red oily spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
• A puddle of clear water is usually no problem. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle air conditioner.

Smells Like Trouble

Some problems can be detected simply by following your nose. Consider these causes if you smell something unusual about your vehicle.

• Burned toast or a light, sharp odor often signals an electrical short and burning insulation. To be safe, try not to drive the vehicle until the problem is diagnosed.
• Rotten eggs or a continuous burning-sulfur smell usually indicates a problem in the catalytic converter or other emission control devices.
• A thick acrid odor usually means burning oil. Look for signs of a leak.
• If you smell gasoline vapors after a failed start, you may have flooded the engine. Wait a few minutes before trying again. If you constantly smell gas, you probably have a leak in the fuel system. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be repaired immediately.

Sounds Like Trouble

Squeaks, squeals, rattles, rumbles and other sounds can provide valuable clues about problems and maintenance needs. Here are a few examples of the more common noises and what they may mean.

• Squeal—A shrill, sharp noise usually related to engine speed may be related to a loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.
• Click—A slight sharp noise, related to either engine speed or vehicle speed could be a loose wheel cover, loose or bent fan blade or a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
• Screech—A high-pitched, piercing metallic sound, usually occurs while the vehicle is in motion. It is caused by brake wear indicators to alert the driver that brake maintenance is needed.
• Heavy Knock—A rhythmic pounding sound that could be a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings or a loose transmission torque converter.

Feels Like Trouble

Difficult handling, a rough ride, vibration and poor performance are the kinds of symptoms you can feel. When the driving experience doesn’t feel quite right, look for problems with steering, ride and handling, brakes, and the transmission.

AAA Colorado is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers and has more than 525,000 members in Colorado. As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.