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When your vehicle starts creating abnormal sounds, smells, and fluid leaks start investigating the issue sooner rather than letting the condition worsen. Waiting will only lead to dangerous driving where you may lose steering control and the ability to brake your vehicle safely. In addition, it may require more expensive parts which need to be replaced as they have worn out.

Warning lights

Pay attention to warning lights.  Do not ignore them. When they come on, they may be annoying, but they are telling you something.  They come on because the computer sensed a signal from one of the systems or components has gone outside its normal operating range.

Something does not look right

Wet spots on the garage floor or in the driveway where your vehicle is parked? They deserve attention.  By checking puddles immediately, the source may be identified.  Their color and consistency will help you in the identification:

*  Yellowish green, pastel blue or florescent orange colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. 

*  A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. 

*  A red oily spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak. 

*  A puddle of clear water usually is no problem. It may be normal condensation from your vehicle's air conditioner.        

(Source: Auto Repair Basics - Federal Trade Commission)

If a vehicle has broken, fractured or discolored glass which obstructs the driver's vision, it may not be driven on the roadways. Cover the damage right away with tape to keep contaminants out until you can get it to a certified windshield specialist. There are many companies which can repair a vehicle's broken glass right in your driveway. Check with your insurance carrier as your policy may cover the cost.  

Strange sounds

Strange sounds make your vehicle's condition known every time you take a corner or ride over a bump. Some easily recognizable sounds are:

*  Strange clicking while taking a turn from the front wheels means that the front shaft is malfunctioning.

*  A fan-belt squeal means that another one is needed.

*  Rhythmic clicks from the wheel indicate faulty bearings at worst or just large pebbles stuck in the tread pattern at the best.

*  A change in engine tone usually indicates engine overheating, especially if you have been driving at constant speeds for a long time. Let the car cool down and then check radiator and water levels.

*  Backfiring while normal driving means serious problems.

*  Engine knocks means that it is time to get into a lower gear. If it persists, however, it is time to get your engine and engine oil checked.

(Source: Wrench Craft.com) 

Unusual smells

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.

 *  Rotten eggs or a continuous burning-sulphur small 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, or your gas cap may not be on at all or adequately tightened.  New vehicles have a warning light for this.

 *  Burning resin or an acrid chemical odor may signal overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and allow the brakes to cool after repeated hard braking on mountain roads. Light smoke coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. The vehicle should be towed for repair.

*  A sweet, steamy odor indicates a coolant leak. If the odor is accompanied by a hot, metallic scent and steam from under the hood, your engine has overheated. Pull over immediately. The vehicle should be towed for repair.

         (Source: Smitty's Auto Service) 

Rough feel

Difficult handling, a rough ride, vibration and poor performance are the kinds of symptoms you can feel. When the driving does not feel quite right, look for:

 Steering 

  *  Difficulty steering in a straight line can be caused by misaligned front wheels and/or worn steering components such as the idler arm or ball joints. 

   * Pulling to the left or right, can be caused by something as simple as under-inflated tires, or serious as a damaged or misaligned front end.

Ride and handling

    *  Worn shock absorbers or other suspension components can contribute to poor cornering characteristics. Also check for proper tire inflation. 

   * Springs do not normally wear out. Overloading your vehicle can damage your springs.

 Tires

     * Tires "age" even when they are not being driven.  Sidewall damage can be caused by tires which just sit.  Florida, unlike many other states, does not require vehicle and tire inspection, but worn tires create significant safety hazards. (Source: Edmunds.com)

Brakes sound or feel funny

The following symptoms indicate problems with your brakes. Diagnosis and repair should be scheduled. 

   *  The vehicle pulls to the left or right when the brakes are applied.

   *  The brake pedal sinks to the floor when braking pressure is maintained.

   *  Scraping or grinding is heard or felt during braking.

                (Source: Firestone AutoCare)

Engine hesitates or will not start

All of the following symptoms indicate problems with your engine.

   *   Difficulty starting the engine.

   *  Rough idling or stalling.

   *  Poor acceleration.

   *  Poor fuel economy

   *  Excessive oil use (more than one quart between changes).

             (Source: HowStuffWorks)

"By addressing the 'sensed' trouble immediately, vehicle owners may not only prevent further damage to their vehicles, but, even more importantly, also avoid potential accidents should their vehicles break down at the wrong time in the wrong place," says Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Lee County Personal Injury Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.