Improving Your Automobile

Don't Overlook These Signs of Urgently Needed Auto Repairs

30 June 2016

Addison Morris

Most auto repairs should not be put off indefinitely; however, you might be able to put off some repairs without too much concern. For example, if your air conditioner needs a recharge, you might simply live with the discomfort until you can afford to address this. Other necessary repairs are downright urgent, but you may not realize this because your car still runs even when in need of those repairs. Note a few sign of needed auto repairs that you shouldn't overlook for any length of time, even though you might still be able to operate your car. 

Burning smell 

A burning smell is never a good sign for your car; it can mean that the engine is overheating, but if the warning light on your dashboard doesn't show the engine as being too warm, chances are your car has a fluid leak. When fluids drip onto the exhaust or another part of the car, they can burn up or cause the exhaust to start to burn because the fluid is holding heat. Not only is this damaging to your car's exhaust system but you should never overlook a fluid leak since your brake fluid, transmission fluid, oil, and other such fluids can leak out completely so you cannot operate the brakes or your engine seizes up. Have this burning smell checked out quickly rather than ignoring it so you can plug up those leaks.

Sticky brakes

If your car's brakes don't seem to release when you let up off the brake pedal, you don't want to ignore this problem even if they do release after a few seconds. This often means the brake pads are worn down and not responding to the calipers or clips that make them squeeze and release against the rotor. The pads may also be slipping out of place and getting stuck. If left alone, they could slip out of place completely and get stuck along the rotor, causing that tire to seize up while you're on the road.

Sputtering and hesitating

If your car consistently sputters and hesitates, this is not something to ignore. This is usually caused by a dirty throttle box or a failing oxygen sensor; these parts are what mix the oxygen and fuel in the car to create combustion. When the throttle box gets dirty or the oxygen sensor fails, your car doesn't get enough oxygen to maintain proper combustion so it then sputters or hesitates. Ignoring this can mean that the car suddenly stalls completely even if you're driving, and this can obviously be very unsafe when on the road.    

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