Today cars of every make and model are more reliable than ever and by following a proper maintenance schedule you can greatly reduce the likelihood of expensive mechanical failures. You can also protect yourself by identifying potential problems before they become big ones. Below are some of the signs that you may need to seek professional service for your used car:

Look Under the Hood

Some problems that could become expensive are easily spotted by periodically checking your engine compartment. And you don’t need professional training to spot these issues:  

• Hoses: Look for bulges and leaks with the engine running-but don't touch. When the engine is cold, look and feel for bulges, cracks, soft spots, or brittleness. If you detect any of these conditions, have the hoses replaced.
• Belts: Check for cracks and missing pieces with the engine turned off.
• Coolant: Check radiator coolant level by looking at the reserve tank – do not remove the radiator cap.
• Brake fluid: If your brake fluid is low, it may be leaking or your brakes could be worn. 

Sounds

One of the earliest warning signs of a mechanical problem is often a peculiar sound. But often this symptom is missed. Frequently taking the opportunity to drive your car with the radio off and carefully listening can help you find problems early and keep your repair bills low. Common sounds and what they may mean: 

• Click (a rhythmic tapping, similar to the click of a retractable ballpoint pen) Loose hubcap; worn wheel bearing; bent or loose fan blade; low engine oil level.
• Clunk (a dull banging or thump, as if something were being dropped)Loose or worn universal joint or rear differential; low transmission fluid.
• Knocking (a pounding or banging, as though two objects hit together)
• Light knocking or "pinging" - fuel octane may be too low. Check your Owner's Manual for recommended octane level. Heavy knocking could indicate a bad connecting rod or worn crankshaft main bearing.
• Screech or squeak (scraping metallic sound, often continuous)Worn brake pads or other brake problems.
• Squeal (high-pitched whine, as if something is tearing)Underinflated tires, misaligned wheels; loose or worn power steering fan or air conditioning compressor belt.
• Thud (low-pitched metallic thumping) Loose exhaust pipe; worn crankshaft bearing. 

Leaks

Drips in your driveway or parking space can be a sure sign of  trouble. If you discover a leak we strongly recommend you bring your vehicle in for service. To discover the likely source check all of your used car’s fluid levels. If this doesn’t reveal the source just spread a large piece of paper underneath your car overnight and in the morning check out the color of the drops. Here’s what the color tell you: 

• Dark: A dark spot is typically motor oil. It means your engine is leaking oil and needs repair.
• Red: Transmission fluid is red. Red spots may indicate that either front or rear automatic transmission seals need replacing.
• Green: Green or yellow oily fluid is coolant. This leak could be caused by a bad water pump or a leak in either the radiator or a hose.
• Amber: Power steering fluid is amber. An amber stain may indicate a power steering hose or pump leak.
• Clear but oily: An oily liquid with little color but a strong odor could be brake fluid.
• Clear water: Clear water is no need for concern. It is probably normal condensation from your air conditioner. 

Odors

Strange new odors can be an indication of a pending problem. If you smell one we recommend you bring you used car in for an inspection. Here are some of the more common odors and their possible causes: 

• Burning plastic: Short circuit in the electrical system.
• Burning oil: Leaking oil on hot engine parts; low engine oil level; transmission overheating (low transmission fluid level).
• Burning rubber: Rubber hose touching a hot engine; hot wheel or brake due to locked brake shoe.
• Exhaust odor inside vehicle: Vehicle in front with strong exhaust output; trunk may be open, letting exhaust into passenger compartment; leak in exhaust pipe under passenger compartment. If there is an exhaust leak, keep windows open and turn the fan on high in the fresh air position. These toxic fumes are extremely dangerous.
• Gasoline odor inside vehicle: Leaking or disconnected fuel line; defective evaporation control canister. Keep windows open and turn the fan on high in the fresh air position. Avoid open flames.
• Sulfur smell from exhaust: All gasolines contain trace amounts of sulfur. The exhaust will emit varying degrees of sulfur odor depending on operating temperatures and conditions. It may not be possible to eliminate sulfur odor completely due to operating conditions. 

Exhaust Smoke

Some white smoke when you first start your car is normal. It results from condensed water vapor in the exhaust system being burned off. This is particularly true in cold weather. But if smoke persists after your car warms up, it could indicate a problem and we recommend you bring your vehicle in for a service inspection. 

• White indicates an internal coolant leak.
• Blue indicates burning oil.
• Black can indicate either an ignition or fuel system problem.  

Handling Problems

Poor handling generally means your car needs service. Often, the culprit is misalignment. This can be caused by normal wear and tear on steering and suspension or by hitting curbs or potholes. Bring your used car to the dealership and describe the exact problem to your Service Advisor.

If you think you have a problem, bring your used car  to your our service department and we will thoroughly inspect it and offer a variety of repair recommendations