- Using one’s sense of sight, smell, sound, and feel helps in early detection of car troubles
- Being able to detect basic vehicle issues with one’s senses benefit vehicle owners and mechanics as it helps for vehicles to perform at its optimum level, safety of all on board are uncompromised besides avoiding greater damage and cost to fix the car
- Safer car leads to safer roads
Experienced mechanics or car technicians have developed the ability to diagnose car problems through their sense of sight, smell, sound, and feel. However, the same cannot be said for most drivers or car owners.
Being able to detect basic vehicle issues with one’s senses allow individuals to bring in their vehicles immediately for service or checks once they sense something out of the ordinary, than to wait for the regulatory mileage to prevent bigger car problems. Drivers and car owners who are able to describe and locate potential problems can also help mechanics perform a better and more accurate diagnosis of the vehicle.
The good news is, drivers or car owners can easily detect car problems with their sense of sight, smell, sound, and feel by following these tips:
1. Sight
Windshield: Large unwiped areas on the windscreen indicate that wipers are due for replacing Foggy windscreen and windows could mean the cabin filter is clogged causing poor air flow
Leakage: Fluid or liquid puddles underneath the car may indicate a leak somewhere. It is important to have the driver remember the colour of the fluid. Common colors are:
- Black or dark brown– engine oil leak
- Red or pink – transmission oil leak
- Yellow to brown – brake fluid leak
- Green or blue – coolant or anti-freeze leak
- Brown with rainbow sheen – petrol leak
- Clear and odourless – most likely condensation from the air conditioning system
Higher than usual fuel consumption: This can be a sign that the air filter is clogged, preventing proper oxygen flow into the engine
Tires: Cracks and balding on the surface of tires specify that the tires are overworn and overused
2. Smell
- The smell of exhaust, musky or damp odors in the car are signs of a clogged cabin filter that needs to be replaced
- Any burning, gas, petrol, rotten egg or unusual sweet smells could lead to indications of potential engine-related problems or a leak
3. Sound
Wipers: Screeching and scratching noises indicate that the wipers are at the end of its lifespan and need replacing
Battery: A slower crank when starting the engine is a sign that the car battery is running low
Brake: A high-pitched metal screeching sound while braking or slowing down
are indications that the brake pads are wearing out
Tire: A rattling sound when driving may indicate loose screws on the tires or loose tire cover
4. Feel
Air conditioning: Reduced coldness of the airconditioning (AC) may indicate a clogged cabin filter or problems with the AC system
Tire: Vibrations felt through the steering wheel may indicate the tire alignment is off. If the car tends to steer or pull towards one side when driving, it may be an indicator of over or under inflated tires, or the tire alignment being off
Road safety starts with you
Safer cars lead to safer roads. Being able to detect vehicle problems on your own creates a more informed community of drivers and car owners, and helps in reducing the risks of future accidents caused by undetected car troubles.
Further information on Bosch automotive aftermarket products are available at https://ap.boschaftermarket.com/ph/en. Get more updates by following Bosch Automotive Philippines on Facebook.
