Automotive Troubleshooting Made Easy

Taking the time to do some troubleshooting automotive problems are found before they become costly repairs. Those few minutes could save hundreds of dollars in repair costs and ensure the vehicle provides years of hassle-free exercise.
Vehicle Trouble spot
A visual inspection of the vehicle, some potential problems may occur. Before leaving, check for drips or leaks strange.
• Yellowish green, pastel blue drops of orange or fluorescent: An overheated engine or an antifreeze leak from a bad hose, water pump or radiator leaks can be the culprit.
• Red spots fat: a transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
• oily liquid dark brown or black: A leak of engine that can be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
• A pool of water: not usually a concern, probably from condensation of air conditioning.
It is important to always give the vehicle a quick visual once more every time you use and especially before and after a long journey.
Vehicle Problem Smells sense of smell can detect unusual odors that may indicate a problem with a vehicle. It is important to be alert to strange smells in the vehicle to prevent further damage.
• An odor of burnt toast: Often an electrical short and burning insulation. Get it checked immediately.
• An odor of rotten eggs: A problem with the catalytic converter or other emission control devices may be the culprit.
• thick acrid smell: engine oil leak.
• gasoline fumes: a flooded engine does not start. Wait a few minutes and try again. If the odor persists, there could be a leak in the fuel system – a problem that requires immediate attention.
• Burning resin or an acrid chemical odor: It may be overheated brakes or clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop. Allow brakes to cool after hard braking on mountain roads.
• sweet, moist smell: A loss of coolant. If the engine light is not lit, continue driving to the nearest service station while watching the indicators.
• hot, metallic scent and steam from under the hood: an overheated engine. Stop immediately, following driving can cause big problems in the engine.
It is not always easy to distinguish between different smells of a vehicle, but the practice will continue to sharpen the senses. It is an important skill that is worthwhile.