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10/6/2009
AAA Car Care Month: AAA Urges Motorists to Use Their Senses When it Comes to Car Care
Motorists who prepare now for the onset of colder weather will increase their safety during the winter-driving season. In addition to reduced fuel economy, poorly maintained vehicles contribute to excessive energy consumption and air and water pollution.
In October 2007, vehicle inspections conducted during AAA Car Care Month uncovered a variety of maintenance issues that were well on their way to becoming real problems for vehicle owners. Among the most often reported problems were:
- Low brake fluid (40 %)
- Low power steering fluid (31%)
- Low transmission fluid and engine oil (tied with 23%)
The more you know about your vehicle, the more likely it is you can head off problems. Many common vehicle problems can be spotted by using your senses.
Looks Like Trouble
Identifying the cause of a puddle of fluid under your vehicle may save you serious trouble down the road. Small stains or an occasional drop may be of little concern. But wet spots deserve attention and bigger puddles should be checked immediately by a trusted mechanic. Not only will quick identification of a problem save the car owner money, it will also help reduce water quality problems resulting from oil and other engine fluids that wash into storm drains that may flow untreated into the nearest stream or river.
Fluids can be identified by their color and consistency:
- Yellowish green, pastel blue or fluorescent orange/red colors indicate an overheated engine or an antifreeze leak that could be caused by a bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator.
- Dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is leaking oil. The leak could be caused by a bad seal or gasket.
- A red oily spot indicates a transmission or power-steering fluid leak.
- A puddle of clear water is usually no problem. It may be normal condensation from your air conditioner.
Smells Like Trouble
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. To be safe, try not to drive the vehicle until the problem is diagnosed.
- Rotten eggs or a continuous burning-sulfur smell 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. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be repaired immediately.
Sounds Like Trouble
Squeaks, squeals, rattles, rumbles and other sounds can provide valuable clues about problems and maintenance needs. Here are a few examples of the more common noises and what they may mean.
- Squeal—A shrill, sharp noise usually related to engine speed may be related to a loose or worn power steering, fan or air conditioning belt.
- Click—A slight sharp noise, related to either engine speed or vehicle speed could be a loose wheel cover, loose or bent fan blade or a stuck valve lifter or low engine oil.
- Screech—A high-pitched, piercing metallic sound, usually occurs while the vehicle is in motion. It is caused by brake wear indicators to alert the driver that brake maintenance is needed.
- Heavy Knock—A rhythmic pounding sound that could be a worn crankshaft or connecting rod bearings or a loose transmission torque converter.
Feels Like Trouble
Difficult handling, a rough ride, vibration and poor performance are the kinds of symptoms you can feel. When the driving experience doesn’t feel quite right, look for problems with steering, ride and handling, brakes, and the transmission.
If you don’t have a trusted automotive technician, AAA has done some of the work for you by thoroughly inspecting repair facilities and analyzing their customer service practices and workmanship. To locate a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility, visit AAA.com and click on “Automotive” (available to the public).
Editor’s Note: October is AAA Car Care Month, a time when AAA encourages motorists to take time to assess the health of their vehicles and make needed repairs before harsh winter weather arrives. AAA members can take advantage of free 35-point maintenance inspections by appointment all month at any AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
AAA Washington has been serving members and the traveling public since 1904. The organization provides a variety of exclusive benefits, including roadside assistance, discounts, maps and personalized trip planning, to its 980,000 members. In addition, its full-service travel and insurance agencies provide products and services for members and the public. Additional information is available through the company’s 26 offices in Washington and northern Idaho, at www.AAA.com, or by calling 1-800-562-2582.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Contact AAA
Jennifer Cook (425) 646-2055
Dave Overstreet (425) 467-7740
Cassie Devaney (509) 358-6950
