| The more you notice about your vehicle, the more | | | | How about the smell of rotten eggs? This usually |
| likely you will be able to head off repair problems. | | | | indicates a problem in the catalytic converter. Get to |
| Yep, even if you are mechanically challenged. You can | | | | a repair shop! Pheee yew! |
| detect many common vehicle problems by using your | | | | A thick sharp odor usually means burning oil. Look for |
| eyes and nose. | | | | the sign of a leak. This problem needs to be |
| See No Evil | | | | addressed immediately if having transportation is |
| Is there a little stain or a drop of fluid under your | | | | important to you. You may also notice a bluish smoke |
| vehicle? It may mean absolutely nothing. But you do | | | | coming from your vehicle. Ask me how I know. |
| want to check the wet spots immediately just to | | | | The smell of gas after a failed start may mean the |
| make sure. | | | | engine is flooded. Wait a few minutes and try again. |
| What color is the fluid under your car? Yellowish | | | | If the odor continues, there may be a leak in the fuel |
| green, pretty blue or neon orange colors indicate an | | | | system a potentially dangerous problem that needs |
| overheated engine or an antifreeze leak caused by a | | | | immediate attention. |
| bad hose, water pump or leaking radiator. Not good. I | | | | A chemical odor may mean overheated brakes or |
| remember the yellowish green ooze from my | | | | clutch. Check the parking brake. Stop and let the |
| Chevette as the tow truck took it away to its final | | | | brakes cool after repeated hard braking. Light smoke |
| resting place. Get to a repair shop while you still can! | | | | coming from a wheel indicates a stuck brake. Call a |
| A dark brown or black oily fluid means the engine is | | | | tow truck. |
| leaking oil. A bad seal or gasket could cause the leak. | | | | Do you notice a sweet odor? This may indicate a |
| This is how my first car met its demise. | | | | coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge and |
| A red oily looking spot indicates a transmission or | | | | warning light and drive to a repair shop. Now, if you |
| power steering fluid leak. Also, not good. | | | | see steam from under the hood, stop and pull over. |
| A puddle of clear water usually is not a cause for | | | | If you keep driving an overheated vehicle, your |
| concern. It may be normal condensation from your | | | | engine will be seriously damaged. Call a tow truck. |
| vehicles air conditioner. Whew! | | | | The basic rule of smell is that if you do notice an |
| Smell no Evil | | | | unusual odor get to a mechanic or get one to come |
| Take a whiff, and you may detect your vehicles | | | | to you. Pretty simple! |
| problem. | | | | A little extra attention to what is coming out of your |
| Do you smell burned toast? This odor often signals | | | | car or truck could save you the cost of a new |
| an electrical short and burning insulation. Have | | | | vehicle payment! Keep those eyes and that nose on |
| someone come look at your car. Do not drive it | | | | the job! |
| anywhere until the problem is diagnosed. | | | | |