The December holidays are approaching and preparations for the festive season are underway in most homes. Ensure your car is safe and roadworthy for long-awaited road trips or spontaneous getaways.

Most vehicle breakdowns don’t necessarily happen without warning. In many cases, a car gives subtle clues that something isn’t quite right long before a component fails completely. The problem is that these signs are often easy to dismiss during everyday driving.

According to the Motor Industry Workshop Association, motorists should recognise early warning signs rather than waiting until a problem becomes impossible to ignore. 

“Your car doesn’t always tell you something is wrong by breaking down on the side of the road. Sometimes it starts with a small change that you might barely notice. The trick is not to dismiss it or assume it will go away,” says Dewald Ranft, the national chairperson of the association. 

Here are some of the warning signs motorists should look out for:

1. Unusual smells

A burning smell should never be ignored, as it could indicate overheating brakes, an electrical issue, slipping belts or other mechanical faults. A sweet, syrup-like smell could point to a coolant leak, while a strong fuel smell may indicate a fuel system problem.

If the smell is persistent or particularly strong, have the vehicle checked promptly rather than continuing to drive and hoping it disappears. 

2. New noises

Cars make familiar sounds, so motorists are often quick to notice when something changes. Squealing brakes, grinding noises, knocking from the engine, rattling or unusual humming can all indicate developing problems.

A squealing noise when braking could mean brake pads are worn and need attention. Grinding or knocking noises should be investigated without delay.

3. Unfamiliar vibrations

A steering wheel that vibrates, a vehicle that shakes at certain speeds or an unusual vibration when braking should not be dismissed as simply an ageing car.

These symptoms could be associated with wheel balancing, tyre damage, suspension components or brake problems. A professional inspection can help identify the cause before it affects the vehicle’s handling or safety. 

4. Drifting or pulling

If your vehicle consistently drifts or pulls left or right when driving on a straight, level road, it could indicate incorrect wheel alignment, uneven tyre pressure or a suspension or braking issue.

Apart from making driving uncomfortable, these problems can contribute to uneven tyre wear and affect vehicle control. 

5. Dashboard warning lights

Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason. Whether it is the engine management light, battery warning, oil pressure warning or temperature warning, motorists should know what these indicators mean.

Some warnings require immediate attention. A red oil pressure or engine temperature warning, for example, means motorists should pull over safely and switch off the engine as soon as possible. Continuing to drive could cause serious damage. 

6. Changes in braking

If the brake pedal feels softer than usual, sinks further than expected, the vehicle takes longer to stop, or there is pulsation or unusual noise when braking, it is time for a professional assessment.

Brakes are one vehicle system where motorists should never take chances. Any noticeable change in braking performance warrants prompt attention. 

7. Tyre condition

Uneven tread wear, visible bulges, cracks, cuts or repeated loss of tyre pressure are signs that something needs investigating. Tyres are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making their condition particularly important before a long journey.

Check tyre pressures, including on the spare wheel, and ensure that tread depth and overall tyre condition are roadworthy.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.