How to Diagnose Car Problems When You Know Nothing About Cars

Car maintenance and finding and fixing even the simplest problems can be incredibly difficult. As cars become more advanced, new computer-controlled components and more sophisticated transmissions are introduced into cars, and the level of difficulty in diagnosing and fixing a problem only increases.

For those who aren't mechanically inclined, fixing car problems can be a daunting process. Fortunately, there is a basic level of intuitive diagnosis that anyone can make using only their senses (and we can exclude the sense of taste from this!). This is due to the fact that most cars constantly have certain symptoms corresponding to certain problems. At the very least, being able to identify the area where the problem is located is a huge step in solving automotive problems.

Part 1 of 4: Use your sense of smell

Step 1: Check your car for unusual odors. Various smells inside or outside of your vehicle may indicate problems with your vehicle.

Unlike noise or vibration, unusual odors are easier to spot because they are usually more noticeable. There will always be background noise and normal vibrations in the car, but the smell is usually more or less neutral.

It is important to be vigilant about strange smells in the car. Here are some things to watch out for (sorted by urgency).

Step 2. Check if there is an exhaust smell in the car interior.. The smell of exhaust gases in the interior of the car should be a concern. This is an indicator that exhaust gases enter the car interior from somewhere from under the car.

If you smell exhaust fumes in your vehicle, stop driving and call a qualified mechanic to assess the problem before driving again. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which, if inhaled, can cause unconsciousness and even death.

Step 3: Check for Gas or Oil Smell. The smell of gas or oil usually indicates a problem with one of these fluids leaking in the engine compartment.

Gasoline can leak from under the tank or from under the car, but this will cause puddles of fuel to accumulate on the pavement, which will most likely be noticed before the smell.

Be sure to have a mechanic check for any of these odors immediately, as the problems that cause them can get worse.

Step 4: Check for Coolant Smell. The coolant has a unique sweet smell and is easy to distinguish from automotive leak odors.

If coolant is leaking, the engine is probably not cool enough and could fail if it overheats. Contact a qualified technician to resolve any unspecified odor problem in your vehicle.

Step 5: Check for Sulfur Smell. A couple of different parts can cause a sulfur smell if they are damaged or defective. These include the battery and the catalytic converter. If the battery overcharges or the catalytic converter begins to fail, you will smell sulfur in or around the vehicle. In some cases, this smell can also be caused by problems with the fuel system.

Step 6. Check for the smell of burnt wood or rubber.. When they experience too much friction and heat up, the components that experience friction can emit odors that resemble burning wood or rubber. Parts such as brake pads or clutch will emit these odors.

Step 7. Check if there is a smell of mold or mildew.. If your cabin smells moldy or moldy, the problem is most likely with the air circulation system. The smell is likely coming from the cabin air filter, especially if it hasn't been changed recently. However, a number of problems with the air conditioner or heaters can also cause this smell.

Part 2 of 4: Use your sense of touch

Your hands and feet are equally helpful in diagnosing mechanical problems. Your hands can be used to diagnose problems in everything from air conditioning and heating systems to steering.

Step 1. Use your sense of touch. To diagnose car problems using your sense of touch, you don't have to walk around and physically touch every component of your car. Instead, use it to detect unusual vibrations and other signs that something is wrong.

Step 2: Inspect the dashboard and center console components.. To take a quick look at the dashboard and center console components while the vehicle is parked, check components such as the turn signals, windshield wipers, air conditioning controls, and audio system controls to make sure they are working properly.

Step 3: Check the AC vents. Turn the A/C fan control all the way down and place your hand near the air vent to make sure the system is blowing cold air. If the AC system does not work properly or the knobs that control it do not work, you should contact a certified technician.

Step 4: Feel Your Steering Wheel. As you hold on to the steering wheel, you can use your hands to identify any problems you may feel through the steering wheel:

Vibration or shaking of the steering wheel indicates a problem with the wheels or brakes. If the steering wheel seems loose, this indicates a problem with the tie rods or ball joints. If the steering wheel is difficult to turn, this indicates a problem with the power steering components.

If the steering wheel does not respond properly, this indicates a problem with the steering column or steering rack.

A transmission problem can make shifting difficult. It can also cause problems when switching the transmission on and off. You can immediately recognize this problem if you pay attention to how the transmission feels.

Step 5: Feel the Pedals. Your feet are also very helpful when it comes to diagnosing problems. As soon as a problem occurs with any of the pedals, the source of the problem can be easily identified.

If there is a problem with the gas pedal, such as poor throttle response or if the pedal sticks to the floor, there is likely a mechanical problem with the engine, fuel system, or return spring in the pedal.

If there is a problem when pressing the brake pedal, such as vibration or unintentional steering, then the problem is most likely with the vehicle's braking system. A pedal that vibrates is usually due to warped brake discs or failed brake pads.

If your car has a manual transmission, you will also have to deal with the clutch pedal. The most common problem with a clutch pedal is a sudden lack of resistance when pressed, allowing the pedal to go to the floor without returning normally.

Part 3 of 4: Listen for any strange sounds

Step 1: Use your hearing. When you first get behind the wheel, always pay close attention to how your car sounds when the engine is running, while driving and in the parking lot.

Get familiar with the sounds in your car when everything is working properly so you know when something starts to sound abnormal.

For example, creaking or creaking sounds heard when turning or steering can indicate a variety of problems ranging from worn shock absorbers and ball joints to damaged suspension.

On the other hand, clicking or popping sounds can indicate loose hubcaps or drive belts, worn or unbalanced tires, or low engine oil. Strange noises during braking can be caused by serious problems with the brake pads, while reverse noise can be caused by even more unsafe conditions such as moisture in the fuel system or a malfunctioning air intake valve.

If you hear any of these noises or any other inappropriate sounds, be sure to write them down and describe them to a qualified mechanic who can diagnose the problem.

Part 4 of 4: Pay attention to warning signs

Step 1: Watch for Issues. For the most part, when you're driving, your eyes should be on the road ahead. In this case, the only way to visually diagnose a mechanical problem is to see smoke coming from under the hood. At this point, the problem is probably already quite serious. For this reason, it is helpful to rely on your other senses to identify problems before they get to this point.

Step 2: Check the instrument panel for warning lights.. One thing you should definitely pay attention to is the dashboard.

There are several warning lights on the dashboard that can let you know when there is a problem.

The main indicator to pay attention to is the Check Engine indicator. If you find that this light is on on the dashboard, contact a qualified AvtoTachki specialist for professional diagnostics.