When to Start Worrying About Your Car

When you drive an old car, you get used to rattling, vibrations, and even the occasional squeak. When an old car starts doing new tricks, though, something might be wrong. I’ve been there, y’all, and I’ll tell you what—magical thinking won’t fix your car. Do you know when to start worrying about your car? Before you’re pushing it down main street in neutral with your youngest steering and laughing maniacally (in addition to the snickering of neighbors).

That Yellow Check Engine Light Isn’t There for Decoration

I know it goes on and off when you start the car, but if it stays on, that’s trouble. Problem is that, sometimes, it’s nothing more than a loose gas cap. Other times, that oil leak you’ve been ignoring might have drained all the oil from your engine and your car is about to grind to a permanent halt. Go on and get the car in the shop, and look on the bright side—you might come away with just embarrassment about the loose gas cap.

**No, the Other Left**

When you say left but your car pulls right, that’s a time to worry about your car. If your trusty chariot has developed a mind of its own as far as steering is concerned, it might be safer to pull over and call for a tow. Pulling to one side can be a sign of worn tires, failing brakes, or a whole laundry list of trouble. You can tell it’s going to be expensive if the mechanic is working hard to suppress a smile.

It Never Sounded Like THAT Before

Even “mature” cars shouldn’t make a sound like metal grinding on metal. Sure, the steering wheel may squeal a little and the tailpipe may rattle (you should probably get that checked out, too), but a grinding sound could mean your brakes are about to fail. Coast over to the shop and have them take a look.

Flapping noises when there’s nothing wrong with your tires mean you might have busted a belt. Aside from being annoying, a broken fan belt means your engine isn’t cooling as it should. Overheating can lead to you being stranded at the side of the road with steam or smoke coming out from under the hood and an engine that’s ready for the scrapyard.

Preventative maintenance is the “better safe than sorry” way to go with an old car. There’s this book called the manual (buried under all the coupons in your glove box) that has a chart in it about when you’re supposed to do what to the car. Couldn’t hurt to look at it before you pack on more miles!