Johannesburg - With two long weekends coming up, and many of us making plans for a Great Escape, now is a good time to have a quiet conversation with your car; listen to the sounds it makes and what it is trying to tell you.
Elmarie Twilley of Virseker insurers pointed out: "It doesn't always take a mechanic to know when there's something wrong with your car. If you feel or hear something that seems out of the ordinary while driving, it's worth investigating."
Here are a few common sounds that you could be hearing from your car, and what they could mean:
A loud squeal, like metal on metal, when you hit the brakes. It Means: The brake pads or discs are worn and will probably need to be replaced.
The steering wheel vibrates gently, even on flat roads. It Means: The wheels could be unbalanced. You should have them balanced and aligned.
Your car's windshield wipers stutter and 'chatter' when you switch them on. It Means: The rubber of the wiper blades has worn unevenly and is no longer wiping the windshield properly. Replace them as soon as you can.
A persistent ' whirring' sound from the engine. It Means: The car's fuel pump could be starting to fail and may need to be replaced. The car would typically also struggle to start, lose power and/or stutter when driving. You can alleviate the symptoms by trying not to let your fuel tank go beneath a quarter full.
You hear a distinct 'clunk' after passing over a speed bump. It Means: There is likely to be an issue with the car's shock absorbers or bushings and joints connected to the suspension.
You hear a clicking or popping sound coming from near the front wheels when turning. It Means: The car's CV joints may be worn and in need of replacement.
The steering wheel groans when you turn it. It Means: There might be a leak in the power steering system or the power steering pump may need replacement.
There is a loud screeching sound coming from the engine when the car is revved. It Means: The fan belt could be slipping and in need of replacement.
Your car's tyres are definitely not flat, but you can hear a light 'thumping' as you drive. It Means: There may be 'flat spots' on the tyres, especially if the car has been standing for a long time - typically a couple of weeks or more. Most flat spots will disappear once you've driven the car a couple of kilometres, but some are more permanent. If the noise persists, rather have the tyres checked by a professional.
The sound of compressed air escaping from the engine - typically a high pitched 'squeal'. It Means: An exhaust manifold gasket could have failed, venting hot exhaust gases - including deadly carbon monoxide - into the car.
You can hear a slight 'hissing' from the engine when the car is idling. It Means: A rubber or plastic vacuum line or fitting is leaking or has been severed and needs to be reconnected or replaced.
The car makes a rattling or rumbling sound when idling. It Means: Check to see if there is any coolant under the water pump, when the engine is cool. If there is, it is possible that the bearings are worn and the pump should be replaced.
AND JUST IN CASE:
Check that your car's warranty - or your insurance policy, if your car is out of warranty - includes a roadside assistance service in the event of a breakdown.