For breakdowns in the middle of the road, or for rescue in the case of immobilised or crashed vehicles, there is roadside assistance. But that is no reason to relax: a vehicle must be listened to.
Back in driving school we used to remember (when the instructor was competent) that “you had to listen to the car”. Very true. If sight is important for driving, hearing is crucial when taking the wheel of a vehicle. Only by paying attention to how our vehicle sounds can we avoid a lot of trouble. In fact, when we tell mechanics about a problem with the car, one of the symptoms has to do with some kind of noise.
And what sounds are we talking about specifically?
If someone tells you “my car sounds like a tractor”, and you are about to set off on a journey in that vehicle, prick up your ears, because within a few kilometres you may find yourselves literally stranded on a secondary road. An important point is to see whether the noise occurs when the engine is hot or cold.
You cannot say the vehicle did not warn you if:
- The idle sounds unstable, rising and falling, continuously. In that case, the air and diesel filters may need changing so that the engine can breathe properly.
- Another sound whose shrillness can put us on alert is the one coming from the front of the vehicle; the timing or auxiliary belt could be on its last legs… hence the noise when the car is running.
- If we notice a whistling when accelerating and it becomes persistent, it may be because a hose is leaking.
- High-pitched sounds when braking point to the brake pads, which in that case are telling us “enough, change us now”. It is the metal plate fitted by the manufacturer that gives the warning; if the noise is a squeal, the pad has worn out, which could affect the brake discs.
- The suspension and steering, essential in our cars, may suffer from some play in their components. There are dull, heavy knocks that give a warning. Especially when going over speed bumps or potholes faster than recommended.
- If we hear a strange noise when turning the steering wheel, the power steering fluid level may be low.