If you’re experiencing a problem with your car, the motor technician will need as much information as possible to properly diagnose and repair the problem. You don’t have to diagnose the problem yourself, but no one knows your vehicle better than you do, so it’s important to know how to clearly communicate car troubles you’re experiencing.
“The mechanic will want to know when you first noticed the issue, as well as how often the problem occurs,” says Barend Smit, Marketing Director of MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions and car insurance options. “Show your vehicle technician the service history and let them know of any other major problems your car has had in the past.”
Smit explains that it’s helpful to use the senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch to explain the problem:
- Describe the problem visually. For example, is there any exhaust smoke and if so, what colour is the smoke?
- Some descriptive words to consider include knocking, clucking, squealing, grinding, thumping, clicking, rattling.
- Did you notice any weird odours? Some odours that could be problematic include burning rubber, fumes, sweet pungent, rotten egg.
- What does the problem feel like? There might be sluggish acceleration, excessive vibration, difficulty igniting.
It helps to explain the problem in simple language, however, sometimes it is necessary to add technical terms to your description so that the mechanic would understand it better. Some of the common terms you can use are:
- Wander: Car drifts on either side
- Surge: Unexpected change in engine’s speed
- Stall: Engine stumbling
- Rough idle: Strong vibrations in the car when it is not in motion
- Fast idle: engine working faster than usual
- Ride: Motion of car on uneven lands
- Pull: Car drifting on the application of brakes or accelerator
- Misfire: Delay in functioning when engine is not getting fuel properly
- Backfire: Engine’s sound like a gunshot
- Knocking: Fast rattling when car moves
- Hesitation: Delay in the operation when car accelerates
- Handling: Car’s performance on the curves
- Bucking: Unsteady movements of car when switching gears
- Brake grab: Excessive and abrupt reaction of brakes
- Brake fade: Brakes require more pressure than normal
- Brake drag: Brake pads not coming back on their position after application
Cars need regular maintenance to help keep them in good working order. “When you service your car regularly, potential problems can be identified and repaired before they become major problems. This is because if one car part fails, it could impact how the whole car runs,” says Smit.
Regularly servicing your vehicle has several positive implications, including improving the lifespan and resale value of the car, and it keeps important safety components like cooling system, brakes, tyres, suspension, etc. working smoothly. “Ultimately, it saves you money in the long run, because minor issues are addressed before they become major issues,” Smit explains.
Many people skip essential car services for two main reasons: They can’t afford the service, or they forget. With a service plan, these issues are addressed. Easy, fixed monthly payments enable you to budget every month for services, and most service plans include a service that reminds you when to schedule your next appointment at your local workshop.