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• Smoky smells are an instant indication of something amiss. Get it checked out as soon as you can
• A smell of petrol or diesel can be caused by old tubing an overfilled tank
• Oil or exhaust smells from the engine may be caused by too much engine oil, if the engine oil has grown old and is burning, or if it has been overheated

Strange sounds can be difficult to detect due to the noise of the engine, stereo, or people in the car but the car should make its condition known every time you take a corner or ride over a bump. Some easily recognizable sounds are:

• Strange clicking while taking a turn from the front wheels - may mean that the front shaft is about to fall apart. Get it fixed before it actually does
• A fan-belt squeal means that another one is needed or the current belt requires adjustment.
• Clicks from the wheel can indicate loose wheel nuts, faulty bearings, or large pebbles stuck in the tyre tread pattern
• A change in engine tone usually indicates engine overheating, especially if you have been driving at constant speeds for a long time. Stopping or varying the engine speed should be enough if there is no severe problem
• Backfiring while driving normally means serious problems and should be investigated immediately
• Engine knocks often mean that it is time to get into a lower gear. However, if this does not remedy the symptom immediately, you should stop and check your engine oil level. It is not recommended that you continue your journey as engine damage is likely to occur

At times, your car gives personal signals, which can be deciphered only by a mechanic with the correct tools.

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