If you're like a lot of people, you don't know much about auto mechanics. You may not even have a desire to learn. All you care about is using your car to get where you want to go. The best way to ensure that happens is to have regular service and maintenance. But if your budget is tight or if you're short on time, it's easy to neglect caring for your car. Fortunately, cars don't usually break down without some advance warning. You can pick up on them even if you don't know anything about cars. Here are some of the basic signs to watch out for.

Your Car Handles Differently

One of the good things about driving your car every day is that you get used to how it handles on the road. If you stay alert to how your car feels, you'll notice when things start to go wrong. Some changes happen gradually and get worse over time. You don't want to ignore them because you could be doing damage to your car that will be expensive to repair. Another reason not to ignore changes is because you can get used to the changes and in time, they will seem normal and all the while your car is developing problems. Some things you may notice include the car pulling to one side when you slow down, lurching when you shift gears, the brakes going soft, vibrations in the steering wheel, and the wheel getting harder or easier to turn. When you notice a change in the way your car handles on the road, even if it only happens occasionally like when you drive up a steep hill, you should have your car checked out just to make sure there isn't a problem brewing with your engine, brakes, or transmission.

You Hear Unusual Noises Or Smell New Odors

Another thing to take note of is unusual noises. You should make it a point to drive with the radio off now and then so you can listen to the sounds your car makes. If you hear whining, it could be a sign of a loose belt. A grinding noise could signal problems with your brakes. By stopping for repairs when you first hear the noises, you might save yourself a hefty repair bill caused by driving your car when the brake pads are worn or when fluids are low. Unusual odors could also signal problems. You might smell gas frequently or you could smell smoke or notice a burning rubber odor. These should all be checked by a mechanic so you're safe on the road.

You Notice Leaks Under The Car

Another easy sign of problems you can detect is leaking under the engine. If you notice a puddle as you walk to your car after it has been parked for a few hours, it could be a sign of a leak. Several different fluids can leak from your car for a variety of reasons. One common fluid leak is water from the air conditioner. This is normal and no cause for concern. You know it's coming from the air conditioner if the fluid is clear. If the fluid is blue, black, red, or pink, it could be coolant, oil, or transmission fluid. These should not be leaking from your car. If they are, you need to get repairs as soon as you can. If you park on dark asphalt and can't tell the color of the leak, just slip a big piece of cardboard under the engine when you park your car and then check it for color the next morning.

By staying alert to these warning signs, you can tell when your car needs to be serviced. You'll know something is wrong, even if you don't know what it is. Be safe and take the car to a mechanic. He or she will run a diagnostic test on the car and pinpoint the problem right away. The mechanic may also need to take your car for a quick drive to experience the problem first hand. Even if your car isn't in need of emergency repairs, it's better to be safe than broken down by the side of the road due to a failed transmission or engine trouble. For more information, contact companies like Rempt Motor Company.