Grinding brakes, a sweet smell from the vents, a steering wheel with a new wobble — six symptoms you should never drive through, and what each one likely means.
1. Grinding or squealing brakes
That metal-on-metal scrape means the pads are finished and the discs are next. Book a free brake check the same day — pads are cheap, discs and callipers are not.
2. A new vibration or pull
A wheel that shakes at speed, or a car that drifts on a straight road, usually points to tyres, alignment or a worn suspension arm. Check pressures first; if it persists, get it on a ramp.
3. Warning lights that stay on
A flashing engine light means pull over. A solid one means book a diagnostic scan this week — driving on with it risks the catalytic converter and the turbo.
4. Sweet, hot or fuel smells
Sweet means coolant, acrid means oil on something hot, fuel means a leak. All three deserve a look before your next long drive.
5. Puddles where you park
Clear water from the air-con is fine. Oil, pink coolant or red transmission fluid is not — note the colour and show your technician a photo.
What to do next
Start with our free inspection: scan, ramp check and photos of everything we find, with one fixed price before any work. Most of these faults are small when caught early.
