| In some sense, going to your mechanic is a little | | | | problem, whether it's on the right hand side or the |
| like going to your doctor. Just like you describe | | | | left-hand side. It is important for the mechanic to |
| symptoms to your doctor, you also need to | | | | know that some problems only occur after the |
| describe your car's symptoms to your mechanic. | | | | car has been driving for 10 minutes, or occur just |
| Just as you think about the questions your doctor | | | | as the car starts and then goes away, or other |
| asks you in order to pinpoint your problem, a | | | | time dependent behavior. |
| mechanic needs to get the same information | | | | Try to be as descriptive as possible when talking |
| about the problems with your car. For example, | | | | about the problem, even if it seems a little foolish. |
| when reporting a symptom to your doctor, you | | | | The old joke about a lady talking to her mechanic, |
| will describe where the problem is, what kind of | | | | and describing a sound like a bowling ball rolling |
| pain it is, how long it has been going on, and other | | | | around in the trunk, only to find that it was |
| information that might be useful. | | | | actually a bowling ball rolling around the trunk. |
| In the same way, take careful note of the | | | | However precise description is of great benefit. If |
| behavior of your car. Remember both the | | | | the noise sounds like marbles in a cardboard box, |
| changes in the car's behavior, as well as any | | | | or a bunch of safety pins dropping on the floor, |
| associated noise that happens at the same time. | | | | say so. One of these phrases may cause an "aha" |
| For example, the simple problem of a flat tire has | | | | moment for the mechanic and make the diagnosis |
| a distinct flapping noise, and is also accompanied | | | | problem really easy. |
| by a very definite steering problem. Not all | | | | A list of common descriptive sounds that might |
| problems have both components. One of the first | | | | be applied to a car are: clicking, squealing, growling, |
| signs of a CV joint problem is a simple clicking | | | | whistling, thumping, humming, chirping, rattling, or |
| noise as the car makes a sharp right hand or | | | | knocking. Smells that might be reported to your |
| left-hand turn. However, many car problems have | | | | mechanic are: burning oil, burning plastic, a putrid |
| both a behavioral and sound component to them, | | | | smell, or other strong or slight smell. Finally, if |
| so listen carefully and feel for any differences in | | | | anything seems unusually hot to the touch that |
| the running of the car. (If a CV joint problem is | | | | should also be reported to the mechanic. (Do NOT |
| left unattended, there can be a significant | | | | touch metal components on a running or just |
| performance difference when one wheel seizes | | | | turned off car with your hand! They can easily be |
| up and no longer turns, but we hope that the car | | | | hot enough to burn you.) |
| is not left to get into that condition!) | | | | If your car is no longer running at all, try your |
| In addition to this, try to describe precisely when | | | | best to describe what the car sounded, felt, and |
| and where the changes to your car happen. For | | | | behaved like before the car failed completely. |
| example, the CV joint problem above only | | | | These descriptions should help your mechanic |
| happens when the car is taking a turn. | | | | more quickly and correctly address whatever |
| Furthermore, pinning down the location of the | | | | problem your car currently has. |
| clicking noise will indicate which CV joint is having a | | | | |