5 warning signs your car needs a mechanic now

Noises that mean stop driving now

Grinding under braking, a rhythmic knock that rises with engine speed, or a metallic scrape from a wheel are all signals to stop rather than push on. Continuing turns a modest repair into a major one.

Read the colour of what is leaking

Clear water is usually harmless condensation from the air conditioning. Reddish or brown fluid points at transmission or engine oil, and a sweet-smelling green or orange puddle means coolant — which will overheat the engine quickly.

“A flashing check-engine light is not the same as a steady one. Flashing means active damage is happening — pull over.”

What these usually cost

Catching brake wear at the noise stage keeps it to pads. Ignoring it until the grind means rotors and calipers as well, at several times the price.