Common car problems

Frits Pieper
13 Mar 2017

What are the most common car problems? How do you recognize them and what can you do about them?

Some people always hear something in their car, while there is often nothing wrong. On the other hand, there are people who are masters in ignoring (approaching) car problems. Creaking cars last the longest, right? How do you know when there is really something wrong with your car?

Three signs you shouldn't ignore.

1. High pitched beep

A shrill, high-pitched squeak comes from under your bonnet, especially when you accelerate. The sound often disappears when you ease off the gas. People on the street look at you or cover their ears. The cause? A slipping V-belt. A visit to the garage is necessary to re-tension the belt or replace it if it is worn. Please note that you can no longer drive with a broken V-belt.

2. Pee under the car

There is a puddle under your car. You don't have to worry right away, because it could also be 'just' harmless condensation from the air conditioning.

However, if the fluid is colored, it could be coolant. Check when you last topped it up and check the level. Move your car a few meters and see if a new puddle forms. Is your car leaking little fluid and is there still enough in the reservoir? Then see if you can drive to the nearest garage.

A dark puddle under your car almost always indicates engine oil that is leaking. Check the oil level when the engine is cold. Is the oil level still well above the minimum? Then go to a nearby garage. Is there not enough or no oil left in the car? Then do not drive another meter and have a mechanic come and look at your car.

3. The car 'pulls'

You are on a straight, flat road and your car pulls to one side. You have to constantly correct it. The cause? Insufficient pressure in one of your tires, probably due to a leak. See if you can inflate the tires to (the same) pressure at a gas station and see if the problem goes away. Does the problem persist, but are you sure you don't have a flat tire? Then a wheel may be damaged, which is often confirmed by a humming sound or rattling. Is there nothing wrong with your tires or wheels? Then there may be something wrong with your steering box.


The chance that you will encounter one of the above breakdowns in one of our excellently maintained rental cars is of course small. How small? In 99,99% (and a few nines after the decimal point) of the cases you will arrive at your destination without any breakdowns! Rent a car in the Sittard region? That's possible at Adrem! 

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