The following tips will help you spot potential trouble. Ignoring a problem may allow it to become worse. Remember, quick action can preserve your safety - and your money.

UNDER THE HOOD
Even if you're not a mechanic, you can often pinpoint problem areas by looking under the hood. Check the following:

Hoses
Look for bulges and leaks with the engine running - but don't touch. When the engine is cold, look and feel for bulges, cracks, soft spots or brittleness. If you detect any of these conditions, have the hoses replaced.

Belts
Check for cracks and missing pieces with the engine turned off. Your Owner's Manual provides a belt and hose replacement schedule.

Coolant
Check radiator coolant level: Check the reserve tank - do not remove the radiator cap.

Brake Fluid
If your brake fluid is low, it may be leaking, or your brakes could be worn.

SUSPICIOUS SOUNDS
Peculiar noises are often an early warning sign. Listen to them closely and you may avoid costly repairs. Here are some common sounds and their meanings:

Click (a rhythmic tapping, similar to the click of a retractable ballpoint pen)
Loose hubcap; defective wheel bearing; bent or loose fan blade; low engine-oil level; outer CV joints beginning to fail.

Clunk (a dull banging or thump, as if something were being dropped)
Defective universal joint or rear differential; low transmission fluid; motor mounts.

Knocking (a pounding or banging, as though two objects hit together)
Light knocking or "pinging" - fuel octane may be too low. Check your Owner's Manual for recommended octane level. Heavy knocking could indicate a bad connecting rod or worn crankshaft main bearing.

Screech or Squeak (scraping metallic sound, often continuous)
Worn brake pads or other brake problems.

Squeal (high-pitched whine, as if something is tearing)
Underinflated tires, misaligned wheels; loose or worn power-steering fan or air-conditioning compressor belt.

Thud (low-pitched metallic thumping)
Loose exhaust pipe; worn crankshaft bearing.

ODD ODORS
Here are a few of the more common smells and their causes:

Burning Plastic - Short circuit in the electrical system.

Burning Oil - Leaking oil on hot engine parts; low engine-oil level; transmission overheating (low transmission-fluid level).

Burning Rubber - Rubber hose touching a hot engine; hot tire due to locked brakeshoe.

Exhaust Odor Inside Car - Leak in exhaust pipe under passenger compartment. Keep windows open and turn the fan on high in the fresh-air position. These toxic fumes are extremely dangerous.

Gasoline Odor inside Car - Leaking or disconnected fuel line; defective evaporation control canister. keep windows open and turn the fan on high in the fresh-air position.

EXHAUST SMOKE
Freshly started vehicles may emit some white smoke as condensed water vapor in the exhaust system is burned off. if smoke persists after your car warms up, it could indicate a problem.

White - Indicates an internal coolant leak.

Blue - Indicates burning oil

Black - Can indicate either an ignition or fuel-system problem.

DRIVEWAY DRIPS
The bad news is that drops or puddles beneath your car may signal trouble. The good news is that discovering the cause is easy. Just spread a large piece of paper underneath your car, leave it overnight, and in the morning check out the color of the drops. The color reveals the source of the problem:

Dark - a dark spot is typically motor oil It means your engine is leaking oil and needs repair.

Red - Transmission fluid is red. Red spots may indicate that either front or rear automatic-transmission seals need replacing.

Green - Green or yellow oily fluid is coolant. This leak could be caused by a bad water pump or a leak in either the radiator or a hose.

Amber - Power-steering fluid is amber. An amber stain may indicate a leak in the power-stealing hose or pump.

Clear but Oily - An oily liquid with little color but a strong odor could be brake fluid.

Clear Water - Clear water is no need for concern. It is probably normal condensation from your air conditioner. If you have identified an oil, transmission fluid, power-steering fluid, brake fluid or coolant leak, bring your car to your dealer for service. Be sure to tell your Service Advisor the color, location and amount of the leak, and when you noticed it.

HANDLING OR DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS
Poor handling is a sure sign that your vehicle needs service. Often, difficult handling is a sign of misalignment. This can be caused by normal wear and tear on steering and suspension, or by hitting curbs or potholes.

Driveability problems can also be caused by something more servious. Describe the exact problem to your mechanic who will probably test-drive your car to experience the problem.

Tire Wear - Check your manual for diagnostic information.