The car maintenance plan establishes regular deadlines and mileage for the owner to carry out overhauls, based on an average estimate of component durability. Vehicle inspection intervals are shortened in case of severe use.
However, there are problems that do not have this predictability. Some require that their verification and repair be carried out as quickly as possible, as they involve a security risk, or because they become something more serious and expensive to repair in a short time. The owner's manual warns of these flaws, often accompanied by the adverb "immediately", referring to the haste you must take to resolve them. There are cases in which the driver is even instructed to turn off the engine and activate the mechanical assistance without delay. Check out some examples.
1 - Smell of smoke inside the vehicle
Especially in older cars without proper maintenance, this is a very common problem and can be related to the perforation of the exhaust through corrosion. More than the bad smell from the smoke, this is a situation that requires immediate attention because it is life-threatening. The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an extremely toxic gas that kills by asphyxiation. The first step is to open the windows to ventilate the cabin, followed by a visit to the mechanic as soon as possible. "Leaks in the exhaust can result in the entry of smoke that is harmful to health and potentially lethal into the cabin. If you smell smoke from the exhaust inside the vehicle, take it for immediate inspection.
2 - Bird droppings and fuel for painting
This is a situation that does not involve a safety risk, but can cause permanent damage to the paint and leave the vehicle owner at a loss. Bird droppings appear to be harmless, but their chemical composition is harmful to varnish and paint. The automakers recommend to do the immediate cleaning of the dirt, before the excrement dries, making its removal very difficult.
3 - Engine choked after filling
Adulteration of fuels is one of the most frequent causes of engine malfunction. It is especially harmful in the case of gasoline, which is usually "named" with solvents that are very harmful to various components - including pipes and rubbers. If you find that the engine started to 'choke', showing faults and loss of power right after filling, be sure to check the defect later. In this situation, even, the Volkswagen Nivus manual teaches you to turn off the vehicle "immediately" to send it to a trusted dealer or workshop.
4 - Airbag warning light on
Many problems that require immediate attention are reported through the instrument panel warning lights, which are usually red. This is true for airbags, which have a specific light. If it remains on after the engine starts, it is a sign of a probable defect in the mandatory safety system - which may not work as expected in the event of a collision, which is life threatening.
5 - Insufficient braking
It is not safe to play and this obviously applies to the brakes. If the distance to stop the car increases or if the pedal becomes hard or lower, it is time to take it quickly for a workshop inspection. Brake failure in general is alerted by means of the respective light on the panel - depending on the model, a text message also appears. Until arriving at the workshop, the Nivus booklet says to "drive at low speed and prepare for greater braking distances and greater pressure on the pedal". It is also worth checking the brake fluid level in person.
Source: uol