There's nothing worse than having an unexplained and irritating noise coming from your vehicle. You're not entirely sure what's causing it but you believe it's coming from your differential. You would like to be able to talk with your auto mechanic about this to see what their advice is, but you don't know where to start. What do some of the most common issues sound like? If you get a howling noise when you are decelerating, when you have not noticed anything strange up until this point, it may indicate that you have a loose pinion bearing preload.

Speed down a motorway at more than 60 miles an hour and you might need the entire length of a soccer pitch in order to stop in an emergency. Have faulty brakes and you might not be able to stop at all. Asked on the spot, the vast majority of people would say that their car brakes are one of the most important features of their vehicle. Taking care of them, they'd say, is vital in order to avoid collisions and costly repair jobs. The problem is, many people don't check them in practice, putting themselves and others in danger. Now there are some obvious signs to regularly look out for, such as brake lights appearing and the car feeling like it takes ages to stop. Yet there are a few more specific signals that are worth knowing too and, in order to spot them, you have to keep your senses sharp. Let's start with what you can feel. If your brake is shaking about—or "pulsating" as it's often called—this could be a sign that the pads are worn out or warped due to heat. This is often a result of driving down steep hills or stopping regularly while towing heavy objects, both of which can put the rotors under a lot of stress. Also, look out for the car pulling to one side unintentionally—a possible sign of unevenly worn brake pads—as well as your pedals sinking into the floor, which could suggest a brake fluid leak or an air leak in the brake hose. The next sense to keep attuned is your sight. For instance, look out for deep grooves in the rotor, circular "scores" that look quite similar to the marks made on a music CD. If they're visible to the naked eye, then your pads need replacing. You also need to check how thin the pads are as a whole. Look through the spokes of your car wheel and if you can only see less than an inch of the outside brake pad, it's been worn too much. Finally, keep your ears alert as there are a variety of different noises that could suggest problems with your brakes. If there's a loud metallic sound—a bit like growling or grinding—that could signal that the calipher and disc are rubbing against one another. Clicking noises or screeching sounds can also suggest that the pads need to be looked at.

The transmission is an essential component of a vehicle whose function is to send power from the vehicle's engine to the wheels. Both automatic and manual transmissions operate under a lot of pressure and heat. They should be properly maintained to ensure optimal performance of the vehicle. Failure to do this can result in regular breakdowns and costly repairs. The best way to avoid transmission problems is by understanding your car's warning signs of trouble.

Having bought a new truck, you can barely wait to go on your first off-road expedition. The sad reality is that your truck is not necessarily ready for off-road terrain simply because it's new. Manufacturers will often compromise on the quality of various components of a 4X4 in order to make the truck more affordable. Below are three reasons why your new truck might not be ready for the much anticipated off-road expedition.

Blue or black smoke coming from your car is a clear sign that your engine is malfunctioning. If you don't get it checked by a car servicing professional as soon as possible, you run the risk of your entire engine breaking down, which will set you back several thousands of dollars in repair work. This guide gives you insights into the causes of blue or black smoke coming from your vehicle, so that you're better prepared to get car repairs.

One thing that stands out in the summer is the heat. The sun's rays make it a good time to go outdoors and have fun. But that's not the case for your vehicle. While you're out there enjoying nature, the sun's exposure on your vehicle may lead to a lot of damage. Both the heat and the ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause irreversible damage to your car in the long term.

If your car has broken down by the side of the road, then of course you need a tow truck to get it to a shop. However, it's not always mechanical failure that means you should call for towing services. There are other times when it's good to call for a tow or for services offered by a tow truck, even if your car is still in your driveway. Read on to learn about some of the situations in which you should call for a tow.

A caravan trailer that folds down offers spacious fun while travelling, but it is also relatively small and easy to store when you are at home. Getting ready to fold up your caravan trailer and store it? Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1. Do not store wet caravan trailers. If there is any moisture inside your caravan trailer, do not fold it down and then push it into storage.