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What are the symptoms of bad engine mounts?
Bad engine mounts, especially broken engine mounts, allow a vehicle's engine to move or shake excessively.
Occasionally I hear a weird sound when I turn my steering wheel. There is no vibration or knocking sensation. What is the cause?
It would be difficult to know where the noise coming from without test driving the vehicle.
Screeching sounds could be heard sometimes when I apply my brakes. Both front wheels' brake pads were perfect when checked. What is the likely problem?
The noise could be due to unevenness between the new brake pads' surface and brake rotor.
My car engine has a high rpm when it starts. Every time I shift to drive or reverse, the car would jerk. What is the problem?
It is normal for the engine rpm to be at higher speeds if the engine temperature is cold.
I get a high-pitched screeching or whining sound on starting my car's engine. What's the problem?
Try switching the air-conditioner off when the noise happens to ascertain the source of the noise.
How long can I leave a car without starting and running it? Aside from potential battery problem will there be any mechanical problems?
Vehicles are always better off being driven on a regular basis. If that is not possible, you should have someone to drive it twice a week for about 30 minutes.
When accelerating, my Corolla has a croaking sound. The sound seems to be louder between 30-60kph.
It would be difficult to know where the noise coming from without checking the vehicle.
I drive a continental car which is erratic at idle. What could be wrong?
A defective ignition and leaks in the air intake are but some of the causes.
I drive a two-year old Japanese car. Of late, I noticed that the temperature gauge stays at the halfway mark. Does it mean that the engine is overheated?
It is fine when the needle of the engine temperature meter stays between cold and hot.
How often should the automatic transmission fluid be changed? How do I know when I need to change the fluid?
It depends on the make and model of the car, the type of fluid used and the climate conditions.
A rumbling sound comes from the audio set area of my car whenever it crosses a hump or an uneven road. Repeated visits to the workshop couldn't resolve the problem. How can I stop the sound?
It is likely something around the audio set is shaking against the adjacent part.
Are AA members allowed to drive in China?
Foreigners are not allowed to drive in China unless they convert their driving licence to a Chinese licence.
We welcome contributions, comments and tips.
a1motor@sph.com.sg
9180 1253 (SMS)
6319 8177