Signs Your Exotic Car Needs Immediate Repair
Exotic cars are engineering marvels. From bespoke design, to heart stopping performance and stellar levels of luxury, exotic cars are built to impress. No matter how impressive an exotic car may be, just like all other cars, they still require ongoing maintenance. In some cases, the need for a repair or maintenance may be urgent, where neglecting an immediate repair could cause further damage. In this article, we look at the top warning signs that you may need to plan for an immediate exotic car repair.
Warning Sign 1: Strange Noises
Unusual noises coming from your car should never be ignored. Strange noises can vary, and it’s important to identify where the noise is coming from.
Noises can be categorized into a few areas, including:
Slipping Belts
Worn belts, including your serpentine or timing belt, can cause a squealing noise and cause considerable damage to other engine components.
Engine Knocking Noises
Knocking noises coming from your engine should always be treated with urgency. This could include issues such as misfiring spark plugs, a piston slap, or a valve lifter failure.
Brake & Suspension Noises
Worn-out brake pads will make a grinding noise. This is the metal of your brake caliper grinding on your brake disc, which can cause serious damage. Apart from the noise, it’s a safety hazard and should be checked out immediately.
If you hear a strange popping noise, this could point towards a compromised suspension system. Your control arm bushes or ball joints could be worn and in need of a specialist exotic car mechanic.
Warning Sign 2: Warning Lights
Flashing warning lights on your dashboard usually points to a potential problem that needs to be addressed.
There are several lights on each car’s dashboard, but here are a few to take special notice of:
Engine Light
A check engine light can point towards a minor sensor issue, all the way to an overheating engine. It’s best to stop driving and contact your trusted exotic car repair facility.
Oil Level Light
Driving with a low oil level light on could be a recipe for disaster. A lack of oil will cause increased engine friction and put your engine at risk of engine failure.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Most newer exotic cars will have a tire pressure monitoring system. This keeps you updated on each tire’s pressure and will sound if the pressure is dangerously high or low. Incorrect tire pressure can affect the handling and safety of your car.
Warning Sign 3: Fluid Leaks
Your exotic car contains a few different fluid types to keep things running smoothly, including oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid.
If you notice a puddle of liquid under your exotic car, it could very well be a fluid leak. Continuing to drive with a fluid leak could cause major damage, as each type of fluid plays a crucial role in the running of your car.
Here are some common fluid leaks and what they could mean:
Brown Oil: This usually indicates an oil leak, which can cause engine damage if left unattended.
Red Fluid: This could be power steering or transmission fluid. Both of these play an important role in your car’s functioning.
Green Or Orange Fluid: These usually point towards a coolant leak, which can lead to overheating.
Clear Fluid: This is usually from your car’s AC condenser and isn’t anything to worry about.
If you suspect a fluid leak, get it checked out by the professionals immediately.
Warning Sign 4: Performance Challenges
Loss of performance is a major exotic car repair warning sign. If you’re noticing decreased power, this could be caused by an engine malfunction or a fuel system issue.
Is your car idling rougher than usual? This could also point to dirty or faulty fuel injectors or engine sensors. If your transmission isn’t shifting well, this also needs to be looked at, and finally, any reduced fuel efficiency shouldn’t be ignored. A drop in performance should always be a reason to book your car in with the professionals to get it sorted out quickly.
Warning Sign 5: Strange Smells
Apart from the occasional smell of gas at the pump station, there shouldn’t be any pungent odors coming from your car. If you’ve noticed a musty smell, this could point towards a mold or mildew issue in your car’s interior.
A burning smell usually points towards an electrical issue. If you smell a strong gasoline smell, this could indicate a fuel leak. Any burning oil or strong gasoline smell could be a risk to your safety and should get checked out immediately.
Warning Sign 6: Poor Handling
As the proud owner of an exotic car, you’ll get to know the unique feel of your car. If your handling feels off, such as a pulling to one side, or a vibration, this could point towards an issue with your brakes or wheels. This could include an alignment or wheel balancing issue. A compromised braking system or tire condition can be hazardous to your safety and should be checked out quickly. Brake pad and rotor inspections should all form part of a thorough brake repair service. Finally, poor handling could also point towards a suspension issue.
The Exotic Car Repair Professionals
At Foreign Affairs Motorsports, we take care of each exotic car that drives into our shop. Our team of experienced mechanics boasts over 125 years of combined experience with top European exotic brands. We handle all your scheduled maintenance needs as well as performance tuning upgrades. We’ll take excellent care of your exotic car at our world-class facility in Pompano Beach. Call us today at 954-746-0488 for all your exotic car repair needs.