Listen to your car for signs of trouble

With winter drawing near, it is not only time to take care of pre-winter auto maintenance, it is even more important to listen to what your car or truck is saying.

Usually, there is an early indication of a future problem. After the driver learns what the car "feels like" to drive, he or she should be aware of any changes. If there are changes, it might be a good idea to check them out.

For example, if a car is slower starting, the battery may be old and not fully charging. If a harder push on the brake is needed to slow the vehicle or bring it to a stop, it would a be a good idea to have the brakes checked. In fact, it would be a very good idea!

If it is not accelerating with the same push on the pedal as usual, have it checked. The engine might need a tune-up or maybe there is a transmission problem. There might even be a hanging brake disc. No one will know until it is checked out.

The car may have a different sound to it, or there may be a noise out of the ordinary. But, if the sound system is always loud, none of this may be heard.

The car will often tell you if it has a problem - if someone will just listen!