Four Wheel Logic

Common signs you need transmission fluid are slipping gears, rough shifts, overheating, warning lights, and low or discolored fluid on the dipstick.

Typical signs that transmission fluid is low include delayed or slipping shifts, harsh engagement, leaks, odd noises, and a burnt smell from the gearbox area.

Typical signs of a bad AC compressor are warm air, weak airflow, loud noises, leaks, and a condenser unit that overheats or trips breakers.

You can tell your rotors are warped when braking causes pedal pulsation, steering shake, or uneven stopping that a mechanic can confirm with runout checks.

Common signs of bad brake rotors include vibration, scraping noises, longer stops, and visible damage on the disc.

A bad brake caliper usually shows as pulling, uneven pad wear, dragging or hot wheels, fluid leaks, or a soft brake pedal when you slow down.

A bad brake booster usually shows up as a hard brake pedal, hissing air noise, and longer stopping distance under normal driving.

Typical exhaust leak signs include louder engine noise, exhaust smell in the cabin, new vibrations, poor fuel economy, and visible soot near joints.

Common head gasket failure signs include overheating, white exhaust smoke, milky oil, and unexplained coolant loss.

Common signs of a blown head gasket include white exhaust smoke, milky oil, overheating, and coolant loss with no visible leak.