Faults
Common faults: what happens on a long trip
Far from home, even a minor problem feels more serious than it does in your driveway. It helps to know in advance which signs come up most often on a long drive, which of them mean you should stop at once, and which still let you calmly reach the nearest shop.
Deciding to stop is almost never a mistake; the mistake is deciding not to stop when the car is already asking you to.
We don't diagnose faults or teach roadside repairs. This covers warning signs and the general course of action; what to do next is up to your owner's manual and a professional.
What most often happens on the road
The temperature gauge is climbing
The engine is overheating, for example in the heat, in a traffic jam or on a long climb. Ease off and stop at the first safe opportunity. Don't open the coolant reservoir while the engine is hot: the fluid is under pressure and can spray out.
The car pulls to one side and a wheel vibrates
It may be a puncture or a loss of pressure. Don't brake hard: slow down smoothly, hold the wheel steady and stop in a safe place. Don't keep driving on a flat tire; it will come apart and can damage the wheel.
The engine won't start in the morning
Most often it's a dead battery, especially after a cold night or if something was left on. Don't crank the starter for long. A jump start from another car following the manual, or calling for help, may solve it.
A red warning light came on
Red usually means a fault that makes it dangerous to keep going: oil pressure, brakes, overheating, charging. Stop in a safe place and look up in the manual what the symbol means.
A yellow warning light came on
Yellow or amber is more often a warning: something needs attention, but not necessarily an immediate stop. Look the symbol up in the manual and plan a shop visit without putting it off until you get home.
There's an unusual noise or smell
Knocking, grinding when braking, or a smell of burning or hot fluid is a reason to slow down and stop to take a look. If the burning smell comes with smoke, move away from the car and call 112 (or your local emergency number).
When you shouldn't drive on
The brakes feel different
The pedal sinks, feels soft, or the car pulls when braking. Stop and wait for help instead of trying to "limp along slowly."
Temperature gauge in the red
Driving on with an overheated engine is a sure path to an expensive repair. Shut the engine off once you've stopped, unless the manual says otherwise.
A flat or damaged tire
Swap it for the spare if you know how and the spot is safe, or call for help. Don't put the jack on a soft shoulder or a slope.
The red oil pressure or charging light is on
These lights mean the engine or electrical system is at its limit. Driving further can end with a total breakdown in the worst possible place.
Smoke or steam from under the hood
Stop, turn off the engine, get everyone out of the car and move a safe distance away from the roadway.
Read next
- Preparation
What to check yourself before a long drive and what to have a shop look at ahead of time: pressure, tread, fluids, lights, wipers and the spare.
- Safety
Fatigue, seat belts, cargo, kids, weather and night driving: the rules and habits that help you reach the end of the trip without incident.
- FAQ
Short answers about this guide, about getting ready for a long trip, and about how to handle yourself on the road, in general terms.
Sources
- Russian traffic rules (official text)
- Your car's owner's manual (in general terms)
- Road safety materials (in general terms)
The Russian traffic rules are summarized from the official text in force when this page was prepared, and rules change from time to time. Cars differ too, so before a trip check the current version of the rules and your own car's owner's manual.