4 classic but easy to anticipate engine failures

As soon as the outside temperatures cool, such as in winter, the battery suffers. It all depends on its age, but especially on its condition. Before winter, professionals recommend a "winter checkup," which includes, among other things, checking the battery voltage. If the voltage is good, there's no need to worry. But be careful if your vehicle is left outside in the cold. The battery could take a hit. If the voltage is too low, it's best to replace it.

How can you identify a battery problem? As soon as you open your car, if the central locking system no longer works. Or when you turn on the ignition and the dashboard warning lights no longer come on. If the warning lights come on but your attempts to start it are unsuccessful, with no response from the engine, there's a good chance the battery is the problem.

The solution? Cables, with the help of a second vehicle, or a battery booster. Remember that the battery recharges while you're driving.

As a last resort, with a manual transmission and a petrol car, someone can push the car with you in order to start it "manually". How? By putting it in 2nd gear, disengaging (pushing the clutch) while someone pushes the vehicle, and releasing the clutch sharply, with a little gas, once the car has reached about 10 km/h. The engine should then start.

The particulate filter (PF) was invented to reduce harmful emissions, particularly fine particles. It is mostly found on diesel vehicles, but is also starting to spread to modern gasoline cars. To understand why a particulate filter gets clogged, you need to understand how it works. The DPF works ideally once a certain temperature has been reached. This pollution control device therefore requires journeys of at least 20 km. In addition, it "regenerates" automatically according to a cycle that varies from one manufacturer to another. But, again, to regenerate, it must reach a certain temperature. As you can see, the DPF hates short journeys. Repeated short journeys can clog it, causing a warning light to come on on the dashboard. The engine generally goes into safety mode, limiting power and top speed.

Solution? Avoid short journeys or force regeneration by driving at high revs on the highway. But it's even better to use Bardahl DPF cleaners, either preventively or curatively, with, as a last resort, an eco-engine cleaning to clean the particulate filter.

Under the hood, 3 liquids are absolutely necessary for the proper functioning of the thermal engine vehicle.

First, there's the oil level. Don't wait for the onboard computer to warn you that your oil level is too low, as it's often too late and the damage has already been done. Regularly check your oil level and its appearance to ensure your engine is in good condition.

Next, there's the coolant level. Without it, the engine will overheat and most likely break down. Coolant is an antifreeze, so avoid using water instead of coolant in winter at all costs! This advice also applies to windshield washer fluid.

Finally, there's the brake fluid level. Without brake fluid, your braking system will no longer function, putting you and other road users at risk.

Solution? Always make sure the levels are between the minimum and maximum levels on each tank. Never drive a vehicle with a level problem. It's much wiser to call a tow truck.