Core: Recognising common defects: from steering to tyre

Steering: rubber boots protect vulnerable steering parts from dirt and moisture and can crack after years. A thumping sound on sharp steering points to the CV joint of a drive shaft — don't keep driving on it for long. Suspension: driving hard against kerbs can bend or shift components, so the wheels stop tracking correctly. Noticeable as steering vibration, visible as unevenly worn tyres. Brakes: brake pads wear. A grinding sound means you are already too late. If the car pulls to one side while braking, there is a brake-system defect; a spongy pedal suggests the brake cylinder — have it checked ASAP. Lighting and indicators: check them yourself daily before departure. The dashboard does not automatically flag a broken bulb. Exhaust: rust can make it leak after years (audible noise through rust holes); worn rubber mounting rings can let the exhaust come loose (a scraping sound while driving) — repair or replace ASAP. Tyres: air tyres slowly lose pressure, so check it regularly. Nitrogen filling (green valve cap) is a voluntary choice that holds pressure roughly 4x longer than air — lower consumption, better handling, shorter braking distance, less wear, lower burst risk.