When you're having a problem with your car, you want to know what the issue is. What kind of car repair do you need? Here are four types of car problems, as well as their signs:

1. Engine Repair Signs

Your engine keeps your car going. If your engine is due for a repair soon, you may notice some of these distinctive signs:

• Check engine light comes on
• Popping, grinding, scraping, or clicking sounds coming from the engine
• Car lurches or surges when you accelerate from a stop
• Car stalls
• Smell of gas, exhaust, or another bad smell inside the car
• Increased visits to the gas station

2. Transmission Repair Signs

Your car's transmission is responsible for getting your car into gear and supplying power to the engine so you can accelerate or slow down. If your transmission starts going bad, you may notice one of these signs:

• A bright red or sweet smelling fluid pools under your car
• A burning smell from inside the car
• The shifter shakes or shimmies when you move it to put the car in park, reverse, or drive
• Whining or buzzing sound when moving the shifter
• Car hesitates when you go from park to drive or vice versa

3. Brake Pad Repair Signs

Your brakes are one of the most important safety features of your car. Letting your brakes go without a repair is dangerous for you and others on the road. Here are signs you shouldn't ignore:

• Screeching, scraping, or squealing when you press on the brake pedal
• Car pulling to the left or right when stopping
• Pads look thin or worn when looked at through the wheel spokes
• Brake pedal vibrates when you push on it
• Your brake pedal feels too loose or spongy, like you have to mash down to stop
• Increased stopping distance

4. Ignition Switch Repair Signs

Your ignition switch starts your car. If the switch goes bad, you won't even be able to get out of your driveway. Here are warning signs that you may need your ignition switch repaired:

• Dashboard and panels don't light up when you turn your key
• Car has trouble starting
• Car stalls while idling
• Radio or interior lights don't work
• Can't turn the key in the ignition, as if the switch is stuck or something's blocking it
• Dashboard lights flicker while driving
• Ignition is hot

These are four common car problems and how you can detect them. If you notice any of these signs, or have questions about your potential car problem, contact your local mechanic or auto part store to learn more.