In a worst-case scenario, your car might need major repairs during the course of its life. And while something like this might seem like it’s something to fear, most of the time it isn’t — although it can get expensive. Whether this is a car you’ve had for years or a car you’ve just purchased used, it’s important to make sure you’re checking on the little things to prevent big disaster. Below are a few signs you might need major repairs on your car in the future.

Engine Knocking

One of the biggest signs that something is wrong is a knock in your engine. While it’s impossible to diagnose from the naked ear, there are a few things you can look for to help you decipher what the issue might be. Check your oil health and levels, as well as cracks in your block. While these are certainly fixable, it is considered major repair when removing the top half of the engine.

Wobbly Wheels

Suspension components are extremely delicate and require constant maintenance to ensure they’re in the right health. If your wheel is loose, wobbly, or just doesn’t look right, make sure you’re checking your suspension components for things that might be loose. If broken, however, they may need repair which would elongate the amount of time you’re off the road. Additionally, it’s a good idea to get an alignment afterward to ensure everything is as straight as an arrow.

Dark Smoke

Another tell-tale sign is dark or colored smoke coming from your engine. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, there are a ton of things that can be wrong with your car, identified by an issue like this. It’s important to make sure that if this happens to you, you’re moving it away from other cars on the road and calling for help.