5 Signs Your Exotic Car Needs Immediate Attention

 Posted on July 09, 2025 in Exotic Car Maintenance

Although exotic cars may be luxurious masterpieces – both inside and out – their high-performance components have a downside. While normal wear and tear, improper use, or delayed maintenance may not have a significant impact on your Ford truck, ignoring small issues in exotic cars can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs.

Whether you drive a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, or another type of exotic car, it is important to recognize the warning signs of trouble, both to stay safe on the roadways and to protect your investment. A Washington, D.C. exotic vehicle technician from Rosso Service has the necessary training and skills to ensure your exotic vehicle remains in tip-top shape.

When to Seek Immediate Attention from an Exotic Car Qualified Service Specialist

While every exotic car is unique, with its own distinct maintenance and repair needs, the following five signs that your exotic car requires attention are fairly universal.

Knocking, Whining, Ticking, or Other Unusual Engine Noises

There are many reasons an exotic car could have unusual engine noises, including incorrect ignition timing, worn or damaged bearings, excess combustion pressure, a cracked piston or worn connecting rod bearing, a worn belt or tensioner, a failing power steering pump, low oil level or pressure, faulty fuel injectors, loose spark plugs, an exhaust manifold leak, and more. It is essential to have your exotic car checked out immediately when you hear an unusual noise.

Changes in Exhaust Sound or Smoke

If you hear an increase in loudness in your exhaust sound, it could be a leak, anywhere from the manifold to the tailpipe. (Leaks near the engine usually have a louder, more "raw" sound.) Ticking or popping noises could indicate a cracked exhaust manifold, while whistling or rattling sounds could indicate a clogged or damaged catalytic converter. Black exhaust smoke typically indicates an overly rich air-fuel mixture, while blue smoke suggests that engine oil is being burned. White smoke usually points to a failed head gasket or condensation.

Brake Performance Issues

Common brake issues that affect exotic cars are often caused by improper brake fluid or brake overheating. A brake "squeal" can indicate worn brake pads, and a sticking brake caliper can lead to uneven wear. Warped rotors can lead to vibrations of the car, while brake fluid leaks can cause reduced braking power or even brake failure.

Transmission Slipping or Delayed Shifting

If your exotic car unexpectedly shifts gears, struggles to stay in the correct gear, experiences delays in shifting, has harsh or jerky shifting or delayed engagement, or you notice a loss of power and reduced acceleration, there may be transmission issues. Some causes of transmission slipping or delayed shifting in exotic cars include low or contaminated transmission fluid, worn clutch plates or bands, faulty solenoids, a damaged torque converter, electronic control malfunctions, overheating, or internal wear or gear damage.  

Unresponsive or Rough Suspension

Worn-out or damaged shock absorbers or struts can cause excessive bounding, reduced handling performance, or an overall rough ride. The coil springs that support the vehicle’s weight and absorb road bumps can be damaged or worn, or the bushings (small components that cushion metal parts to reduce friction and vibration) can become worn. The car may also have a damaged control arm or ball joint, causing steering "wander" and clunking noises, or an air suspension failure that can lead to a bumpy ride or uneven ride height. Even incorrect tire pressure, improper tire alignment, or damaged rims can lead to a rough ride.

Contact a Baltimore, MD Exotic Car Maintenance and Repair Expert

Catching problems with your exotic car before they become major problems that can be difficult to fix and cost you significantly more money is extremely important. To ensure your exotic car receives the highest level of care, a Forest Hill, MD exotic car maintenance and repair expert from Rosso Service is here to help.

We offer tours of our facility and have specially trained and factory-certified technicians in all categories, with two Ferrari Master Technicians on staff. Exotic car issues can escalate quickly without proper attention. Call 410-638-2886 today to schedule your appointment.