I've been hearing some noise coming from my engine, a sort of thumping that seems like the engine is banging against another metal component. I checked the engine and it seems loose, with some wiggle when I try to move it in its position. I can see several rubber components where it's mounted. Could these be causing the problem?

The rubber components that you're seeing are more likely the engine mounts. They are used to hold the engine and keep it from getting in contact with your car's metal body and its surrounding components. It is also used to dampen the vibrations created by the engine as it runs, keeping the vibrations from reaching the car body and protecting you and your car's passengers from too much movement and noise. Now if you're starting to hear a thumping sound coming from the engine, especially if coupled with vibrations, that could be the mounts starting to wear out and failing to secure the engine. These mounts could get brittle and disintegrate over time, so they lose their ability to do their job well. Check the mounts and replace them as needed.

My car's serpentine belt appears to be making some noise, and it started just a few days ago. Everything in my vehicle is working well, but I'm just starting to get bothered by the noise the belt is making. Is this a sign of problem? Or is this normal, and can I do something to quiet down the noise?

A noisy serpentine belt is a cause for concern—you need to check it right away to catch any damage. This belt drives a wide range of car accessories such as the alternator and water pump, both crucial components of your vehicle. You can't afford to have the belt snap while you're in the middle of a drive. To check whether the belt is damaged, take a careful look and see if there are already cracks and signs of wear along the belt. If so, that could mean it is already due for a replacement. Check also for possible oil contamination, which would likewise require you to discard the belt and get a new one. If you see oil, check where the leak is coming from so you can address it as well.

I'm thinking about getting a set of wheel covers for my vehicle, but I'm not sure if they will be worth the investment. I heard they can add some level of performance because they can reduce drag caused by the spokes, but I'm not sure if the improvement will be significant.

Wheel covers are typically used for customization purposes. That is, to improve the looks of a vehicle. If you are planning to do some upgrades and are looking for a unified look in your ride, then a set of wheel covers will be able to help you achieve that. If you are looking for a performance enhancement, though, then you'd need to find another upgrade aside from wheel covers.

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