From strange noises to leaky fluid, if you feel something is wrong with your vehicle, it probably is. Cars have become an extension of ourselves, and maintaining them is crucial for their longevity and our safety. Like any machine, wear and tear are normal; however, ignoring any red flags can prove hazardous.
So, before you’re stuck on the highway because ‘something went wrong’ with your vehicle, let’s cover some telltale signs that it’s time to visit an auto repair service. Let’s explore.
10 Telltale Signs You Need to Immediate Auto Repair Service
By addressing the following issues promptly, you can enhance your driving experience, prevent costly repairs and ensure optimal vehicle functioning.
Dashboard Warning Lights
While sometimes it’s all guesswork that makes you wonder, “Is something wrong with my car?”, other times your car just tells you itself, and it’s crucial to never ignore it. Motor vehicle companies design a built-in system in the dashboard warning lights that alerts you when your car may have a potential problem.
The warning lights may show an ABS light, check engine light, low oil pressure light, or even a brake light. If you notice any of these illuminate on your dashboard, it’s essential to address the problem immediately.
Fluid Leaks
No matter the color, if your car is leaving behind puddles of liquid, it’s a sign that you need to take it to an auto repair service for an investigation. They can examine the liquid closely to determine what the problem may be.
Typically, water is not concerning, as it may be a byproduct of air conditioning condensation. On the other hand, if you notice any of the following liquids, your vehicle warrants an inspection:
- Oils
- Coolant (yellow, blue, green)
- Transmission fluid (red or brown)
- Brake fluid (thick but clear)
- Power steering fluid
A leak in one of these vital systems is likely the culprit. It’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible before it affects and worsens your car’s performance.
Decrease in Performance & Fuel Efficiency
If you have been noticing that your ride is not as smooth as it used to be or that the fuel efficiency has dropped significantly, then it’s time to take it to an auto repair service. You may be able to identify this through difficulty in gear shifting, slow acceleration, or if your car is gobbling up all its fuel and your gas budget is way off the charts.
If ignored, you could end up with a stalled vehicle and poor fuel economy, and who wants that? Regular maintenance through an expert auto repair service can prevent these issues from escalating.
Braking Issues
Brakes are the most essential part of your vehicle and are directly linked to your safety, which is why it’s important to take any braking issue very seriously. While brakes naturally wear down over time, you can notice that they’ve lost their effectiveness or are emitting strange sounds.
You may also notice that the brake pedals feel soft and spongy, or there’s a pulsating feeling when you stop. If not taken to the repair shop soon, these problems may result in an accident. Experts can determine if the issue is due to misalignment, worn brakes, or a brake fluid problem.
Burning Smell
That can obviously never be good. If you notice a strange burning smell, it could be a very alarming problem, and it’s important not to ignore it. Immediately step away from the vehicle. These odors can be due to several reasons, such as a sweet smell indicating a coolant leak, a burnt rubber smell suggesting something is wrong with the tires, or a hot oil smell signaling an engine component malfunction.
From engine damage to overheating and even fires, ignoring these smells is a huge risk that you should not take. Pull over, and use your phone to call an auto repair service to have a mechanic diagnose the issue.
ALSO READ: Common Myths About Auto Body Repairs Debunked
Odd Sounds
Whether it’s squealing brakes, grinding gears, or knocking sounds, it’s hard to miss these strange noises and still think that your vehicle is fine. These sounds could be coming from the brakes, transmission, or engine, and no, a car is not supposed to be unbearably noisy. If you think that’s okay, you’re risking a major issue.
Just as you wouldn’t ignore a knock on the door, it’s essential not to ignore any knocks that your car makes. So, call an auto repair service for a thorough inspection. Also, shut off your car to avoid causing further damage.
Smoke Emission
Just like a burning smell, your car emitting smoke is never a good sign. If you find yourself in a situation where your car is emitting smoke, it’s best to step away from it.
If you notice the smell coming from under the hood, it’s a sign that your engine is overheating, likely due to the coolant gauge running dry. And if you notice smoke from behind, chances are you haven’t paid attention to the white smoke from your tailpipe, which has now led to your engine overheating.
No matter the cause, your car needs immediate auto repair service. If you continue using your car, you risk causing serious engine damage.
Vibrations or Shaking
Excessive vibrations or shaking while driving can indicate various problems with your car. Typically, this may be due to issues with the tires, worn-out suspension components, or a problem with wheel alignment.
If vibrations occur during braking, it might be due to warped rotors or worn-out brake pads. You need to promptly address the issue, regardless of the cause. If you choose to ignore it, it may end up costing you hefty repairs or even a breakdown (and what if it’s in the middle of the night?).
Overheating
The telltale signs that your car may be overheating is that you notice steam coming from under the hood, as we mentioned earlier or the car’s temperature gauge is showing a higher reading.
Overheating can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. Overheating can be due to a faulty water pump, thermostat, faulty radiator or coolant leak. Once you notice an overheating problem, pull your car to the side, call the auto repair service and get the underlying issue diagnosed.
Low Oil Pressure
Your engine relies on proper oil pressure for lubrication and cooling, so this warning demands immediate attention. Ignoring this warning and continuing to drive can cause irreversible engine damage.
The low oil pressure warning light on your dashboard is a critical indicator, often accompanied by reduced car performance. If the light comes on, pull over safely and turn off the engine. Check the oil level; if it’s normal but the light persists, seek professional assistance immediately.
Skip the Hassle, Call A1 Auto Body Shop Brooklyn Today!
Put your worries in the backseat and step out of the vehicle when you feel something is wrong. Prolonged use can cause the problem to get worse, so it’s better to get an expert opinion and you won’t be sorry when you’re stuck in traffic because your engine is overheating.
Get in touch with A1 Auto Body Shop Brooklyn and get your car to be fully functioning again. Need to schedule your car for repairs? We’re here to help. Call us now and we can get working on your ride in no time.
