In many ways, life has its means of creeping up on us with unwelcome news when they are least expected. This case also applies strongly to cars. Car servicing involves several maintenance operations at a predetermined time interval or after your car has traveled a specific distance.
These days, it is imperative to have a perfectly running, healthy vehicle for your job or even a regular commute. It would be a highly unfortunate incident if your vehicle breaks down unexpectedly, and you are then required to pay high fees for its car repair. This article explains all the signs that show your vehicle needs servicing, so you can avoid such surprises.
10 Signs Your Car Needs Service
To avoid a sudden car breakdown, you must be highly observant. This will hw]elp you answer the question “when should I service my car”. The following are signs that indicate your car needs a service:
- Lights on the dashboard
- Braking problems
- Ignition problems
- Strange noises
- Grinding gears
- Power reduction
- Excessive smoke
- Weird vibrations
- Stalling
- The user manual indications
Lights on the Dashboard
Dashboard lights are usually the most blatant physical sign that your car needs a service. Cars made from the early nineties till now all come with dashboard lights designed to give you a heads up of whatever issue your car is facing. Disregarding these warning lights can be detrimental as they can land you in trouble.
Of all the dashboard warning lights, the Check Engine light and the service light can be termed the most important. This is because they are initiated by various issues related to the engine.
Braking Problems
Over the years, cars have evolved and so have their braking systems. And these technologies are still advancing by the day. Therefore, with the comfort of having a wide array of systems ensuring our protection, you might forget to check up on your braking systems most times.
Poor braking feedback, braking resistance, and braking over sensitivity are apparent signs that your car needs a service. If your car responds unusually when braking, the problem could be suspension issues, worn discs or pads, or even a steering problem. Since these parts tend to wear out after some time, they can be very dangerous to you.
Ignition Problems
Starting your car should go without any hitch. However, if you hear some splutter, coughs, engine struggle, or whirring sounds, something is up with your car’s engine. These noises are usually caused by a worn or loose cambelt, which requires service.
Even if there are no noises, but you’re having ignition problems like endlessly turning the keys, you need to take your car for a car inspection. The reason is this problem could be caused by various issues that need to be resolved before they worsen and require more fees for resolution.
Strange Noises
While driving on the road, if you hear high-pitched noises, that is either an indication that your power steering fluid is getting too old and contaminated. It could also be that your tires are unbalanced or overly worn.
Uneven noises also come from the engines when there is an issue with the air-fuel mix. These noises can lead to Ignition problems as well. However, when you rectify them early enough, you are indirectly averting a more significant car problem.
Grinding Gears
For almost everyone, the sound of grinding and gnashing gears is uncomfortable. And it’s not just the grinding sound alone. If you notice difficulty in changing gear, there could be a problem. The reason for this problem is that the friction between gears will leave the transmission needing attention after some time. But tending to this problem quickly helps avoid more significant expenses.
Power Reduction
A power reduction can occur due to several factors. When you notice your vehicle’s performance has gotten slightly worse than how it used to be, then it is advisable to get your car checked.
Problems like unexpected power surges, difficulty in getting speed, and a reduction in your car’s mpg are examples of reduction in power and performance. And sometimes the reason might be that your car is aging. However, it mostly happens because of minor issues that you can quickly resolve.
Excessive Smoke
On colder days, It is normal to see slightly more white smoke at your engine’s first startup due to the exhaust system’s water vapor. This effect should decline as temperature increases. However, when you begin to see clouds of smoke or your car leaves a dark cloud of smoke in the rear, there is an issue.
Smoke can arise from an overheating engine. Additionally, heavy smoke can be caused by oil blockage or an accumulation of contaminants in your oil system. These can severely damage the engine if left unresolved. It would be best to prioritize getting that car service when you notice this.
Weird Vibrations
Your car can begin to vibrate or judder even when you are not on a poor road surface. The juddering can be caused by a pressure plate defect or worn-out friction material. It could even be a combination of both. Also, when an oil leak contaminates your clutch plate, juddering can occur.
If you experience a vibration at low revs, it could be that the mount that holds the engine in place is broken, loose, or worn. Unbalanced tires and loose bearings can also lead to vibrations and juddering. And all these mean you need to service your car.
Stalling
Stalls usually occur when debris and dirt block the fuel filters. They can also arise due to spark plug issues. Most times, when stalls occur when you are in the right gear, the culprits are the spark plugs and oil filters. You need not blame yourself, but take your car to a repair shop for servicing.
The User Manual Indications
Your user manual is an instructional booklet that gives you a proactive method of maintenance and upkeep of your car. It helps give you a suitable care plan to follow to prevent more significant issues from developing.
Within the manual, you will find the meanings of various symbols, what to do if you find a particular issue with your car, and many other things. Your user manual guides you and helps you know when to service your car.
Conclusion
Servicing your car regularly is vital to avoiding worse troubles. And it’s even more important if you notice these signs before the usual service interval. For your car servicing, you can contact us at Mike Patton Auto. We have well-experienced technicians that will provide your chrysler, dodge, jeep, or ram a good car service. You can also look through our inventory of parts and cars while you’re there.
Connect with us
