5 Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Repair Services
On October 9, 2023 by Walter PowellIt’s tempting to ignore any light on the dashboard that says “check engine,” but doing so could lead to many costly problems. You should also take immediate action if you see smoke from under the hood.
Your car is a significant investment, and keeping it in good condition can save you a ton of money. Here are five signs that your vehicle needs immediate repair services.
Check Engine Light
When your check engine light pops on, one or more sensors signal to the car’s computer that something is wrong. It could be anything from a loose gas cap to a misfiring engine, but the light should always be addressed sooner rather than later.
Ignoring a steady check engine light may be tempting, especially if you know that flashing lights are more urgent, but doing so will likely cost you in the long run. You will likely damage expensive components like your engine and catalytic converter, and you won’t be able to pass your next smog test. A simple inspection can fix the problem that triggered your check engine light.
Strange Noises
If you hear anything akin to metal grinding on metal, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle checked out. Metal sounds like this often indicate a loose lug nut, which could lead to wheel loss, which those who don’t want to do while driving.
Other strange noises to listen for include brakes slapping loudly during usage, drone or dragging sounds when the car is in motion, whining noises from underneath the bonnet, and a knocking sound while driving. If you notice any of these, you should immediately arrange a repair service to prevent the issue from worsening. Clicking and ticking sounds indicate something isn’t right with the engine. You want to pay attention to these noises as they can get worse and lead to more expensive repairs in the long run.
Smoke
Just as humans exhibit signs of needing professional help, your car can let you know when it needs a mechanic. The most obvious is when the check engine light comes on. It means the engine has something wrong with it, which may cause various issues ranging from poor acceleration to low fuel efficiency.
Other warning signals include odd smells such as burning oil or gasoline and leaking hoses. If you notice any of these, get your car into a shop for diagnosis and auto repair services as soon as possible. Smoke from under the hood indicates that the engine or electrical components are overheating. This can be very dangerous, so pull over and turn off your vehicle when you see smoke.
Liquid Leaks
Nothing sends car owners into panic mode like finding a large puddle of unidentified fluid pooling under their vehicle. While some leaks are perfectly normal, others can signify serious problems that need to be addressed by a professional car repair Lynnwood service.
For instance, if the puddle of liquid is brown or black and has a slick feel, it’s likely engit’soil. A failing gasket or worn seal typically causes this; getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential.
Other fluids that can leak from your car include:
- Brake fluid is a safety hazard.
- Power steering fluid, which could make it challenging to drive your vehicle.
- Coolant is usually bright green or pink and has a sweet smell.
If you notice any of these leaking from your car, immediately schedule an appointment with a professional.
Infotainment System
Most cars on the road today have infotainment systems that meld entertainment and information. These technology features allow drivers to get weather alerts, customized driving directions, and more. They also make it easy to play music and audiobooks while on the go.
However, according to a 2022 survey from Consumer Reports, many car owners are frustrated with their infotainment systems. Some complained that their screens froze or were hard to use while driving. Others said their plans didn’t connect to their smartphones or couldn’t recognize voice commands.
The good news is that most infotainment problems can be resolved by turning off and then restarting the system. Other fixes include disconnecting and reconnecting a phone or trying a different USB port. These are easy fixes that anyone can do themselves.
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