Keeping their car healthy and in working condition is a challenge for every car owner. Car that is not maintained well risks your safety on road, apart from gulping down gas/fuel and creating a noise like a monster.
As the time passes, your car starts showing signs of exhaustion. These signs include (but are not limited to) noise, loose brake, and smoke from the silencer. To maintain the well being of your car, you will need to ensure the right care and maintenance. This will prolong not only the life or functioning of your car but also add to a smoother driving experience.
To avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs also, you should have a pre-defined maintenance routine for your automobile, in which a specialist mechanic assesses several aspects related to your car’s performance. Identifying the performance related problems early and fixing them immediately can make a monumental difference in the health and longevity of your car.
Here are some common car warning signs that show your car needs service –
The owner’s manual indicates so
This user manual is an instructional booklet that helps car owners have a proactive approach for the upkeep of their vehicle. It contains a steady care plan to be put into place to avoid a minor issue from developing into an irreparable flaw.
This manual will help you understand common error signs and symbols and guide you on steps to take to fix those problems in early stage. Depending upon the mileage and age of your car, the booklet will recommend when you should take it for service. It could be your guide for planning timely maintenance. The owners’ manual is full of useful knowledge on keeping your car in a healthy and working condition.
Keeping a complete service history also helps the car in retaining its value when it comes to exchanging or selling the car.
Flashing warning lights on the dashboard
As cars develop into futuristic machines and models, it becomes more difficult to spot the underlying problems. However, there are various signs that you should learn about to ensure the longevity of your car.
Flashing lights indicate that your engine needs to be checked sooner. Many indicator warning lights are there to tell you that the car requires immediate attention even if it is not affecting the performance of the car currently.
You can memorize these indicators in your car’s user manual as well as on any car service provider’s website. There are several apps for that as well.
Reduced power
A reduction in the power of the car may indicate several things. Hence, it is vital to pay attention to how your car runs in normal conditions.
Power reduction could be due to natural degeneration of the battery or the car engine. It may also be an indication of incorrect tyre pressures or a stuck brake pad. If you notice any difficulty in picking up speed, unexpected surges or drops in power, or even bad fuel performance, you should get your car checked immediately.
Unusual noises
You love the sound your car when you start it, don’t you? You also love it when it passed through roads and highways noiselessly. But since last few days, you notice some unusual sounds when you turn its engine on or drive it. It is the most common warning sign and this is when you should take your car to a mechanic or service centre.
Certain noises such as a high-pitched squeal when turning the ignition can indicate can that the belt is loose or worn. Squealing noises when on the move can indicate that the tyres require rebalancing or the steering fluid needs to be replaced. Noises and sounds are an important factor that needs to be checked on time.
Get your car checked thoroughly to find a fix for the problem causing this noise.
Unusual vibrations
Next thing to look out for is vibrations or shudders while starting and driving the car. While vibrations can be down to something small getting stuck in the tyre, they can also be because of some serious issues like worn-out tyres that need balancing out or even a loosening of a bearing or a weakening in a joint. It is advisable to get this checked and fixed by a professional to avoid any knock-on effects.
Stalls
Sudden stalling or unexpected cutting out of the engine is a basic sign that you need to get your car checked. If you often find yourself stalling at junctions even in the right gears, it could be down to failures in the engine. Such problems are often down to faulty spark plugs and clogged fuel filters and are a sure sign that the car should be sent to the garage for a thorough check.
Problem with ignition
A smooth and quiet ignition is a key feature of a healthy car. It is an integral part of a car’s performance and driving experience. Hence, any coughs, splutters, whirring, or clutters in the ignition should be addressed without delay.
If you find yourself turning the key numerous times to get the engine going, it is time to get your car checked.
Unusual or excessive emissions
If you notice your car is emitting excessive clouds of smoke in the rear-view mirror, it could be an indicator of a blockage, leak, or a build-up.
On checking your rear bumper, if you come across a black residue, you need to see a mechanic. Smoke from under the bonnet could suggest an issue with the radiator. Leakage or engine issues can be critical hence it is important to get these issues checked.
Bad smell
The smell in your car indicates several things. While some could be minor issues, some may point to severe problems that may call for immediate attention.
For example, a smell resembling that of rotten eggs may indicate a catalytic converter issue. A burning smell may speak of an electrical problem that can be fatal for the car’s health and require proper professional assistance.
If you are experiencing smells in your car that you cannot determine the cause of, having the car checked by a professional is of utmost importance.
Sensitive or unresponsive brakes
Over the past few years, braking technology has evolved quickly. However, with this comprehensive system that keeps us safe, it is easy to forget putting attention to the performance of the brakes.
When applying the brakes, one should feel a quick, crisp and smooth response. In case you find yourself experiencing any resistance, unusual noises or sensitivity, or anything that normally does not occur when you apply brake, it is an indicator that it is time for service.
Brakes take the strain from everyday driving and brake pads, fluids, and disks tend to naturally wear on a day-to-day basis. Getting the brakes checked early is very important to your safety as well as the health and performance of the car.
Grinding gears
Like the braking system, the gearbox of car too undergoes everyday wear and tear and requires due attention. However, unlike brakes, the problems with the gearbox are quite obvious and do not hide away till the last minute causing excessive damage.
Issues with the gearbox are extremely vocal and usually quite blatant. Gearbox issues may be indicated by grinding noises when shifting gears or even leaking transmission fluid.
Catching the issues with the gearbox early and getting them fixed is crucial and usually does not cost a lot.
Bad fuel economy
This is an issue that is not too obvious and can be easily overlooked. However, if you find yourself filling up fuels more frequently, it could be a bad sign.
Taking your car for regular service and maintenance is necessary. With expert care and service performed on time, issues with your automobile can be resolved and the performance and longevity of the car can be boosted.
Vehpal is your one-stop shop to avail seamless services for your car with the best repair and service solutions at the most economical rates. We operate through a unique mobile app and user interface that lets you keep track of the reported issues and get resolution at the earliest possible time.
Book your service at www.vehpal.com for servicing your car and enjoy safety on the road.
