5 Signs Your Car is Due a Service
If
something doesn’t feel quite right with your vehicle while you’re driving or if
it’s been a while since you last got it check, it’s probably due another
service. Here are five clear signs that would indicate your car needs to be
seen by a professional.
1. Warning dashboard lights
If
you see the yellow ‘check engine’ light appearing on your dashboard, it’s a
very clear and direct sign that you’re in need of a service. There could be
some things wrong with your engine and the best person to diagnose that is an
expert. This warning is not the only
dashboard signal
of which you should be aware. You could also receive a brake warning light, or
if the ABS warning keeps persisting you’ll need to get your car check as soon
as possible.
2. Strange noises and vibrations
If
you’re familiar with your vehicle, you’ll notice when it starts making strange
sounds like clicking, rattling and squeaks. These could signal many things: the
belt might be loose which can cause overheating or battery issues, there could
be a hole or crack in the exhaust, or you might have worn brake pads. If you
feel vibrations from the steering wheel, the tyres could be uneven, which makes
the car harder to control and puts pressure on the tyres.
3. If you see smoke
If
white steam is coming from under the bonnet, you are not in immediate danger,
but you do need to get your car checked as soon as possible. Blue smoke is
caused by burning oil and requires you to take immediate action and call for
assistance. Excessive smoke from the exhaust could be a sign of piston wear,
worn valve seals and head gasket failure, to name a few causes.
4. Misbehaving brakes
If
you feel any resistance or oversensitivity when you press on the brake, you
should not dismiss it. Brake pads are under strain on a daily basis; it makes
sense that they will have to be regularly checked and replaced if necessary.
Not doing so can be costly and dangerous; you won’t be able to stop your car
safely, which puts other drivers in danger as well.
5. Leaks
If
you notice a leak when you look beneath your car after parking, you’ll need a
professional to check on it. At the front of the car, you might find a bright green
or dark red/ brown fluid which is a sign of leaking coolant or transmission
oil, engine oil or brake fluid.
Note:
if you find water dripping on the passenger side in the summer when the air
conditioner is running, that is normal.
Your
car will usually give you signs when there are issues that you need to address,
and it’s in your best interest to listen. If you know you’re in need of a
vehicle service
,
pop into Express Service, where our expert team can help you get back on the
road as soon as possible.
Back to Express Service News
Published: 15/08/2016
Author:
Copyright © 2012 Express Service