We can’t deny the fact that car owners are always pretty good at spotting and responding to various emergency-level repairs. For instance, if the windshield wipers stop working, they know that they need to replace it or if the car won’t start, they will know that it needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
However, this auto repair logic doesn’t seem to apply regular maintenance and service and people often neglect, forget or simply procrastinate car maintenance tasks. Your vehicle needs regular maintenance to remain in great shape and serve you for a long time.
So, how do you know that it’s time to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a tune-up? Here are some of the common car maintenance warning signs that you need to know.
Difficulty Starting the Engine
If you have problems starting your car engine, you need to act quickly since it could be a sign of auto problems that could easily be prevented through regular maintenance. For instance, it could be that your spark plugs are misfiring and preventing your car engine from turning over.
Replacing your spark plugs is relatively simple and doesn’t take much of your time. It could also be your battery that is at the end of its lifetime and requires replacement which is another simple and inexpensive repair.
Regular car maintenance will help you catch some of these issues early so that you don’t wake up to an engine that won’t start.
Strange Noises
Any strange noises coming from your vehicle should be checked out before they develop into costly repair problems. Some of the common sounds that you may hear from your car include louder-than-usual exhaust noise, whining from under the bonnet, crunching gears, uneven engine noise or squealing when you step on the brake.
Simple car maintenance tasks such as checking your fluid levels regularly can help prevent most of these problems. For instance, you need to replace engine oil with high-quality oil from Car Smart after every six months or 1000 miles depending on which comes first to keep your car engine in good condition.
A Check Engine Light
If your check engine light turns on, you should get your vehicle diagnosed as soon as possible. In reality, a check engine light turning on could mean a dozen different things, and an experienced mechanic will have an effective diagnostic tool that he/she will use to identify the exact problem.
In some cases, the light might turn on as a result of a loose wire or misfiring spark plugs. In other cases, it may be something quite catastrophic that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Don’t take the gamble when this light turns on.
Abnormal Vibrations
You should also look into any sudden and abnormal vibrations that aren’t caused by the surface of the road. Tire wear is a common cause of sudden and abnormal vibrations.
Make sure that your car tires have at least the minimum requirement of tire tread all the time. Sudden and abnormal vibrations can also be as a result of something as minor as a loose displaced nut or something more severe as worn-out brake discs.