Your car is one of the most expensive things you’ll ever own, so obviously, you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, and keeping it in the best working condition possible. Unfortunately, a lot of people tend to put off maintenance for far too long. While there are certain issues that you can afford to ignore for a while, here are a few glaring signs you need a service as soon as possible!
Excessive Exhaust Smoke
If your car has clocked more than a few miles, then you can expect it to produce a little exhaust smoke every now and then, particularly when the weather gets cold. However, if it’s belching thick, excessive clouds of smoke on a regular basis, and you’re noticing a burning smell, this could be the sign of a serious oil leak. Another tell-tale sign is a coating of black residue on your rear bumper near the exhaust pipe, although this might not always be present. If your car’s making way too much exhaust smoke, take it to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Weird Noises
A car is a complex machine full of moving parts, so you can expect to hear an odd noise coming from the chassis or under the hood every now and then. However, if you’ve been noticing a weird noise coming from your car for some time, it probably needs a check by a professional. Auto shops like Bridgestone are constantly talking to people who ignored a strange noise for far too long, and ended up making a bad mechanical issue even worse over time. A dragging, droning noise, especially during a turn, could be an issue with your wheels. A sharp squeal when you’re coming to a stop could mean a dangerous issue with your brakes. Whatever it is, if you’ve never heard it before and it’s not going away, take it to an auto shop.
Leaks
If you catch any major leaks coming from underneath your car, or you see a stain on the ground where you usually park, especially if this is coupled with another odd symptom, you shouldn’t waste any time taking your car to a mechanic. These leaks are usually present towards the front of your car. Specifically, you should look out for a bright green mark, which could be your coolant, or a reddish brown, which could be the transmission or engine oil. If you’ve been running the air conditioner a lot, don’t worry if you’re seeing patches of liquid wherever you park. This is just water runoff.
Recurring Transmission Problem
Stay focussed on the way your car works in normal conditions. If you’re finding it hard to get your car up to speed, noticing abrupt forward surges, or funny sounds and vibrations, get your car to a mechanic who specialises in transmission repairs. Getting your transmission repaired can be extremely expensive, and having the whole thing replaced, which can be necessary, is even more costly. However, every minute you drive your car with a faulty transmission increases your risk of an accident, so don’t put this off!
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