When it comes to your vehicle, there are certain maintenance items that demand immediate attention. Things like a flat tire are always fixed immediately, but what about less obvious problems? To make sure that your car remains in tip top shape, and that you stay safe on the road, never ignore these five warning signs that your car may need some attention.
1.Engine warning light
This one may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many drivers keep driving their vehicle long after the check engine appears. Many drivers assume that if they can’t hear or see the problem, it will resolve itself. If the check engine light comes on, book a service appointment with your mechanic as soon as possible, there may be a problem with your car internally that will get worse the longer you keep driving.
2.An uncomfortable ride
If you notice that your car is scraping over speed bumps or your steering wheel is vibrating, you may be having an issue with your suspension. Leaving your car with suspension damage is dangerous and makes for a pretty uncomfortable drive.
3.Losing confidence in your brakes
If you feel as though your brakes aren’t working as quickly as usual, or if the brake pedal under your feet feels different, get your brake pads checked immediately. Brake issues are serious, and can make it extremely hazardous for you to be on the road, especially at high speeds. Make sure to tell your mechanic exactly what kind of issue you’re having with your brakes, so that they can figure out if it’s a suspension issue or even a problem with your tires.
4.Weird noises
Hear a crunching or scraping sound coming from your car? Don’t ignore it. It can be hard to tell exactly what the problem is when your vehicle is making strange sounds, but it can be helpful to figure out where or when the sounds are occurring before you take your car in for its service. Uneven noises coming from the engine could be a loose belt or coolant issue, while noises coming from the underside of the car could be anything from exhaust to brake problems.
5.Smoke or steam coming from the engine
Generally white on color, steam coming from under the bonnet of your car is usually an issue with the radiator. If your car suddenly begins to steam, pull over immediately check your cars temperature gauge. If your vehicles gauge is at its maximum, wait until your car has cooled down. If the weather is extremely hot outside, you may have nothing to worry about, but still take your car in for a checkup just in case.
When it comes to vehicle maintenance, don’t wait until your routine appointment if you suspect that something out of the ordinary is happening with your vehicle. Brakes that are not working optimally could put you at a higher risk for collisions, and engine problems can become expensive to fix if left for too long. Most basic automobile insurance policies don’t cover mechanical failure, so be sure to check with your provider, or research different companies to find a more extensive policy that works for your budget.
