Should You Get Your Car Checked: 9 Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Buying a car is often a good investment. A vehicle offers numerous benefits, including getting you to and from work and taking you and your family on outdoor adventures. However, owning a car isnt just about driving and getting to your destination. Your vehicle needs regular maintenance and servicing to keep running efficiently for as long as possible. An unexpected car breakdown and expensive repairs are the last things you want with your car.

Fortunately, there are several ways your vehicle could warn you that something is amiss. Paying close attention to these indicators is critical to staying safe and preventing minor issues before they become bigger and more expensive problems. Here are nine warning signs that your car requires immediate attention from a professional mechanic.

Sensitive or non-responsive brakes

Braking technology is one of the fastest-growing aspects of the automotive industry. Brakes and braking systems are being advanced every year. Whether your car has an automatic braking system, anti-lock braking, or a collision avoidance system, its crucial to keep an eye on how the brakes function.

Typically, you should feel a fast and smooth response when you apply the brakes. However, if you experience resistance, strange noises, or unusually sensitive brakes, it could be time to get your brakes serviced or replaced.

Warning lights

Most modern cars are equipped with sophisticated diagnostic systems that detect and notify the driver when something is wrong with the vehicle. While it might be tempting to ignore car warning lights, especially if your car seems okay, its good to take them seriously. Some of the lights indicate minor issues, but there are those you should never ignore.

Shutting your eyes to warning lights such as check engine, battery warning light, or low engine oil pressure light can lead to more serious issues and expensive repairs down the line. Always refer to your car owners manual to know what each warning light means. However, if the light persists, get your car checked by a professional as soon as possible.

Worn tires

Another common sign that your car needs a check-up is worn tires. Tires are an essential part of your car as they enable you to drive safely. However, if your car tires are not in good condition, they can cause a loss of control while driving, leading to serious accidents.

The best way to check for worn tires is with a tread-depth gauge, which you can get at your local car service center. Place the gauge on the top surface of the tire tread and pull the tire tread wear index into one of the tread patterns. Consider getting new tires if the indicator shows a tread depth at or below 2/32 inches.

You can also run your finger along any of the longitudinal tire grooves. If your tires are worn, you will likely feel the wear bar as a small hump. Check your car tires for wear at least once a month or after a long road trip.

Unusual noises

Unusual noises are one of the most common signs that your car needs maintenance or repair. For instance, if you hear a high-pitched squealing sound when you start up your vehicle, it could mean a certain belt is loose or worn. Likewise, it could mean your car is low on power steering fluid if you hear squealing noises while driving. A squealing sound can also tell that your car tires require wheel balancing.

You might also hear a strange sound when applying the brakes, which could mean its time for a brake service. A knocking sound may indicate issues with your car engine. While strange noises dont always mean an expensive repair, its good to take your car for inspection whenever you notice an unusual sound while driving.

Reduced fuel economy and performance

All-inclusive fuel economy is one of the most overlooked warning signs. Maybe you used to get 35 miles to the gallon on the highway, but recently, you have seen that number start to reduce consistently. While this might be a sign that your car is getting older, it could also indicate a major problem that needs to be looked into by a professional.

Excessive fuel consumption could result from faulty engine components, including spark plugs, fuel filters, oxygen sensors, or engine valves. Worn-out and dirty fuel injectors can also cause quick fuel burning, leading to high fuel consumption.

Slow acceleration or stalling could also indicate something is amiss with your car. For instance, if the accelerator feels unresponsive when you press your foot to the gas, the fuel filter is likely clogged or dirty. This means that not enough fuel is getting into the engine, so it will starve, causing it to shut down unexpectedly. Have your car checked out by a mechanic if you notice any changes in its performance.

Shaking or vibrations while driving

While its normal for your vehicle to shake or vibrate while driving on rough roads, excessive vibrations or shudders should be a call for concern. A shaky or vibrating steering wheel can make it more difficult to control your car safely, especially at high speeds.

Shaking or vibrations while driving may be caused by failing suspension components, misaligned or unbalanced wheels, or issues with the brake motors. A shaking or vibrating car can be difficult to diagnose, so its best to leave the work to a professional mechanic. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to further damage to your vehicle and a more serious safety risk.

Excessive smoke emissions

Its normal to see white smoke from your car on a cold morning as water vapor is released from the exhaust system. However, excessive or dark emissions might indicate an issue with your car engine. It could be that the engine isnt getting sufficient fuel or enough air to properly and cleanly combust its fuel charge.

Blue smoke could mean your engine is burning oil or that there is an oil leak. Unless your car is designed to burn oil under certain circumstances, get it checked by a technician right away. However, for peace of mind, take your vehicle to a service center in any of these cases.

Overheating engine

Another sign of much-needed service is an overheating engine. If you notice that the temperature gauge is going up and not down, you might want to have your radiator, water pump, or fans checked. It might be that any of these components arent working, or you require a flush to ensure your cooling system is running correctly.

Pools of liquid under your car

Its not uncommon to see pools of water underneath your car after a heavy rain. Vehicles are designed in such a way that water cant collect or pool within their parts, meaning it will naturally drizzle down if it rains.

However, leaks or puddles under your car may indicate issues like cracked hoses, failed seals, or a damaged oil pan. Have your vehicle checked out if you find pools of oil or water underneath it and the weather has been dry.

Summing up

Keeping your car in good condition is essential for its longevity, your safety, and that of other road users. Ensure you visit your local car service center as soon as possible if you notice any of these warning signs. Ignoring any of these warning signs can lead to more serious issues and costly repairs in the future. Keeping up with regular car maintenance and servicing is essential and could save you money on repairs in the long term.