Signs Your Car Needs Service

Your car may exhibit signs of exhaustion or weakness when it’s due for service or in need of a repair. The signs can be easier to spot than you may think. Here are a few common signs your vehicle will give you when it needs to head into the shop.

Unsteady Steering Wheel

Have you driven down the highway and noticed your steering wheel shaking? That can be a sign that your tires need service. More specifically they could be out of balance or alignment. Other signs that your vehicle may need an alignment are uneven tread wear and your steering wheel pulling to one side.

Do You Smell That?!

As the weather warms up, you may be turning on your A/C in the car. But what you may not be expecting is your car starting to smell when you do. If you notice a vinegar or sour smell, your car may benefit from an A/C service. A grimy condensate drain pan, dirty and clogged air filter, or even mold in your vents are very common culprits for smells emitting from your A/C vents.

Sounds of Service

Weird sounds typically tell the tale of service needed. Some common sounds that indicate your car may need to be checked are:

• Grinding when you brake: Brake pads are worn and thin. You’re probably due for a brake pad replacement.
• Screeching when your wiper blades are on: Worn and brittle wiper blades are not able to glide across your windshield, making a terrible noise and only smearing what is on your windshield instead of wiping it away.
• Squealing from under the hood: You can expect an issue with a worn or damaged belt in your engine. In many instances, the belt will need to be replaced.
• Knocking from under the hood: Many things can cause this but commonly it’s an indication that your car is due for an oil change. Specifically the oil levels in your engine may be too low and not properly lubricating the metal components.

Your car is a sophisticated machine that relies on mechanical parts, chemistry and complex programming to function properly and safely. Never ignore unusual sounds, smells or movements. Our trained technicians can easily identify and diagnose the problem and remedy it to get you back on the road. Need assistance? Feel free to use the form below to reach out to one of our service experts. Ready for service? You can easily schedule your appointment online here.