Time For a Check Up? 12 Signs That a Vehicle Needs Servicing

Owning a vehicle comes with a lot of responsibility, and in addition to maintaining a regular service schedule, drivers need to always be aware of warning signs that their vehicle is in need of a check-up.

Heading these telltale indicators help drivers avoid the cost of more expensive or serious repairs down the road, so it is incredibly important to know what to look for.

Here Are 12 Key Indicators That a Vehicle Needs Servicing Pronto:

1. Flashing Indicator Lights

Indicator lights are designed to tip drivers off to a potential issue before they become serious, and if a driver notices that one of these lights are flashing they should pull over immediately to see what is up.

It is important to pay special attention to a flashing engine light, which could indicate a potentially serious issue developing with the engine.

2. Smoke Under the Hood

If a driver notices any smoke rising up from under the hood, they need to heed the warning and pull over immediately, especially if they notice the engine temperature is also.

This more often than not indicates that the engine is overheating, and can cause serious damage to the engine if not addressed right away.

3. Leaks

Leaks can indicate a variety of issues, ranging in seriously from important to grave. The good news is that they are usually relatively easy to fix providing that they are addressed promptly.

If a driver notices any leaks under their vehicle, especially after parking, they should head to a dealership pronto to get the issue checked out. By addressing the issue right away vehicle owners will ensure that the leak doesn’t end up causing expensive damage to more fundamental mechanical components.

4. Strange Noises

Unusual clunks, bangs or squealing noises are all cause for concern and indicate that it is time to get the vehicle checked out right away to get to the source.

Too many drivers ignore usual noises only to find out that by ignoring a key warning sign they allowed what could have been a small issue to cause serious damage. So any driver that hears noises out of the ordinary coming from their vehicle should always play it safe and take the vehicle in as soon as possible for a check-up.

5. Unusual Vibrations

If a driver notices that their vehicle is driving less smoothly than usual, this might be a cause for concern.

Vibrations that are out of the ordinary can indicate anything from a flat tire to a wheel alignment issue to other mechanical problems, and should always be taken seriously to avoid the issue ballooning and affecting other components of the vehicle.

Pay special heed to vibrations that become more prominent as the vehicle accelerates.

6. Reduced Fuel Mileage

When a driver notices that they are getting less bang for their buck than they usually do in terms of fuel mileage, it is time to take the vehicle into the dealership to check the exhaust system.

These types of issues may not be serious, but they will always end up costing the driver more money in fuel in the long run. In addition, many drivers are unaware that newer vehicles like a Ford Flex in Costa Mesa are required to offer exhaust system warranties that will cover the full price of repairs.

7. Excessive or Dark Smoke Coming From the Exhaust Pipe

Every now and then it is always a good idea for vehicle owners to step out of a safely parked running vehicle to make sure that the smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe looks normal.

Excessive, dark or especially pungent smelling fumes are all an indication of an issue with the exhaust system that should be addressed right away.

8. Difficulty Shifting Gears

Difficulty shifting should always be taken very seriously since it is a warning sign that the transmission is not functioning as it should be. These types of issues will manifest themselves depending on if the vehicle has an automatic or standard transmission.

With standard transmissions, watch out for difficulties shifting and unusual grinding or clucking noises when changing gears. An automatic vehicle driver may notice chugging, difficulty getting up to speed (especially when climbing) and loud clunks or grinding noises when the vehicle shifts gears.

Any of these signs are a major cause for concern and a driver should try to get the vehicle into a repair shop as soon as possible for a check-up.

9. Engine Irregularities

If a driver notices that a car is surging, shaking or having difficulty getting up to speed, this could indicate an irregularity in the functioning of the engine that needs to be addressed right away to avoid causing serious damage.

10. Difficult Braking

Any usual behavior on the part of the vehicle when the driver is applying pressure to the brakes is a serious safety hazard, and the driver should shoot to get the vehicle off the road and into the dealership as soon as possible.

Things to look out for include usual noises like squealing or squeaking as well as increased difficulty when applying pressure to the brakes or unusual vibrations while braking.

11. Difficulty Starting the Vehicle

If a vehicle doesn’t start right away on the first try it is time to take the vehicle in for a check-up. Issues getting the vehicle started can be as minor as needing to replace the starter or a key warning of a more serious issue developing.

Regardless, it means that it is time to get the vehicle into a dealership right away to find out exactly what is up and what needs to be done to fix the problem.

12. The Vehicle Sounds Louder Than Usual

If a Ford F150 in Costa Mesa is sounding louder than it usually does when running, it may need a new muffler.

These types of problems are not serious to the functioning of the vehicle but will be an annoyance to both passengers and other people so should be addressed as soon as possible.

 

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