Seven Signs That Your Car Needs A Service
It’s important to remember to book your car for a service at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, we sometimes must remember to take our vehicles in for this routine check.
Thankfully, our cars have various ways of letting us know when they need attention. It’s up to us as motorists to recognise these signs as soon as possible to prevent minor issues from turning into significant problems.
Why is car servicing important?
During a service, a mechanic will assess everything from your car engine’s fluid levels to general wear and tear. It’s like a health check for your vehicle, helping it to run as safely and efficiently as possible.
What are the benefits of servicing a car?
Servicing your car comes with some added benefits:
Identifying faults early can prevent them from becoming more complicated, saving you from expensive repair bills in the long term.
Regular servicing can help your car last longer by keeping integral parts in top condition, even after the warranty ends.
Routine maintenance can help maintain your car’s resale value, as buyers are willing to pay more for a well-maintained vehicle.
What happens if I don’t service my car?
If you neglect to service your car, you might encounter some unexpected drawbacks:
Your car could become less safe to drive, as a mechanic during a service can flag any safety concerns and may be able to fix them.
Neglecting routine checkups could lead to higher running costs, such as increased fuel consumption.
Minor problems left unattended could lead to irreparable damage, potentially forcing you to sell or scrap your car earlier than planned.
The seven signs to look out for
Keep an eye out for these signs; if you have any doubts, visit Ceiriog Valley Service Centre for a free assessment.
1 Dashboard warning light can indicate that your car needs servicing.
The word “service” or a spanner icon usually appears on the instrument panel of modern cars when a service is due. The light may also display text indicating how many miles or days are left before the service is needed, and some models will even alert you if a service is overdue. While the light typically signals the need for routine checkups, it can also indicate a specific fault. If the light appears alongside another symbol on your dashboard, it can help you identify the problem.
2. Strange Noises
Clicks, hisses, ticks, and squeaking could all indicate a problem under the bonnet. If the sound is becoming more intense or the problem seems urgent, you should pull over as soon as it’s safe to do so and call a mechanic right away.
For less urgent noises, pay attention to:
– When the sounds occur (e.g., when turning, when idle)-
– What they sound like (e.g., rattling or clicking)
– Where they’re coming from (e.g., under the bonnet, under the car)
By describing ‘when’, ‘what’, and ‘where’, you can help your mechanic diagnose the problem.
If you hear hissing from under the bonnet when your car is idle, your engine might be overheating, which can be a severe problem. But that’s just one example of what strange noises might mean for your car.
Our vehicle technicians can help you identify any unusual vehicle sounds, determine what’s wrong, and alleviate your concerns.
3 Dripping Liquid and Mysterious Puddles
First, check if the puddle has formed due to the unpredictable British weather rather than an issue under your bonnet.
Your car can leak water from condensation in the air conditioning unit during the summer or from the exhaust in winter. In either case, these scenarios are harmless and won’t require a mechanic’s attention.
However, if your car leaks coloured liquid, you may have a more severe problem.
Brown liquid could indicate a leak of power steering fluid, oil, or, most concerning of all, brake fluid. If you suspect you’re losing any vital fluid, do not attempt to drive your car, even for a service. Instead, arrange for a qualified mechanic to inspect your vehicle.
4: Loss of power and frequent stalling
Are you experiencing a loss of power and frequent stalling in your car? Regular servicing can help prevent these issues. There could be various reasons for these problems; sometimes, the fix is simple. Faulty spark plugs can be the culprit, but replacing them is a straightforward and inexpensive job best left to the professionals. Alternatively, a malfunctioning fuel injection system might be starving your engine of fuel or oxygen. A clogged catalytic converter could also disrupt airflow. A simple service can help diagnose the problem.
5 Brakes behave differently
Brakes are one of your car’s most critical safety features. If you neglect regular checkups, their effectiveness can decrease.
You may find yourself pressing harder on the brake pedal to achieve the necessary stopping power, which is usually caused by one of two issues:
– Leaking brake fluid
– Worn brake pads
A mechanic can identify the precise problem during a service, and replacing brake pads is generally straightforward. If the condition is severe, it’s advisable to call a professional for repairs instead of risking brake failure while driving to a garage, so consider looking for mobile mechanics in your area.
6 Smoke coming from the bonnet/exhaust
Smoke may escape from car bonnets and exhausts for various reasons. If the smoke seems to be coming from a fire under your bonnet, please follow these steps:
1. Turn off your engine.
2. Pull the bonnet release lever, but do not try to prop it open.
3. Evacuate everyone from the car and keep a safe distance.
4. Dial 999 and request the fire service.
5. Warn oncoming traffic if it’s safe to do so.
If the problem doesn’t seem urgent, pay attention to the following:
– When the smoke appears (e.g., when starting the engine, when accelerating)
– The colour of the smoke
– Where it’s coming from (e.g., under the bonnet, from the exhaust).
If your car is overheating, Sharing this information with a mechanic can help them identify car issues more efficiently. They may find problems with your head gasket, cooling systems, electrical wires, pistons, or fuel valves.
7 Vibrations
Regular maintenance services can help prevent your car from vibrating or juddering. There could be several potential explanations if you have noticed unusual movements in your vehicle. For instance, juddering while pulling away could be caused by worn-out friction material, a pressure plate defect, or a combination of both. It could also result from an oil leak contaminating the clutch plate.
If your car judders or vibrates at low revs, it could be due to a loose, worn, or broken engine mount, which holds the engine in place.
Where should I take my car for a service?
Finding a trustworthy mechanic can seem daunting, but thankfully, Wrexham Service Centre has a team of fully qualified mechanics who can carry out a service. A 12-month guarantee covers all repairs.
In conclusion:
Prioritising your car’s health through regular servicing is essential to ensure its safety, efficiency, and longevity. Recognising warning signs like dashboard alerts, strange noises, leaks, and performance changes, you can catch potential problems before they escalate into costly repairs. Routine maintenance not only enhances your driving experience but also aids in preserving your car’s value and managing running costs. Remember, whether you’re due for a service or noticing troubling symptoms, seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic, like those at Wrexham Service Centre, can provide peace of mind and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Don’t wait until it’s too late—give your car the care it deserves and enjoy the journey ahead.