Owning a car always comes with specific responsibilities, but to any car owner, keeping the vehicle safe and in top shape should be the number one priority. That’s why car servicing is a critical procedure you don’t want to skip when it comes to safety on the roads.
As a general rule, you should service your car once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
However, if you are a frequent driver or have an older vehicle model, it’s time to get your car checked out sooner. Usually, you can find these types of information and other useful ones in your vehicle manual.
Here are five significant signs to keep an eye on.
1. Unusual Noises
The only sounds coming from your car should be the engine and your air conditioning. Anything other than what you would typically hear from your vehicle is an indicator of an issue.
Remember that car engines are pretty loud, so if you can still hear these mystery noises over your car engine, be it a rattle or a thud, or a continuous humming sound, it’s a good idea to take your car for a service.
2. Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason. These should be the most apparent signs indicating a problem. If you see your ‘check engine light on, it’s time to book an appointment to service your car.
Don’t ignore the flashing lights! Regardless of how knowledgeable you are about cars, not all problems can be visually identifiable. That’s where dashboard lights come in.
Different vehicles can have various warning lights types, so to make sure you know exactly what each of your dashboard lights means, consult your car’s manual.
3. Leaking Fluids
Leaks are tell-tale signs that your car needs maintenance ASAP. You can see leaks when you move your vehicle from when it was parked. Dark coloured stains under your automobile can mean leaking brake fluids or oil.
Any unusual leaks coming from your exhaust pipe can also indicate an issue.
4. Bad Brakes
Brakes are arguably the essential components of the vehicle, and if they’re not as sharp and responsive as they should be, things could go wrong fast.
Hypersensitivity, unusual noises, vibrating, or resistance while braking all mean there’s something wrong with your brakes. After all, the pads and the brake fluid can’t last forever, so get them checked out to ensure your safety.
5. Steering Difficulties
It’s extremely dangerous to be on the road and be faced with steering difficulties. Problems like your car getting pulled to a particular side whilst in a neutral position or general difficulty steering the vehicle are sure signs that your vehicle needs service immediately.
Issues like these can always increase the risk of road accidents, so it’s critical to get them checked out.
Bottom Line
There are indicators that you can look out for your car maintenance, and it’s vital to catch minor issues as they arise before they turn into major ones and cause whole other problems, which will, in the end, cost you more both financially and time-wise.
