Whether you’re being deployed or will be at home for some time, maintaining your car is important.
One of the most important aspects of car maintenance goes beyond changing its oil or rotating the tires; It also includes recognizing signs of trouble early. This means paying attention to unusual noises, dashboard warning lights, and the way your car drives.
If you ignore these issues, they won’t go away and will likely get worse, especially if your car often sits in a garage or on base while you’re gone. Small leaks can turn into big ones over time and worn parts will get worse.
To stay ahead of curve, here are seven common signs that your car needs immediate service.
1. Pay Attention to the Warning Lights
The lights on the dashboard are not just for decoration, they are the easiest and earliest signal that your car is in need of service. However, there are a few different lights that can pop up at any moment. Here are some of the common dashboard lights to look out for:
- Check engine light: This is one of the most common lights to look out for. It can indicate a number of issues, from a loose gas cap to more serious engine-related issues. This is one you shouldn’t ignore, so get it checked as soon as possible.
- Battery light: When this light is illuminated, it could mean there’s an issue with your battery or another part of the charging system. If you ignore this light, the car may not start.
- Oil pressure warning light: This light indicates that your engine’s oil level is low or there could be an issue with the oil pump. Either way, it’s important to address this immediately as driving with low oil pressure could lead to engine damage.
- Brake warning light: This light can mean there’s an issue with your brake system, which could include low brake fluid or worn brake pads. Considering your brakes are critical for driving safety, it’s crucial to have them inspected if this light comes on.
- Tire pressure warning: When this light comes on, it typically means that one or more of your tires is underinflated. Proper tire pressure is essential for safe driving and good fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
2. Unknown or Strange Noises
While the various systems and moving parts in a car can make a lot of noise, if you hear other unfamiliar noises, it could be cause for concern. When components fail, they typically give audible clues, like grinding or clunking. Here are some of the most common noises you might hear that could need immediate attention:
- Grinding or squealing brakes: This could mean your brake pads are worn down, or the rotors are damaged and need replacement.
- Clunking over bumps: A clunking sound when going over speed bumps could mean a suspension part is worn; most commonly a lower control arm, shock, or sway bar end link.
- Hissing under the hood: Hissing could mean you have a coolant or vacuum leak.
- Engine knocking: This is a serious sign of internal engine trouble.
3. Leaks Under Your Vehicle
If you see a small puddle under your car, it may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Different fluids have different colors and smells, and it’s important to know what you’re looking at if you notice a puddle under your car.
For example, if you see a blue, green, or pink puddle, it’s typically coolant. But if you see brown or black fluid, it’s most likely oil, while reddish fluid could be power steering.
Ultimately, if you see any puddles under your car after being parked in a spot for a while, you should probably have the car inspected.
4. Your Car Is Overheating
Paying attention to your car’s temperature gauge is just as important as the fuel gauge, if not more so. Take a glance at it every now and then while driving to ensure your car isn’t overheating. If it is, that’s a telltale sign that something could be wrong with the cooling system, which includes the radiator, hoses, lines, and thermostat.
If you see the needle fluctuating or go past the halfway point all the way to the “hot” side of the gauge, you should have the car serviced as soon as possible.
5. Rough Shifting or Transmission Issues
The car’s transmission is responsible for getting the power from the engine to the wheels. Whether it’s a geared transmission or CVT, it should operate smoothly.
However, if you feel any hesitation or jerkiness, notice a burning smell, hear strange noises when it shifts, you should have it inspected by a mechanic.
6. Unusual Vibrations or Shaking
If you feel vibrations through the steering wheel or feel the entire car vibrate while driving, there could be a few different issues present. Some of the most common include:
- Unbalanced or worn tires
- Worn suspension parts
- Warped brake rotors
- Engine misfires
While some of these causes, like tire balancing, only need minor repairs, other issues could require a trip to the service shop.
7. Poor Performance or Reduced Fuel Efficiency
If you have to fill up your car more often than you used to or notice poor performance, there could be a range of issues present. Some of them include a dirty air filter, worn spark plugs, clogged fuel injectors, or a bad oxygen sensor.
Don’t wait until your car becomes undrivable. If you notice that it’s feeling sluggish, have it inspected.
Your Car May Need Attention
While the aforementioned issues are easy to ignore, especially when you drive with the radio cranked up, it’s important to get them addressed right away.
After all, you wouldn’t want to come back from deployment, only to find that your car won’t start or you can’t drive it.
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