Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

The following are some signs that indicate your car needs auto repair. 

Dashboard Warning Lights

Dashboard warning lights are one of the common signs that your car needs servicing. A red battery light can indicate a failing alternator, and a flashing engine light signals a severe engine issue. If you see a flashing engine light, you should quickly stop the car. 

Squealing, Grinding, or Soft Brakes

When you brake the vehicle, a high-pitched squeal indicates worn brake pads. A grinding or growling sound is likely metal-to-metal contact from completely worn pads, which can damage the rotors. If the brakes have become soft or spongy, air is going into the brake lines, or the master cylinder is failing. 

Strange Engine Noise

Strange noises coming from the engine, like knocking or tapping signals, worn-out engine bearings, or an internal engine problem. A loud hissing sound from the engine can mean a coolant or vacuum leak. 

Excessive Exhaust Smoke

Depending on the color of the smoke coming from the exhaust, your car can have different problems. Blue smoke indicates burning oil, generally caused by a worn gasket or piston rings; white smoke means coolant is leaking into the engine, and black smoke means your car is burning too much fuel. 

Burning Smells

You can experience a burning oil, rubber, or plastic smell in your car if it has an issue. A burning oil scent means oil is leaking onto a hot engine component. Meanwhile, a burning rubber scent can be caused by a slipping belt, damaged hose, or an overheating clutch. At last, a burning plastic smell comes from an electrical short or melting wire insulation. 

Fluid Leaks

Other than clear water, any puddle under the vehicle is a red flag. Dark brown or black fluid is engine oil, reddish fluid is transmission fluid, and green, orange, or pink fluid is coolant.