How to Know When Your Car Needs Servicing

Posted November 9, 2023

Preventive maintenance makes a vehicle run reliably well and ensures it is safe to drive. Unfortunately, many car owners routinely ignore the need for preventive maintenance and wait until something goes wrong before servicing their vehicles. It’s thought that about 8% of owners don’t keep up with routine vehicle maintenance, according to Automotive Research. Here’s how to know when your vehicle needs to be serviced at a local auto shop.

Owner’s Manual Says It’s Time

Many vehicles come with an owner’s manual that includes recommended service intervals. Those service intervals are based on the expected service life of different parts, fluids, and other components that make them work as designed. If your owner’s manual says it’s time to take your vehicle in for service, you should do so as soon as possible.

Check Engine Light Appears

One of the most obvious signs that a trip to the auto shop is in order happens when the check engine light appears on the dash. A technician can run a diagnostic check that reveals what caused the check engine light to appear. Once the problem is identified, the automotive shop can solve it and make your car run well again. Many times, the problem is relatively small, like a dirty air filter that needs to be replaced. Ignoring the problem could lead to bigger and costlier ones.

Engine Runs Poorly

If the engine isn’t as powerful as it should be and the fuel economy is dropping, your vehicle needs to be serviced. It might just need a routine tune-up service to replace spark plugs, coils, or wires. It might have another issue which is sapping power and causing the motor to consume more fuel. Whatever the problem might be, a mechanic can diagnose it and get your motor running right again.

Vehicle Makes Strange Noises

You should have a good idea of what your vehicle sounds like when everything is in good condition. If you hear metallic scraping sounds coming from the wheels, you likely have a problem with the brakes or maybe a wheel bearing. A thumping or rattling sound in the back might be a bad exhaust that gets louder over time. A squealing sound and the smell of burned rubber might be a serpentine belt or an alternator belt going bad. You should have your vehicle inspected and maintained or repaired as needed when it starts making unusual noises.

You can call or visit our auto shop to schedule service for your vehicle and ensure it runs its best.