Keeping your vehicle in good working condition will save money over the long haul, and it will keep you safer, as well. If you see any of the signs below, it’s a sure sign your car needs to be serviced very soon.
Vibration in the Steering Wheel
Many factors can cause a vibration in the steering wheel, including suspension problems that are best diagnosed by a mechanic. However, the most common reason for this phenomenon is simple: Your tires are worn, and the front end may be out of alignment.
When the car is misaligned, this may make the tires wear unevenly. If that goes on long enough, uneven tread wear can make the car shake.
You might wonder whether the car’s falling apart, but more likely you simply need to replace the tires. You can avoid this problem usually by replacing your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Next, have the front-end alignment checked annually and rotate the tires whenever you change the oil. Having the front end properly aligned and the tires running with even tread should eliminate the vibration and will help you avoid an incident that requires the help of a car accident attorney.
Smoke From the Tailpipe
If you own a car long enough, you may eventually see smoke coming from the tailpipe. How serious this may be can vary, and it will depend on the color of the smoke.
If you see black smoke, the engine may be receiving too much fuel, so you should have that checked by a licensed mechanic. If the smoke is white, it’s more likely that water has penetrated the engine due to a leaking head gasket. Blue smoke usually indicates an oil leak.
Fixing any of these issues can be expensive. But if the car is old and you don’t intend to spend money on it, just have the fluids checked regularly.
If you see the engine burning some oil, keep adding more, so the hardware doesn’t get damaged. Sooner or later, it will be burning enough oil that you have to do something, but you can keep many old engines going for years just by adding half a quart every few thousand miles.
Unusual Noise
A familiar noise that drivers eventually hear is grinding and squealing from the brakes. This typically means the brake pads have worn down and need replacing.
You might also need to change the brake rotors at the same time. Another thing you may notice is that the brake pedal depresses farther than it used to, which is another sign of worn brakes.
This problem should be fixed right away for safety, so take the vehicle to a brake shop for an evaluation.
Warning Lights
If your oil or coolant light turns on, you should get the car or truck to the shop right away. Driving with low oil or coolant can destroy the engine.
Before driving any farther, check the oil and coolant levels when the car is cool. If they’re low, fill them and take the vehicle in for service. If the check engine lights still go on, consider requesting a tow.
Leaks Under the Car
You should always check under your vehicle each morning for unusual puddles. If you see brown or black liquid, you probably have an oil leak.
If the liquid has a greenish tint, it’s more likely coolant, and red liquid suggests a transmission leak. During the summer, if you use the AC, you may notice a clear puddle under the engine.
This is probably condensation from the AC compressor and isn’t anything to worry about. For other leaks, you should check your fluid levels and fill them until you can get the car serviced.
Keep these tips in mind for servicing your car, and the vehicle will last you many more years!
