01 Jan, 2024
Spring is starting to show its pretty face with budding trees and blooming flowers. This means that now is the time to give your vehicle some extra attention before summer hits in full force! The mechanics at your auto repair shop will be glad to conduct a thorough inspection of your vehicle to make sure that the components and systems of your vehicle are in the best condition possible. Regardless of whether you are planning a summer road trip, or have just a short commute to work, you want your vehicle to be safe and reliable.
Why visit your auto repair shop? Here are five of the most common issues that can cause problems:
- Leaking Fluids. Have all leaks repaired as soon as possible so that you’re not driving with low levels of oil, etc? Dark brown spots under the car indicate that oil is leaking from the engine. Puddles of greenish fluid mean coolant/antifreeze is leaking.
- Noisy Brakes. Make sure your brakes are in good condition so that your car can stop on that proverbial dime! When the brake pads, rotors, or calipers wear down, you will hear squealing, squeaking, or metal-on-metal grinding sounds.
- Odd Sounds. Be familiar with the noises your car makes so you can notice anything that sounds unusual. For example, a hole in the muffler or a failing catalytic converter means will create rumbling or sputtering sounds. You will hear chirping or screeching sounds when the drive belt or serpentine belt becomes brittle or frayed.
- Humming, growling, or roaring tires. Be sure to have the tires rotated and air pressure adjusted before traveling. If your tires are making odd noises, it means that tread has worn down too far, a wheel bearing has gone bad, or the tires are out-of-round.
- Dashboard lights. Today’s cars have a built-in computer system that can sense when a problem develops, illuminating a corresponding warning light on the instrument panel. Schedule a diagnostic test that can pinpoint the problem.