10 Signs You Need To Arrange A Vehicle Service Today
Cars are powerful instruments of the modern age, where they can be used for everything from the daily commute to long-distance road trips, transporting you, your passengers and any precious cargo from place to place without hesitation. This simple combination of fuel with mechanical engineering has propelled us towards speed and convenience, where cars are now a staple of our everyday lives.
But like any modern technology, cars are not infallible. Every vehicle requires a certain degree of care and attention in order to make sure that they are in good condition and can keep us safe. Booking a regular service can help with this, where you may also need to schedule an urgent check in if your vehicle is demonstrating overt signs of wear and tear. Read on to find out more about car servicing, with a look at the top ten signs that a service is required straight away.
Understanding Car Servicing
A car service is something that can be scheduled as well as a response to vehicle deterioration. In general, it is recommended that you book a vehicle service after every 12,000 miles of driving or once a year, whichever comes first.
This service differs from your MOT, where the latter is a legal requirement that assesses your vehicle for safety and environmental impact. In contrast, a service is a much more thorough check up, which covers all components of your vehicle. Usually a service will check your engine’s fluid levels and inspect your car to ensure that everything is working safely and efficiently.
Essential Signs That Your Vehicle Needs Servicing
Beyond your annual inspection, you may also need to arrange a service with your mechanic if your vehicle is visibly damaged or deteriorating. Some of the key signs to look out for include:
1. Dashboard Warnings
Your main source of information when it comes to the health of your vehicle is your dashboard, where this will come up with various warning lights if any issues are detected. Most vehicles will have a specific icon that tells you when a service is required, where this could resemble an engine or a spanner. Your car may also tell you how many miles are remaining before your next service is required. It should be noted however that service lights can appear because of a fault with the dashboard, where this should also be checked out promptly.
2. Unusual Noises
All car engines make some degree of noise when they are running well, but it is important to listen for any changes to this soundtrack, which could indicate that something has gone wrong. If there is a problem with your engine then you may hear an assortment of clicks, ticks and squeaking sounds, where you should take note of when these arise in order to assist your mechanic. Hissing from under the bonnet when your vehicle is stationary could also indicate that your car is overheating, where this should be addressed immediately.
3. Dripping Liquids & Leaks
If you detect a leak coming from your vehicle, then it may be time to book in for a service. First of all you should check that the liquid in question is coming from your vehicle rather than being the result of rainfall. Other leaks such as from your aircon unit or your exhaust due to weather related condensation do not require professional attention. On the other hand, coloured liquid leaks could indicate that you’re losing power steering fluid, brake fluid or oil, where these issues should be checked straight away.
4. Stalling & Loss Of Power
Issues related to stalling or a loss of power also mean that a service should be arranged. Often these issues can be resolved quickly by a trained mechanic, perhaps if you need a replacement spark plug. Other issues may include a clogged catalytic converter or a malfunctioning fuel injected system, where the professionals will be able to uncover this and find a solution.
5. Steering Difficulties
Persistent steering difficulties can be frustrating and potentially dangerous, where you should arrange a service as soon as you start to notice this kind of problem. This issue can be caused by a power steering fluid leak, or you may be in need of a replacement steering rack or steering belt. It is imperative that you resolve any steering issues before your safety is compromised.
6. Atypical Odours
As with unusual sounds coming from your vehicle, you should also have an awareness of any strange odours that could indicate that something is amiss. If there is an overt problem with your engine, brakes or exhaust then you may begin to detect a burnt rubber or sweet smell over time. If this is the case then a full service can help to uncover any issues before they become more serious.
7. Braking Issues
Your brakes are an essential feature of your vehicle that allow you to stay safe while out on the road. Regular servicing and maintenance keeps your brakes in good condition, where this kind of preventative care can help to prevent accidents in the long run. If braking is becoming strenuous, then this may indicate that your brake fluid is leaking or that your brake pads need to be replaced, where a mechanic can resolve these issues promptly.
8. Smoke
A more overt sign that something is amiss with your vehicle is if you notice that it is producing smoke. This could be coming from your engine or exhaust system, where the causes can vary in severity. If you think that smoke is emitting from a fire under the bonnet then you should take immediate action by evacuating the vehicle and calling the emergency services. For non urgent situations you should provide your mechanic with details about smoke colour and its origin so they can find out what is causing the issue.
9. Uneven Tyre Wear
You may also wish to take note of your tyres, as the way they are wearing could indicate a problem with your vehicle. Uneven tyre wear patterns can take a range of different forms, where your tyre shape may become slanted or distorted. This could indicate an issue with your vehicle suspension or steering components, where the cause will be uncovered during a full service inspection.
10. Vibrations
Another sign that your vehicle needs some extra attention is if you’re experiencing unusual vibrations or juddering whilst out on the road. There are lots of issues that can cause this, where these tend to vary in severity. For instance you could be dealing with an oil leak or a broken engine mount. Taking your car in for a service will allow you to uncover and resolve the problem at hand.
Acorn Tyres: Thorough Car Servicing & Vehicle Maintenance
At Acorn Tyres, we can provide you with an extensive full car service in order to pick up and resolve potential problems. Our expert mechanics will inspect a range of components, including brakes, tyres and warning lights, so you can drive away with renewed confidence in your vehicle. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our garage services.
