Top Three Signs That Your Car Needs Service

Your car is generally always trying to tell you if something is wrong.  The problem is that most of us don’t know how to listen. From the warning lights on your dashboard to the sounds and smells of your car, there are usually a number of things letting us know that something is wrong. Luckily, you don’t have to be an expert mechanic to make sure that your car stays running smoothly. By taking your car in for regular maintenance visits, you can easily avoid costly and time consuming repairs. Don’t ever settle for second best when it comes to the safety and maintenance of your car. Come into any of the 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers stores conveniently located all over town — to keep your car running like new.

Warning Lights

This may sound like common sense information, but your vehicle’s warning lights are extremely important to pay attention to. Each one of the indicators on your dashboard means something different, and most vehicles use similar, but slightly differing, icons to indicate issues. Most of these lights are simple warnings; letting you know if you are running low on oil, need more wiper fluid, or any other basic need your car may have. It is important to read your vehicle’s owner’s manual so that you clearly understand what each of these icons and warning lights mean. If you ever see a yellow “Check engine” light, it is important to take your vehicle into an auto service center right away to make sure that you don’t cause any additional damage. Paying attention to these warning lights will easily help you save thousands of dollars over your vehicle’s lifespan.

Strange Sounds

For the most part, a quiet car is a healthy car, so when you start to hear any strange noises, you know it is time to take it in to have it checked out. There are a  variety of sounds and noises that your car can make, and each one can mean a potential problem. Your brakes are one of the first things you will notice noise coming from, as you will most likely hear the noise every time you drive. If your brakes are squeaking or squealing, your brake pads are probably running thin and need to be changed. If you hear any scraping or clanging coming from your vehicle, make sure that you take your vehicle into any of the 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers stores conveniently located all over town.

Overheating or Smoking

If you are noticing steam or smoke coming from your vehicle’s hood or exhaust, you could be experiencing issues with your radiator or have an oil leak. Radiator issues will cause your vehicle to put off steam, which will be pure white in color. On the other hand, if you have an oil leak, the smoke coming from your car will have a bluish tint, and you need to stop driving immediately to avoid a potential fire.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, you need to bring your vehicle in for service as soon as you can. The best way to avoid potentially expensive repairs is to get ahead of these issues as soon as they appear. Come into any of the 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers stores conveniently located all over town.