It’s important to have your SUV inspected and serviced by an expert technician. Here are signs your car’s inspection is overdue.
Cars require ongoing maintenance to stay fully operational and safe on the road. But before it finally breaks down, your car will give several warning signs that it’s time to get an inspection from a car mechanic near you.
Looking after your car is necessary with respect to both your finances and safety. Remember, those minor maintenance issues could cause an accident or injury if you ignore them for too long.
Here are 7 signs that a car inspection is long overdue:
Flashing Check Engine Light
This is the most obvious sign that your car needs an inspection. When your car’s systems require repairs, the computer illuminates the check engine light to indicate that something is amiss. Depending on the make and model of your car, there are several indicator lights that may come on.
If the check engine light is holding steady, it means you have problems with the ignition or gas cap. However, if the check engine light is flashing, this means you need to send your car to a technician right away.
The flashing indicates that the car’s engine is misfiring, which can cause the catalytic converter to overheat. If you ignore this situation for too long, it could cause more damage and leave you on the hook for expensive repairs.
Jerky Shifting Experiences
If your vehicle jerks every time you shift gears, there’s something wrong with the transmission and it must be looked into. Common signs of problems with the transmission include:
- Rough gear changes
- The car slips out of gear
- Delay in shifting
- The check engine light is activated
Problems with the transmission should not be ignored because the damage can get worse over time. Repairs can put a dent in your wallet. Hopefully, once you send your car in for an inspection, you won’t have to pay much for repairs.
Unresponsive Brakes
Stopping your car quickly is a big part of avoiding an accident or incident on the road. And you’ll need the braking system to be in top-notch condition. If you hear a squealing or grinding noise when applying the brakes, it’s time to get that inspection. At the very least, you should get your car’s brake systems and components inspected on an annual basis.
If you’re driving a larger SUV on the road, such as a Toyota Hilux, it is a good idea to take the car for an inspection at the first hint of trouble.
Too Much Exhaust Smoke
If you see excessive smoke coming from the exhaust, it means the engine is overheating. If this is the case, you should stop driving and take the car for inspection. The longer you allow the engine to overheat, the more damage you’ll have to repair.
Overheating engines can indicate a number of issues, including a blocked hose, broken water pump, or a leak in the cooling system. All of these issues should be looked into right away.
Strange Odours
Odd smells are a strong indication of problems with your car. If you smell a maple-like odour, your car is leaking coolant. The smell of sweaty socks indicates mold in the AC, a burning paper smell is a sign that it is time to get the clutch checked.
If you are getting unfamiliar scents that make your riding experience unpleasant, get your car into the auto repair shop as easily as you can. Strange signs could prove to be dangerous to you if you don’t address them right away.
Leaking Fluids
Whether it is transmission fluid, oil, or something else, your car should not be leaking at all. If you notice a puddle of liquid forming under your car, you probably have a leak in the engine that needs to be fixed. Leaks can force the car’s engine to work harder, consume more fuel, and create more wear and tear.
There is also the additional problem of your car overheating if there isn’t enough coolant available to keep the temperature from rising.
Strange Noise
By now you’ve probably used to the types of sounds your car makes every time you take it for a drive. So if the engine starts making sounds that are unfamiliar to you, there is a good chance that something is wrong with the car. Some noises can indicate different problems. For example, a squealing noise when turning the ignition on indicates that the car’s belt is loose or worn out.
A grinding noise when applying the brakes is a sign that you need to take the car for a checkup.
If you keep your vehicle in good condition, you will lower your likelihood of road accents. You will also maximize your investment in the car over time.