7 Signs that Your Car Needs a Service 

Car manufacturers recommend that your car be serviced every 12-24 months or 10,000 miles, but often life gets in the way, and we can forget when we had our last service. Thankfully, your car won’t, and when it’s time for a service or your service is overdue, there will be some signs. The signs your car shows when it needs service vary by make and model, but there are often 7 signs it’s time to visit a mechanic and get your car checked. Today, we show you the 7 common signs that your car needs a service so you know what to look out for! 

1. Dashboard Warning Lights

Many cars will tell you that your vehicle needs a service, with a handy service warning light on your dashboard. This warning light can look different depending on the make and model of your car, with some showing ‘service engine soon’ and others a simple spanner symbol that will light up. More modern vehicles sometimes feature a countdown in miles to your next service, showing you, every time you turn the car off, how long you have left before your next service. 

You will also receive reminders when your service is overdue, prompting you to book it as soon as possible. Your service light can also come on when there are faults with your car. If there is another light on your dashboard, like a problem with your engine, the service light can also appear, prompting you to get your car checked by a mechanic. 

2. Puddles or Dripping Liquid

Puddles under your car or any dripping liquid can also be a sign that something is wrong and you need a service. You should check first whether the weather caused any puddles, and in the summer, whether any water is due to condensation from your air conditioner. It is not abnormal to see water come out of your exhaust in the summer when you first start the air conditioner, or in the winter. You don’t need to see a mechanic for this.

However, if your car is leaking coloured liquid, this could be a problem. Brown liquid can be a sign of power steering fluid, oil, or brake fluid leaking. All of these can be serious, and you should arrange for a qualified mechanic to check your car. You should not drive your vehicle if you suspect it is leaking any of these fluids, as this can be very dangerous. 

3. Strange Noises

Cars make noises every day, but any different or strange noises can be a sign that your vehicle needs a service. Squeaking, ticks, hisses, and clicks can suggest a problem under your bonnet, and you should arrange a service to investigate and address the issue. If you are driving and notice louder sounds or that it seems urgent, you should pull over as soon as you can safely do so and call a mechanic. 

If the noises are less urgent, pay attention to the following, as this will make it easier to explain the problem to a mechanic and get the help you need: 

• When the sounds occur 
• What they sound like
• Where the sounds are coming from

4. Frequent Stalling and Loss of Power

If your car regularly loses power or stalls more than usual, it could be a sign that you need a service. Sometimes a power loss is a quick fix, like replacing a faulty spark plug. While this can seem like a straightforward job, it is best left to a professional mechanic to ensure your safety. 

Another cause of power loss could be a malfunctioning fuel ejection system, starving your engine of oxygen or fuel. It could also be a clogged catalytic converter disrupting airflow. All of these can be picked up and rectified on a service. 

5. Brakes Behaving Differently

Brakes are a vital part of your car, and when you miss a service, they can become less effective. Pressing harder on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle can be caused by leaking brake fluid or worn brake pads. Both of these can become serious issues, and with a service, your mechanic can pinpoint the problem and carry out the necessary repairs and replacements. 

6. Unusual Vibrations

Some vibrations from your car will feel normal, especially when you are driving quickly, but unusual vibrations or shuddering can be a sign of an issue. There could be worn-out friction material, a pressure plate defect, or an oil leak. Booking your car or a service and explaining when you notice these vibrations can help your mechanic to address the issue. 

7. Smoke from the Bonnet and Exhaust

Smoke coming from your exhaust and car bonnet can happen for several reasons, but if the smoke appears to come from a fire, then you need to turn off your engine, pull the bonnet release lever, get everyone a safe distance from the car, report the fire to the fire service, and warn oncoming traffic if possible. 

If the smoke does not seem as urgent, keep an eye on the following to report it to your mechanic:

• When the smoke appears
• The colour of the smoke
• Where the smoke is coming from 
• If the car is overheating when there is smoke 

Book Your Next Car Service Today

Any of these 7 signs is a reminder to book your car in for service to ensure everything is running smoothly and to carry out necessary repairs. When booking your next service, why not try an independent, experienced car servicer like Wayne Park? Their reasonable prices and years of experience make them an excellent choice for any make or model. Contact Wayne Park car servicing to see how they can help you today.