Signs You Need to Take Your Car to a Mechanic

auto repair in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Over the lifespan of a vehicle, it will likely need repairs and maintenance done a number of times. Spotting the first signs of an issue can help prevent them from getting worse or from causing more severe (and costly) damage to the vehicle. When any of the following signs are detected, it’s crucial to take the vehicle in for repair as soon as possible. 

Brakes are Making Noises

The brake pads on a vehicle will wear out with time. When this happens, there will be a noise that sounds like metal scraping on metal. It may only happen when the brakes are pressed, but it should be easy to hear. Over time, this will turn into more of a grinding sound, which means the brakes are causing further damage to the vehicle. At the first sign of a noise, it’s a good idea to take the car in for auto repair in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Diagnostic Lights are Illuminated

If any of the lights on the dash are illuminated, it’s a good idea to have diagnostics done to see if anything needs to be repaired. The check engine light is the most common one to see, but the hardest to diagnose because there are a number of things that can cause it to come on. Other lights can include an oil light, airbags, brakes, ABS, and more. If lights come on like the door ajar light and the doors are all closed, it’s a good idea to have the car checked out as a sensor may have failed. 

Car Pulling to One Side

If the car tends to pull to one side, it may be out of alignment. This will get worse with time and make it more difficult to drive, which can be dangerous in certain situations like driving when the roads are wet. It is important to have the alignment adjusted quickly and to make sure it isn’t causing other damage, like uneven wearing on the tires. 

Leaking Fluids Under the Vehicle

If there are fluids on the ground after starting the vehicle and pulling out of the driveway, the car is leaking and it will need to be fixed right away. Not only is it challenging to clean up oil and other fluids, but they can end up causing severe damage to the vehicle if the fluids all run out and repairs aren’t done. If oil is leaking, the engine could run out and the engine could be irreparably damaged. 

Car Having Trouble Starting

Cars should start easily, so if it takes a few tries or the battery dies frequently, it’s necessary to have the vehicle fixed. It could be the battery, the starter, or other components related to starting the car, and they will not get better without a mechanic’s help. 

If you’ve noticed any of these signs on your vehicle or it’s doing anything else that seems unusual, it’s time to take it in for repairs. By finding the perfect mechanic to work on your vehicle, you can make sure that it’s in excellent shape at all times and will last as long as possible.