4 Signs And Symptoms Your Car Needs Repairs ASAP
Car repairs are expensive and budgeting those repairs can be challenging. Drivers often wait till their cars breakdown or become nearly undrivable before seeing a mechanic. This is a costly car mistake.
The longer you wait to get repairs done, the more the mechanic’s bill may become. This makes knowing key signs and symptoms that your car needs repairs vital to keeping auto repair and maintenance costs low.
How do you know when it’s time to get your car a bit of TLC? The following four signs and symptoms can be your guide to saving money down the road while keeping you on it.
1. Your Car’s “Check Engine” Light Is On
This is of course the most telling sign that your car is in need of a checkup. Interestingly, most people ignore the check engine light. There are two types of check engine light indicators to be on the lookout for.
- The check engine light stays on: This is your car telling you there is a problem that needs to be taken care of, but it is not a critical one. If your check engine light remains on, it is time to see a mechanic.
- The check engine light is flashing: If your car’s check engine light is flashing, you need to take immediate action. This is critical and in order to avoid higher repair costs it is best to pull over to the nearest parking lot and get your car towed to a mechanic or car dealership.
There are many reasons why your check engine light will serve as a warning to get into the auto shop. It can be something as cheap as a leaky gas cap, or it could be a catalytic converter problem, which can cost in excess of $1,500 to fix. In any case, if your check engine light is on or flashing, do not ignore it.
2. Your Transmission Is Acting Up
Your car’s transmission is a very important aspect of its ability to drive. If you are having transmission issues you will notice that your vehicle is driving oddly, like getting to a desired speed, surges in speed, or odd sounds.
Transmission repairs and replacements are very expensive, and the longer you ignore the signs and symptoms of a transmission problem, the more it will cost you. You also need to find a certified mechanic or auto repair shop when it comes to transmission issues.
“Transmission repair can sometimes prove to be a challenge, considering that most auto repair shops don’t have the right equipment, as well as the technical know-how to service your car properly,” according to Hutchinson Car Repair.
The cost of replacing a transmission can range from $1,800 to $3,400, so be sure to get your transmission checked out if you think it may be needed.
3. Your Driveway Has Leak Spots
Leak spots on your beautiful driveway are annoying, but these leak spots may be the least of your worries. Leaks coming from your car are important to take serious in order to reduce repair costs down the road.
If your car is showing signs and symptoms of transmission issues and/or the check engine light is on, the leaks under your car are more serious than you may want to admit. Before breaking out the pressure washer and cleaning your driveway, investigate those leak spots.
Leaks that are bright green and toward the front of your vehicle indicate that you may have a coolant leak. If the leaks are reddish brown, you may be leaking transmission fluid, brake fluid, and/or oil. These are more serious.
Not all leaks are bad, however, since car AC usage will have some water leakage. This makes examining the leak spots important in order to get to the root of the problem and avoid costly repairs if ignored.
4. Strange Noises Coming From Under The Hood
Another one of the most common signs and symptoms that your car needs to be taken in for some TLC before it breaks down and becomes a financial issue is strange engine noises. These noises can be subtle or like nails on a chalkboard to hear.
For instance, if your engine is rumbling like an empty stomach, you may need to take your car in for a tune-up. However, if you are experiencing high-pitched screeching noises during acceleration, you may have a loose or about to snap fan belt.
In Conclusion . . .
Paying attention to what your car is telling you is important. The above are only a few of the most important signs and symptoms that you should be on the lookout for to keep repair costs as low as possible. When in doubt, have a mechanic check out your car to ensure you stay on the road, and stay out of debt due to costly auto repairs and replacements.
Category: Family Finances
