4 Warning Signs Your Car Needs a Mechanic

Sometimes you hear a weird sound coming from your car or see a warning light pop up on your dashboard and you’re not sure if it’s something serious enough to see a mechanic. However, if you notice one of the following warning signs, you need to make an appointment with your mechanic right away.

1. Check Engine Light Comes On

As much as we dread seeing the check engine light come on, it’s actually giving us a chance to take care of engine issues before they become even more severe. The check engine light could signal anything from a faulty gas cap to a failing catalytic converter. If the check engine light is steady, it’s not an emergency; but you still need to see a mechanic as soon as possible. If it’s flashing, you need to have your vehicle looked at immediately so you can avoid extensive engine damage.

2. Leaks Under the Car

If you pull away from where you normally park and see evidence of major leaks on the ground, you need to see a professional as soon as possible. If you see water dripping from the front of the car on the passenger side, this is condensation from the air conditioner, and it’s normal. However, if the drip is occurring toward the front of the car and it’s brown or dark red, you could be leaking brake fluid, transmission oil, or engine oil. Bright green fluid indicates coolant leaks and needs taken care of so your engine doesn’t overheat.

3. Smoke Under the Hood

Smoke or steam coming from under the hood can indicate different issues depending on what color you see. Steam is typically white and is a sign that the radiator, pipes, or gasket are leaking. If you see steam, look at your vehicle’s temperature gauge. If it’s in the red, you need to pull over and let your vehicle cool down before you head to the mechanic.

On the other hand, if you see blue smoke, you need to pull over and call a tow truck. This usually means you’re burning oil, and letting it go too long may require a brand new engine.

4. Noisy Brakes

While grinding, squeaking, or squealing sounds coming from your brakes are annoying, they’re also important noises that need your attention. Many brake pads come with wear indicators that cause a squealing or squeaking sound when it’s time to replace them. If you hear this sound you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic in order to avoid hearing the more serious grinding noise.

Grinding indicates a major issue with your brakes. Often, this means you have no more brake pad left and you’re rubbing metal on metal each time you hit the brakes. This is a significant safety concern and needs taken care of right away.

Being aware of these warning signs will help you save money in the long run because you can stop a problem before it turns into an even larger issue.

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