3 Car Problems That Should Be Checked By A Mechanic Right Away
Posted on: 23 August 2017
It's easy to get lax with car maintenance even though you know you shouldn't. You may not have the money for a service call or you may just not want to spend time at the shop waiting for your car to be serviced. Putting off car maintenance could come back to haunt you later if your car breaks down and leaves you stranded on the road. Here are a few of the warning signs your car could be in trouble and needs to be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible:
Grinding Noise When You Hit The Brakes
If it sounds like metal is scraping against metal when you hit the brakes, your brake pads may be worn away. This is a pretty serious problem because your brakes may eventually fail. Plus, damage is being done to the metal parts of the braking system on your car. Repairing damaged rotors or a drum costs much more than replacing brake pads. The best choice is to have your car serviced as soon as you notice your brakes squeaking or when they develop a loose feel rather than waiting until you hear a metallic sound that indicates more serious damage.
Fluid Leaking Under The Car
If you notice a puddle of fluid under your car every time the car is parked for a while, you should let a mechanic diagnose the problem. First, you may want to rule out water from the air conditioner. It's normal for water to leak out when you turn off your car and you've been using the air conditioner. You can slip a piece of cardboard under your car to determine if the fluid is clear, red, or black. Red fluid might indicate transmission problems. Black fluid could be from an oil leak. These problems should be fixed right away or you could damage your car by driving with low fluid levels.
Weak Battery That Won't Hold A Charge
If you've had to jump start your car a few times recently or if the motor grinds when you turn the ignition rather than starting right away, you should take your car to a mechanic for a quick check. The problem could be something simple such as a poor connection at the battery terminals or it could be a dying battery or alternator. You don't want to drive your car when it has problems starting or you could get stranded and find yourself in an unsafe situation.
While these are three common car problems that a mechanic should check, ideally, you'll take your car to the shop when you notice it handles differently or makes unusual noises. Regular maintenance prolongs the life of your car and it keeps you safer on the road, so while it may be inconvenient, it is an important aspect of owning a car.
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