26/03/2021
When Should You Service Your Car
Servicing your car may seem such a bother, but just as we eat clean and do yoga to stay healthy, regular maintenance keeps your car in good driving condition. Ignoring certain warning signs now can lead to plenty of hassle and costly repairs down the road. These budding problems may even affect your driving safety and pose a hazard to other drivers. Watch out for these six warning signs to know if it is high time for an immediate trip to your nearest service centre.
1: IGNITION PROBLEMS:The first sign of engine trouble is your car refusing to start or the engine taking a long time to turn over. While you are perfectly happy to keep turning the key until your car starts, this simple inconvenience can turn into a serious problem if left unfixed. Ignition problems could be due to many causes, from faulty spark plugs to a dying battery to a starter motor defect. Once you manage to get your car started, do visit your service centre to have it checked out.
2: STRANGE SOUNDS:As you drive, you hear a noise that is unusual from your car's normal operating conditions. Sounds such as whining, clicking, grinding or crunching indicate certain parts that may need fixing or replacement. If the noise becomes louder or more urgent when you change gears or hit the brakes, quickly get it diagnosed by your technician. Also keep an ear out for uneven engine sound, especially when your car is idling, as it could be the engine misfiring or a more serious air-fuel mixture problem.
3: LEAKS & LOW FLUID LEVELS:Never ignore a leak! Instead, take note of where the leak appears underneath your car where you normally park. A bright green or blue fluid* indicates a coolant leakage, while a dark red or brown fluid* could mean either the transmission oil, engine oil or brake fluid is leaking. An oil leak is bad news for the engine's performance and may even reduce its lifespan. Check your fluid levels and if they are running low or need changing, pop by your service centre. *Fluid colours may differ from one car make and model to another
4: WORN-OUT TYRES:Tyres can prove expensive to replace, so if you drive frequently, it is best for your car (and wallet!) to make your tyres last longer by getting them regularly rotated and balanced. While you are at the service centre, your technician will also check your tyres' air pressure, tread wear, and alignment to determine if the tyres are fit for driving or need replacing. You too can practise tyre inspection and care on your own to prolong your tyres' lifespan.
5: WARNING LIGHTS:If your dashboard lights up like a funfair the moment you start your car, don't panic. These days, most cars have a built-in computer and it is simply checking out everything in the car is alright. Once these lights turn off, you are good to drive. But if one or more lights are still lit, it could mean trouble. Pay extra attention to the Check Engine, Oil Level Low, and Oil Pressure Low lights. Warning lights come on to warn you of possible problems before it escalates to something more serious and expensive to fix.
6: UNCOMFORTABLE DRIVE:As a driver, you are most attuned to your car's quirks and how it normally drives. So you are in the best position to notice abnormalities such as sudden surges in speed, fuel consumption increasing unexpectedly, an unusual smell from the air-conditioning vents or abnormal vibrations from the car. Bring your car down for a thorough inspection and servicing to solve any problems before it becomes a full-blown safety hazard. It goes without saying that smoke or fumes from under the hood means you should stop driving immediately and call your service centre for assistance.
Forgetting to service your car can prove to be a costly mistake. Remember that regular maintenance is the best way to avoid all these warning signs as well as ensure that your car remains roadworthy and retains its resale value.
