4 Signs your car needs a service!

Engine Warning Light

Most modern cars are good at telling you when your car needs to be looked at. 

If a yellow “check engine” light appears on your dashboard , you should get your car to the garage for a service as soon as possible as there are a range of engine problems that this light could indicate. 

A lot of cars also have a service light that will come on when your next service is due. 

While this little light – usually in the shape of a spanner – shouldn't worry you, it's best not to ignore it for too long.

Smoke or Steam coming from under the bonnet

Usually caused by overheating and problems with the radiator, steam is generally white in colour.

While you should get your car checked out ASAP, you're not in any immediate danger if you do see steam coming from under your bonnet.

Take a look at your car's temperature gauge. If it's at maximum, pull over and wait for your car to cool before continuing. When your car is running, the needle should sit in the middle of the gauge. 

If you notice blue smoke coming from your car, stop where it’s safe to do so and get someone to tow your car to the garage

Blue smoke is caused by burning oil, and can be quite a costly problem if left unfixed. Excessive smoke from the exhaust can also signal an oil leak. 

This could be caused by a range of problems including:

• piston wear

• worn valve seals

• worn piston rings

• an intake manifold gas leak

• worn engine oil seals

• head gasket failure

Vibrating or Pulling Under Braking

This could be due to worn brake discs or pads, a suspension problem or an issue with your steering. 

It's not safe to drive like this so get your car serviced as soon as possible.

These symptoms could also be a sign of tyre wear, so check that your tyres have at least the minimum requirement of tyre tread – 1.6mm – and that they’re not wearing unevenly.

Reduced Ride Comfort

If you find that speed bumps are becoming a problem, your car is riding low or you can hear your tyres scraping on the wheel arch of your car, it’s time to get it checked out.

Any of these symptoms could signal an issue with your suspension. 

These are just some of the signs your car needs a service but to keep it in tip-top condition you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and get it serviced regularly.

Thank you for reading!

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