It’s important to keep your car in good working order. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, things go wrong. If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s time to take your car to an auto repair shop, here are a few signs to look out for:

  • Your car is leaking fluids

If your car is leaking fluids, it’s essential to have it checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Different fluids can indicate various problems, so it’s necessary to have a trained technician take a look. Common fluids that may leak from your car include engine oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Contact any Waco auto repair shops immediately if you notice these signs.

  • Your car is making strange noises

Common signs of something wrong include rattling, screeching, grinding, and thumping sounds. These noises can indicate various problems, from loose parts to engine trouble. If you hear any of these noises, it’s best to have your car checked out by an auto repair professional as soon as possible.

  • Your brakes are screeching every time you stop

When you hit the brakes, your car slows down. If you hear a screeching sound, it’s a sign that your brake pads are getting bad. Besides, if you ignore this problem, the pads will eventually wear out completely, and you’ll have to replace them with new ones.

 In addition, the rotors (the metal discs that your pads press against) may also become damaged, requiring even more work to fix. So if you hear a screeching noise every time you stop, it’s time to take your car to an auto repair shop.

  • You’re having trouble steering the car

If your car pulls to one side or the other, or if it’s hard to turn the steering wheel, your alignment may have a problem. This is an easy fix that can be done at most auto repair shops. Left untreated, however, poor alignment can cause premature wear on your tires and other steering components.

  • You see smoke or steam coming from under the hood

This could be due to an overheated engine, a coolant leak, or something else entirely. In any case, it’s best to have your car towed to an auto repair shop so that a trained technician can take a look.

  • The “check engine” light is on

This light can indicate various problems, from a loose gas cap to a serious engine issue. If the light is on, it’s best to take your car to an auto repair shop and have them hook it up to a diagnostic machine. This will help them pinpoint the problem so that they can fix it.

  • Your car is shaking or vibrating

If your car has begun to shake or vibrate, there may be an issue with the engine mounts or other parts. Thus, if left untreated, this can be a severe problem, so it’s best to take your car to an auto repair shop as soon as possible.

  • You notice a drop in gas mileage

If you’re suddenly getting fewer miles per gallon, it could be due to a clogged air filter or fuel injector. Whatever the cause, it’s best to have your car checked out by an auto repair professional.

  • Your car won’t start

This is perhaps the obvious sign that something is wrong with your car and that it needs to be taken to an auto repair shop. If your car won’t start, there is likely an issue with the battery, the alternator, or some other major component. In any case, it’s best to have a professional look at it to diagnose and fix the problem.

The Bottom Line

If your car gives you any of these signs, it’s time to take it to an auto repair shop. Ignoring the problem will only worsen and could eventually lead to costly repairs. So if you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call the expert.