Most people take their vehicles for granted until their rides act up or won’t start. While being a backyard mechanic will save you time and money, DIY car maintenance and repair is a lost art. People today mainly depend on their neighborhood mechanics to keep their cars on the road.
Here are 16 signs you should make an appointment to see your mechanic ASAP.
Stalling
Does your car stall sometimes? If so, take it to a mechanic to learn the underlying cause. It’s beyond nerve-racking to drive a car that stalls randomly. The problem might be as simple as replacing fouled spark plugs with new ones. But don’t ignore stalling. Get your car looked at.
Dashboard Lights
Do you see dashboard lights? You can use an OBD II scanner to see what’s up. Some OBD II scanners will list the error code, likely causes, and possible fixes. Not all dashboard lights are causes for panic, but ignoring them isn’t a good idea. Most serious dashboard lights will be red in color or flash — suggesting you need to get the issue fixed sooner rather than later.
Strange Sounds
Another reason to see your mechanic pronto is if you hear strange sounds you can’t diagnose. Whether coming from under the hood, the exhaust, or the undercarriage, sounds that are out of the ordinary should be looked into.
Sharp Decline in Gas Mileage
You’ll notice if your gas mileage goes off the cliff. If you’re used to getting 35 miles per gallon and see the range fall to 20 to 25 miles per gallon, something’s up. Low compression, misfires, or even worn and torn spark plugs could be the culprits of the missing gas mileage. But it can also be any of a whole host of things that a mechanic can diagnose and remedy.
Fluid Leaks
Fluid leaks are always a cause for concern. If you notice engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, or any other fluid pooled under your car, try to determine where it’s coming from. The solution might be as simple as tightening or replacing a coolant hose clamp. But if it’s not an easy fix, drive to your mechanic or have your car towed if you can’t drive it there.
Tire Woes
If your tires have too little tread, they’re no longer safe to use. That’s one reason to go to a mechanic for a new set of tires before they go bald. Get yourself a tread depth gauge and measure the tread depth. If it’s 2/32nds of an inch or less, it’s time for a brand-new set of tires.
Engine Burning Oil
Do you have to top up your engine oil between oil changes? Unfortunately, some vehicle brands and models have engines that burn oil. If that’s the case with yours, you must check the oil level regularly and add fresh oil as required. But if you have to top up too often for your liking or if the situation worsens, check with your mechanic to see what they advise.
Car Overheats
If your vehicle has a habit of overheating, you should get that looked at by a mechanic. Waiting too long could result in engine damage. The water pump or radiator may be the cause.
Smell of Fuel
You shouldn’t smell fuel inside or outside your car unless you’re at a gas station. Otherwise, your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system might be malfunctioning. This system is supposed to contain fuel vapors so they’re not released into the atmosphere. But if this system isn’t working, you could smell gas in or around your car. It’s time to see a mechanic if this happens.
Smoke From the Exhaust
You shouldn’t see a trail of smoke coming from the exhaust when driving your car. If the smoke coming from the tailpipe is gray or grayish-white, your engine is burning oil. Thick white smoke could result after a cracked block or head gasket failure. Black smoke, meanwhile, occurs when the air-fuel ratio getting into the engine is excessively rich with fuel.
Electrical Issues Running Amok
Electrical problems can be a pain in the neck. No one likes it when their radio, interior lights, exterior lights, or other things don’t work or do so intermittently. If electrical woes are driving you crazy, bring your vehicle to a mechanic to get professional on the job.
Rough Idle
You’ll know if your car is idling roughly. Symptoms include a bouncing or shaking sensation in the car — and the RPM will be all over the place rather than at a consistent rate of approximately 1,000. If you’re experiencing rough idle, you should see your mechanic to get that fixed.
DIY Project Not Going Well
DIY car maintenance and repairs are a great way to save money, ensure the job is done right, and have more control as a vehicle owner. But if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, there’s no shame in contacting a mechanic.
Due for Service
Yet another sign that it’s time to see a mechanic is if your vehicle is due for important maintenance. You don’t want to let these things fall between the cracks. Get a mechanic to give your car the service it needs to stay in tip-top shape.
Engine Knocking
When starting your car, the last thing you want to hear is a knocking sound coming from under the hood. Faulty spark plugs, incorrect fuel, or a heavy build-up of carbon deposits can lead to this knocking sound.
Braking System Needs Work
If your brakes need work, you should head to your mechanic immediately. Brake pedal vibration, thin brake pads, grinding brakes, spongy brakes, and brake fluid leaks mean your car’s braking system needs servicing.
Don’t Ignore These Signs
If you take care of your car, it’ll take care of you. Your friendly neighborhood mechanic is the perfect person to outsource vehicle maintenance and repairs to. So, if you’re experiencing any of these 16 issues and can’t do the work independently, make an appointment to see your mechanic.
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