10 Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

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1. Because the manual says so

Particularly for owners of new cars, the vehicle manual is full of useful knowledge, not least the intervals at which you should service your car. Keeping a full service history will also help your car to retain its value when you come to sell or exchange it.
 

2. Dashboard warning lights

This is the most obvious physical sign that your car needs a service. Ignoring a dashboard warning light can land you in deep trouble, so get a service booked as soon as possible.
 

3. Braking problems

Modern brakes are ultra-responsive so if you notice any issues like knocking or other noises, oversensitivity or resistance you have a problem. Brake pads and fluid don’t last forever!
 

4. Squeals and squeaks

Do you hear a high-pitched whine when you turn the ignition key? This could indicate an issue with a belt that’s either come loose or is in danger of wearing through. Squeaks on the move could mean your power steering fluid needs replacing or that your tyres may have become unbalanced. All of these issues need addressing before they turn into major problems.
 

5.Engine cutting out

Does your car stall as you pull away from traffic lights, even though you’re in the right gear? The most common causes are clogged fuel filters and dodgy spark plugs, which are easy issues to put right, so book in for a service and get them seen to.
 

6. Vibrations

If you’re not on a poor road surface and your car starts to shudder and vibrate, you need to get it checked out. It might be something as simple as a loose piece of panelling or as serious as unbalanced tyres or a loose bearing.
 

7. Ignition issues

If your car coughs each time it starts, your battery could be on the way out. Another cause of faulty starting could be problems with the starter motor. Whatever the cause, let your garage take a look.
 

8. Doing fewer miles to the gallon

Of course all car engines decrease in efficiency over time, but the depreciation is generally minor over the lifespan of the vehicle. If you notice that your car is doing significantly fewer miles per gallon, it could be a sign that your car needs servicing.
 

9. Grinding gears

Even for the carphobic, the sound of grinding gears is a sure sign that you need to take your car to the garage. Any noises or difficulty changing gear means that you definitely need to visit the garage.
 

10. Filthy emissions

Big belching clouds of filthy smoke spell trouble, whether they’re coming from under the bonnet (suggesting a problem with the radiator), or out of the exhaust (suggesting an oil leakage). Don’t take the chance of a leak going critical and get it checked.