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Just like your body, your car requires proper upkeep and maintenance to operate at its peak performance. Having a car run smoothly is a necessity, especially if you use it for daily commutes. Car problems that require mechanical or electrical service develop over time. Such problems can be arrested early by taking the car to a professional auto repair shop as soon as you notice a problem. By having your vehicle checked as soon as you notice, a problem can avoid complicated and often expensive repair in the future.

Spotting problems early is an art that you perfect with time, but first, you should learn what to look out for. Some of the signs listed below might seem obvious, but many people fail to pay attention, and they end up spending more time in the repair shop later.

1. DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS

Most modern cars will tell the driver when something is wrong under the hood. The warning lights are set to illuminate when the area they monitor has a problem. They generally serve as a warning. The light should not be a cause for panic but an indicator to have the car checked by an auto repair professional in Keller, TX. However, if the check engine light is flashing, it is an indication that the car requires immediate attention from an auto repair expert.

There are several symbols on the dashboard, and they can sometimes be confusing when you do not know what a symbol means. It is advisable to read through your car’s manual to get a better understanding of what each symbol means. You can also search online for meanings of different symbols.

2. HARD STARTS

A healthy and fully operational car should have a nice and clean start as soon as you turn the key in the ignition. Your repair expert will tell you that a hard start is not life-threatening to the car, but it should be addressed by an auto repair professional. Several problems could lead to a hard start, they include;

  • Battery. The starter motor is responsible for starting the car. It requires voltage from the battery to operate. If the battery is low or dead, it might not produce enough current to start the motor. Corroded or loose terminals can be another cause for a hard start. You can have a trained auto repair expert clean and tighten the terminals. If the battery is dead, there is no doubt that you need a new one. An expert will give you the best advice on the type of battery to purchase for your car.
  • Fouled plugs. Every car has spark plugs that create the spark, which allows the vehicle to burn fuel. Foul plugs are among the main reasons why any car could have a hard start. The electrodes on the spark plug get eroded over time. When this happens, you need to have an auto repair expert to replace the plugs.
  • Clogged Fuel Filter. Every vehicle has a fuel filter that screens out contaminants from reaching the injectors. If the filter is clogged, it means the injectors do not get enough fuel; hence the car has a hard start.

When you experience a hard start, call an auto repair expert immediately. They can come to your home, or they can suggest you bring it to them. They will provide a detailed inspection report, which includes the repairs needed and the total cost.

3. REDUCED GAS MILEAGE

If you find yourself visiting the gas station more often than you used to, it might be an indication your car needs to be checked by an auto repair professional. Many people often shrug and conclude that it is normal or your car is just old, but that is not the case. There are several causes for your car consuming more gas than required. They include;

  • Using the wrong motor oil. The motor oil you choose to use on your car can affect the vehicle’s gas mileage up to 12%. This means you want to invest in motor oil that best reduces friction. Your car manual can act as a guide, but if you are not sure, you can always ask an auto repair professional.
  • Bad fuel injectors. The fuel injector in the car’s engine is responsible for putting fuel into the engine. If the fuel injectors are faulty and they have a leak, the result could be reduced gas mileage making your car less efficient.
  • Bad air filter and oxygen sensors. Oxygen sensors ensure that there is a proper mixture of air and fuel. However, if they are faulty, the mix will not be optimum, and the car becomes fuel The car’s air filters often get clogged, and they need to be cleaned to ensure the vehicle is in its peak performance.

4. EXCESSIVE EMISSIONS

In recent years, car manufacturers have tried to reduce the amount of emissions to the minimum. If you do not drive an electric car, your car does produce some emissions. In most cases, it is so minimal that you cannot see or smell it. If you notice more emissions than usual, your car might be trying to tell you something. A failing catalytic converter is the number one cause for excess emission. The catalytic converter in any vehicle turns sulfur produced by the combustion of gasoline to hydrogen sulphide that is odorless. If the catalytic converter is faulty, you will start smelling the sulfur, which is described as rotten eggs.

If your car has any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to call in the experts at Import Car Center in Keller, TX. Import Car Center has the expertise and the right equipment to bring your car in tip-top shape.

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