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There are a lot of things you need to keep an eye on if you want to avoid major problems with your vehicle. However, it’s tough to keep your car or truck in good shape if you don’t know a whole lot about cars. Fortunately, there are a few warning signs you can keep an eye out for that tell you it’s time to visit a Keller, TX, mechanic. If you want to make sure you’re having auto repairs done as soon as they’re needed, here are five warning signs to keep an eye out for.

1. NOISES

One of the most common signs that you need to take your vehicle to a mechanic is a strange noise. Cars can make a lot of different noises when they’re running, but you shouldn’t hear anything out of the ordinary. If you notice your car making a squealing, knocking or clunking sound, have an auto repair expert take a look at it as soon as possible.

The one thing you need to remember when it comes to car noises is the fact that it can be hard to tell what’s normal and what isn’t. The best thing you can do as a driver is take the time to learn what your car sounds like, that way you’ll be able to spot a change in the sound of your car right away.

2. LEAKS

Leaks can be a huge problem depending on where they’re coming from, but they’re also one of the easiest things to spot in most cases. One of the simplest things you can do to make sure you don’t have major problems with your car is take a look under your parked car to make sure there aren’t any fluids on the ground. If the ground under your car is wet, there’s a good chance you’re leaking something.

One thing you need to keep in mind when it comes to wet spots where you parked your car is that they aren’t always a result of leaks. Sometimes you’ll notice water underneath your car that’s simply a result of a little bit of condensation dripping off the underside of your car. No matter what, though, it’s a good idea to take your car into an auto repair shop and have them diagnose the leak.

3. SMELLS

For the most part, you shouldn’t notice any strong smells coming from your vehicle. Sure, there’s the slight smell of exhaust and the engine running, but those are normal smells that you’ll notice every time you start your engine. If you notice an odd smell coming from your engine when you fire it up or have been driving for long periods of time, you might be in need of auto repair.

A burning smell is one of the worst ones you can notice coming from your car. Generally, a burning scent is a result of your engine running too hot, which could indicate a lack of coolant or a problem with a cooling component in your engine.

Sometimes you may smell a fluid like gasoline or coolant when your engine is running. If that’s the case, you’ve probably got a leak that needs to be checked out by a car professional.

4. CHANGES IN DRIVING

As a driver, it’s your job to have some idea of how your car normally runs and what constitutes a change in that. You should take note of things like how loud your car is, how smooth the ride quality feels and how easily it accelerates when you’re trying to go up hills or use a passing lane. If any of these things change, that’s a telltale sign that you should visit an auto repair shop to have your vehicle looked at.

Often times, a change in the way your car or truck drives is a result of some part getting a little bit old. If your tires are worn down or your brakes aren’t working like they used to, you’re going to feel a difference in the way your car feels to drive.

There are times when a change in ride quality can indicate something much bigger than bad tires or brakes, however. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, running at higher RPMs than it should be or doing something else strange, take it to an auto repair expert as soon as possible.

5. WARNING LIGHTS

When you’re driving during the hot summer in Keller, TX, there are going to be times when it’s a little warmer outside than your car would like or the driving conditions aren’t ideal. The good news is, your car has sensors that trigger warning lights when you’ve got a problem with a critical part of your vehicle. From oil pressure problems to overheating, these lights can quickly alert you when there’s a problem.

If you notice a check engine light or some other light on the dashboard of your car, make sure you take it to an auto repair shop to have it checked out. Diagnostics equipment allows experts to quickly figure out what’s wrong with your vehicle so they can get to the root of the problem and fix it as soon as possible.

A HELPING HAND

Just because you know how important it is to take good care of your car doesn’t mean you’re actually doing it. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of knowledge and hard work to keep a vehicle running smoothly from start to finish. That is, unless you have help.

If you’re in the area, you can count on the deft car-geeks at Import Car Center to help you keep your vehicle running like a top. Even if you’ve got a complex problem with an imported luxury vehicle, our team knows how to find and fix it. To find out more or schedule service with Import Car Center, give us a call today at (817) 481-5665.

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