Hidden Signs That Your Import Car Needs Auto Repair Or Servicing | Southlake, TX

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Most people seek out auto repair services in Southlake, TX after it becomes obvious that the need to do so. It’s hard to ignore when your car breaks down, the engine light pops on, or the transmission fluid starts leaking. However, there are a lot of less obvious signs that your car needs service that you should not avoid. Scheduling routine repair visits and on-demand visits if you notice any of these smaller signs can help you avoid a breakdown and elongate the life of your car.

Driving an import car does not excuse you from auto repair. Import cars can break down just as easily as American manufactured cars, so you need to make sure that you properly maintain and take care of their engines. In the end, a car engine is simply a large piece of machinery that needs to be fine-tuned from time to time regardless of where it is made. Here are a few of the less obvious but still very important signs that your car needs repair.

INCREASE IN HOW MUCH YOU FUEL UP

Does it seem like you are visiting the gas pump more than you used too? If you aren’t driving any more than you usually do and you need to fill up your tank frequently this is a clear sign that it is time for auto repair services. Fueling up frequently likely means that you are not getting as many miles per gallon as you used too, and there is a reason for that.

While every car will slightly decrease their maximum mpg as they age, you shouldn’t notice a difference in just a few months of time. Sometimes something simple like changing the air filter or spark plugs is all it takes to get the car back to its peak performance levels. Don’t throw away your money on gas when one auto repair is all it takes to get you back on the road burning fuel at a much more efficient rate.

YOU NOTICE MORE EXHAUST SMOKE THAN USUAL

In general, you should never notice any change in emissions, but there are some changes that indicate you need immediate repair. For instance, if you notice colored exhaust smoke you need to stop driving your car and get it to an auto mechanic shop sooner than later. Each different color indicates a different issue, and each issue needs to be promptly treated before larger damage occurs within your engine or exhaust system.

For instance, black smoke means that your car is burning fuel too frequently, which means you are paying more at the gas pump and likely burning through your engine. You want to make sure you call for an auto repair appointment promptly in this case. White smoke, on the other hand, means that your engine has a coolant leak, which means that there is a good chance your engine is going to overheat and leave you stranded on the side of the road if you don’t fix the problem. Finally, blue smoke indicates oil is seeping into the combustion chamber and also requires prompt repair before the problem becomes much bigger.

The only good thing about colored exhaust smoke is that the problem can usually be fixed easily if it is caught quickly enough. You might notice odd smells before you notice the color change since most of the time you aren’t standing behind your vehicle. Therefore, if you notice any odd smell, make sure to get out and check your exhaust for any indications that it’s time for auto repair.

ODD NOISES COMING FROM THE ENGINE

Odd smells are not the only thing that you should be concerned about when it comes to maintaining your car. Odd noises can also be a pretty good indicator that it is time to schedule an auto repair visit at your local Southlake, TX import shop. While some people swear that you can eliminate an odd noise by turning up the radio, in the long-term, this is just going to cost you more money.

Sometimes cars make an odd noise and then stop. If you only hear the noise once or twice it may be a fluke, but repetitive noises need to be checked out promptly to stop more damage from occurring. Your car is one giant piece of machinery with many moving parts, and if one is damaged the damage will spread through more and more components.

Common noises that need to be investigated right away include a whining transmission, grinding noises when braking, and any knocking sounds coming from the engine. Some of these noises indicate large problems while some indicate small problems, but they all indicate something is wrong that needs to be further investigated.

LEAKING FLUID

While this may seem obvious, sometimes it is not, especially if you live in an apartment complex where you park in different locations every day. In general, it’s a good idea to look at the empty space after your car sits for a long period of time to check for stains or fluid leaks. If you notice fluid pooling on the ground then the first thing you should do is take your car in to have the fluid levels checked. This should indicate what is leaking and allows your trusted auto repair technician to quickly and accurately diagnose the problem.

If you have noticed these signs or any other that your import car needs some professional attention, visit Import Car Center. We pride ourselves on offering quick and efficient service so that you and your car can be safely back on the road in minimal time.