Routine auto maintenance such as oil changes, brake pad replacements, and transmission flushes keep your vehicle operational and your gas mileage where you want it. If it’s been a while since your last visit to the local auto repair shop, your car may exhibit numerous warning signs telling you to schedule services now. Review some of the most common signals below to avoid vehicle damage and costly repairs.

When Should You Visit an Auto Repair Shop?

1. Pulling to One Side When You Drive or Brake

Handling difficulties always require professional attention. If your car pulls to one side when you’re driving, the wheels have likely become misaligned. This safety issue also increases tire wear and stresses your suspension system.

If the vehicle pulls when you brake, the brake pads have worn down unevenly and need replacing.

2. Poor Fuel Economy

Decreased fuel economy has numerous causes, ranging from excessive vehicle weight to engine problems. If lightening the car’s load doesn’t solve your problem, take the car to an auto repair shop. It could need an oil change, as dirty oil prevents efficient engine function, causing the car to compensate with extra fuel.

3. Screeching Brakes

Brake pads aren’t supposed to make screeching or squealing noises. Unpleasant sounds when you brake signal pad wear. When the pad is worn down, the brakes will make contact with the rotor, which warps it and requires an expensive replacement.

4. Check Engine Light Illumination

The Check Engine light illuminates for numerous reasons, such as a failing oxygen sensor, bad catalytic converter, loose fuel cap, and worn spark plugs. All of these problems decrease fuel economy, with some such faulty spark plugs causing engine misfiring.

5. Foul Exhaust Emissions

Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor issues can also affect your exhaust system. If the catalytic converter gets clogged or otherwise goes bad, your exhaust system will emit a foul, rotten egg-like odor.

If the oxygen sensor clogs and isn’t correctly calculating the amount of air in the combustion tank, the air-fuel mixture becomes too rich, and your exhaust will emit black smoke. 

Don’t wait to schedule auto maintenance or repairs if your vehicle experiences these or any other issues. Contact Gomes Bus Fleet Maintenance, the DOT-certified company serving the entire island of Oahu, HI, since 2014. Offering reasonable rates from expert technicians, the full-service auto repair shop serves vehicles of all types. Call (808) 239-6755 today to schedule an appointment, or visit the shop online for a complete service list.