10 Warning Signs Your Vehicle Needs Service

Complete Car Care is the go-to choice for auto repair in both Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Rancho Santa Fe. Our auto mechanics are experts are troubleshooting your vehicle, as they can identify the underlying cause of almost any issue. Due to their experience in auto repair, our team can predict when your car is in need of service. Here are ten warning signs that your vehicle needs service:

Squeaky or soft breaks. When you come to a stop, it should be quiet and firm. If it’s making noise or the pedal feels soft, this can indicate a problem with your brake pads or more severe of an issue, the rotors or calipers. Don’t wait on this one. It’s not only a safety issue, but it’s also a cost issue. The longer you wait, the more damage, the more expensive.

Liquids under your vehicle. Your oil and coolant are not supposed to be under your car. They’re supposed to be in it, and if there’s a deviation from that, it’s time to get it checked before you find yourself stranded on the side of the road and in need of a new engine. Often it’s something small that if taken care of right away, can save you time and money.

Slow to start. Might be time for a new battery.

Vibration. While it might be nice to sit in a vibrating massage chair, it’s not so lovely to sit in a vibrating car. Vibrations could mean some things gone or going wrong: bad brakes, tires in need of alignment, flat tire, or a failing universal joint are some of the possibilities.

Loud noises. We’re not talking about your stereo. We’re talking about your car. And if it’s running unusually loud, it could be the muffler going bad, low power steering fluid level, a loose or worn belt, maybe an unbalanced tire, or a failing CV joint. Especially if it’s a new noise, get it checked out asap!

Warning lights. Those lights on your dash aren’t there for decoration. If one lights up, it’s an indication that something in your car’s system has gone awry. It might not be a big deal, but wouldn’t you hate to find out it is a big deal the hard way?

Decreasing MPG. If you notice an unexplained decrease in your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, have it checked out. It could be something as simple as a low tire, or it might be time for a complete tune-up.

Stalling. Who wants to be stalled-out in the middle of an intersection? Or not able to accelerate? Your vehicle’s engine is designed to perform on demand and keep you moving. If it’s having trouble living up to its potential, it might need new spark plugs or a new fuel filter, or possibly something more serious. Time to get it checked!

Sluggish acceleration or loss of power. Along the same vein as stalling, this is a sign that something’s not right with your vehicle’s engine. And not only is it not right, but it’s also not safe! This one has the potential to be dangerous, so don’t wait.

Trouble starting. While most of us need our coffee to get us up and running in the mornings, our vehicles shouldn’t. If your car requires several starts or it doesn’t want to stay running, it could be a dying battery, a defective starter, or a range of other issues.

Complete Car Care in Encinitas is well-trained and prepared with the latest technology to be able to accurately assess any of these issues and beyond. We care about the life of your car and your safety. As the leading auto repair shop for Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Rancho Santa Fe drivers, you can trust us to identify your vehicle’s warning signs. Schedule an appointment today, or stop by at 318A N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024.

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