5 Warning Signs Your Car Needs to be Serviced

Everyone knows that in order to keep their car running efficiently for as long as possible, they need to have it regularly serviced by a professional. But at the same time, some situations may arise that will require you to head to the service center sooner than whatever your next interval happens to be.

If you’re looking for a new or used Toyota then visit us today at East Coast Toyota, and if your Toyota needs service then stop by the East Coast Toyota Service Center.

All told, there are several ways in which your car might “warn you” that something is amiss. Paying attention to these signs is the key to staying safe and stopping a small problem today before it becomes a much bigger, and more expensive, one tomorrow.

5 Warning Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

1. Brake Noises

One of the biggest warning signs that your car needs servicing has to do with any noises that have begun to develop with your brakes. More often than not this means that either dust, dirt, and other debris have built up on your rotors and discs, or they have become worn to the point where metal is now making contact with metal. Both of these are bad and can create a dangerous situation while driving.

2. Unresponsive Brakes

Speaking of your brakes, another indicator that you will need to have your vehicle serviced has to do with “mushy” or unresponsive brakes. When your brakes are at peak efficiency, you shouldn’t have to push them very hard to get a response. If you suddenly realize that you need to push the pedal to the ground to stop your car, you have a problem.

3. Shaking while Driving

Another warning sign to watch out for involves any shaking or vibration that occurs while driving. This is especially true if:

1. The shaking happens as you increase in speed.
2. It never happened in the past.

This could signify a problem with a large number of things, including your suspension or even your electrical system.

4. Overall Fuel Economy

One warning sign that people don’t necessarily pay enough attention to is their overall fuel economy. If you used to get 32 miles to the gallon on the highway but have recently seen that start to consistently drop, it’s probably not just because your vehicle is getting older. It’s a sign that there is a larger problem that will need to be looked into by a professional.

5. The “Check Engine” Light is On

Finally, the biggest indicator that your car needs to be serviced has to do with when your “Check Engine” warning light is on. However, keep a few things in mind. First, this is not the same as the “Service Engine Soon” light on newer cars. That light usually just reminds you of regularly scheduled maintenance like an oil change. Likewise, the “Check Engine” light can mean a lot of things making it difficult to self-diagnose a problem. For the best results, have your car looked at by a professional, so they can read the code and understand exactly what is wrong with your car.

Key Takeaways:

• One warning sign that your car needs to be serviced has to do with noises that suddenly start coming from your brakes.
• Likewise, if you need to push the pedal to the floor to come to a complete stop, you should have your brakes checked out.
• Your “Check Engine” light can mean a lot of things, so make sure that a professional read the code to properly diagnose any problems.

East Coast Toyota: Your Vehicle Service Partner

Are you experiencing some of these warning signs with your car? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact East Coast Toyota today! We’ll schedule you for a service appointment and have you safely back on the road.