If you are like many people, you probably rely on your car on a daily basis, whether you need it to commute to work or school, run errands, or for other obligations. That means when your car starts exhibiting problems, it’s more than a little frustrating. There’s no denying that needing auto repairs can put a wrench in your plans, so to speak, but it’s often important to address the problem right away.
Still, while timely auto repairs are essential, it can be a challenge to distinguish between repairs that are urgent and those that can wait a bit. We’re here to help you do that today. Here are some signs that you need auto repair urgently:
- Flashing Check Engine Light- The check engine light is what the onboard diagnostics system uses to inform you about a malfunction. If the light comes on but it is steady, you can usually keep driving until you get home or to a repair shop. But if the check engine light is flashing, that means there’s a more serious issue. You should stop driving right away and get the problem fixed promptly.
- Transmission Issues- Driving with a bad transmission can be extremely dangerous and put you and others on the road in harm’s way. You’ll know you have bad transmission if you notice slipping gears, shaking or grinding when changing gears, unresponsive gears, or strange sounds. If you notice these signs, you should get auto repairs right away.
- Visible Smoke- Smoke is never a good sign in any context. If there is smoke coming from the hood, your engine may be overheating, which can cause serious, permanent damage. Smoke can also be caused by faulty wire casings and overheating oil or fluids. If you see smoke, make sure to get auto repairs immediately.
