How to Know When It’s Time for a Tune-Up: Key Signs to Watch For
Regular vehicle maintenance is vital to keeping your motor running smoothly and safely. However, when scheduling repairs, pay attention to the classic signs!
Olympic Chevrolet Buick GMC has made car service near Huron, SD a breeze. Here are our critical signs for when your brakes, battery, tires, and more begin to act up!
Brakes
Your vehicle’s brakes are one of the most crucial parts of your safety, so here are signs you need brake repairs!
If you hear strange or unusual noises from your brakes, such as grinding, squealing, or screeching, this indicates worn-out brake pads that need immediate replacement.
If you prolong replacing worn-out brake pads, you risk metal scraping against other components and damage to your rotors, which can result in a hefty repair bill.
Another sign you need brake repairs is if you feel a pulsation or vibration when you press down. These sensations can indicate you have damaged rotors that require a replacement or further maintenance.
The final sign is that you need brake repairs if your pedal feels soft or spongey. If your pedal doesn’t feel stiff when you press down, you may have a leak in your brake lines or air trapped, making it difficult for brake fluid to travel.
Oil and Other Fluids
Oil and other fluids are the lifeblood of your engine. They ensure each moving part stays lubricated and functional and help preserve and prolong your components and motor!
A sign you need an oil change is if you notice dark or dirty oil. When you check your dipstick and see the oil isn’t amber or slightly translucent, it’s time for an oil change.
Driving with dark or dirty oil can clog your engine with sludge, causing it to work harder and fail to lubricate moving parts. This causes them to clash and grind together, increasing temperature and causing your engine to overheat!
Another sign to schedule an oil change in Hurson is if you notice puddles under your car. These puddles could be oil, coolant, transmission fluid, or other fluids, so you must schedule service when you leak. Low fluid can cause gears to shift unexpectedly, overheat your engine, damage your brakes, and more!
Battery
Your battery powers any electrical system in your car, such as your ignition, lights, and more. If you notice these signs, schedule an appointment with us to replace your battery!
A classic sign that you need a new battery is that you constantly need to jump to start your car. If you suffer from frequent jumps, your battery is weak and low on charger.
Another sign is if your engine is cranking slowly or taking longer to start than usual. If you deal with this issue, your battery may lose its charge.
Lastly, if you can’t remember the last time you replaced your battery, then it’s time to check its charge. The average car battery lasts every 3-4 years, so if you can’t remember when you changed it, schedule an appointment with us today, and we can test the charge and replace it if need be.
Tires
Your tires are your direct link with the road, and their condition impacts your comfort, safety, and experience while you drive, so don’t neglect service when you notice these signs!
The uneven tread on your tire is a sign that you need a tire rotation or replacement. If your tires have uneven tread, they won’t grip the road properly when wet, putting you at risk of an accident.
Another classic sign you’ll know when to replace your tires is if you see them bulging or having a hole in them. If you drive with cracked or bulging tires, you risk a blowout on the road!
Lastly, your tire’s pressure goes up and down like the weather. Over time, if you notice the pressure continuing to shrink, you may suffer from a leak, as low pressure affects the longevity and effectiveness of your tire.
Don’t Wait Schedule Service Today!
At Olympic Chevrolet Buick GMC in Hurson, SD, we know regular tune-ups can prevent expensive repair bills, so if you notice or suffer from these signs, don’t wait until it breaks completely; schedule an appointment with us today and have our certified staff get you back on the road!
