Do you hear unfamiliar sounds, smell weird odors, notice puddles under your car, or see smoke from under the hood or the exhaust? These are all tell-tale signs that your vehicle needs maintenance from a qualified technician. When you experience any of the following issues, it’s time to make an appointment at your Kerrville, TX, GMC Service Center ASAP before you get stranded next to the road.
1. Dashboard Warning Lights are On
If you notice that any of your dashboard warning lights are illuminated, there is a problem. Something is not working as it should and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Schedule a maintenance appointment at your dealership to ensure that a qualified technician can identify the issue and fix it before a minor problem results in costly repairs.
2. You Notice Fluid Leaks
If you have to top up your vehicle’s fluid levels more often, it could be caused by a fluid leak. The fluids keep the moving parts lubricated and cool and reduce friction and heat.
Check under your car for puddles. If you notice it’s brown or dark brown, it’s an engine oil or brake fluid leak, transmission fluid is reddish-brown to orange, coolant is bright orange, yellow, red, green, or blue. If it’s red, it’s power steering fluid. Ask your technician to take a look as soon as you can.
3. There Are Strange Noises
The sounds your car makes can be important warning signs that there might be an issue somewhere. If you hear squealing sounds, it’s most probably the brake pads that need to be replaced. If you don’t get them replaced, you will soon hear grinding from the calipers against the rotors.
A damaged exhaust will make a rattling sound, and clunking is usually a bad shock absorber. Humming sounds come from worn universal joints or wheel bearings, and if you hear screeching, it could be the serpentine belt. If you hear new noises you are not familiar with, it’s best to ask your technician to take a look.
4. You Smell Unpleasant Odors
Strange smells that you’ve not noticed before are tell-tale signs that your vehicle needs maintenance. If you smell rotten eggs, it’s a fuel system problem, and burning and electrical odors are caused by overheating. If you catch a whiff of gasoline, you might have a gas leak or a faulty injector or gas cap. Exhaust fumes are caused by an exhaust system leak, and a loose belt or hoses will give off a burning rubber odor.
5. You See Smoke
Smoke from under the hood or from the exhaust is a reason for concern. If you see white smoke, it’s caused by overheating and blue smoke by worn or damaged seals. If the smoke is coming out of the exhaust and it’s white-gray, it could be a leaking head gasket, a cracked block, or cylinder head. Blue exhaust smoke is from an oil leak, and black smoke is caused by either a faulty fuel injection system, clogged air filter, or a blocked manifold.
6. Your Tires Are Worn or Damaged
For your own safety and the safety of your passengers, you should regularly check the tread depth and inspect your tires for damage such as bulges and cracks. If you notice any damage on the sidewalls or the tread is worn, you need to replace your vehicle’s tires. To ensure that your tires last longer, keep them inflated to the correct pressure levels and have the tires rotated regularly for even wear.
If you notice any warning signs, schedule an appointment at your dealership ASAP to avoid further damage and expensive repairs. Contact Crenwelge Motors GMC today, and our qualified and experienced technicians will ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly.
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