How to Know When You Need Auto Repair Services in Fresno
If you’re a responsible Fresno, California driver, you’ll want to know when your vehicle is in need of auto repair work. There are many different repair services your car might require at any point in its lifespan, including:
Are you wondering whether or not you’re due for any of these repairs? If so, keep reading to find out if you need services from a reputable Fresno auto repair shop.
Use Your Senses To Spot Auto Repair Red Flags
When you know the “red flags” that can point to severe problems with your vehicle, you can take care of these problems right away. In doing so, you’ll prevent these issues from turning into more significant, expensive situations later on. Fortunately, spotting issues that require auto repairs in Fresno is as simple as using your senses:
Sight
If you think your Fresno-area vehicle might be in trouble, you’ll want to start by looking for an illuminated “check engine” light. Of course, this light can’t tell you what’s wrong with your vehicle by itself. However, it can let you know when you need to visit a qualified auto shop for service.
Along with that, it’s wise to keep an eye out for fluid leaks under your vehicle. The color of the leaking fluid can help you determine the issue at hand:
- Red, oily fluid likely indicates a leak in your power steering or transmission system.
- A pastel blue, fluorescent orange, or bright yellow-green puddle is probably antifreeze. This substance can leak from your radiator, water pump, or hoses.
- Greasy black or dark brown fluid leaks are typically engine oil leaking from a bad gasket or seal.
Sound
Have you heard unusual noises while driving your vehicle recently? If you have, there’s a good chance your car needs professional attention. Listen closely for these sounds the next time you go for a drive:
- Loud, sharp squealing: This can result from a worn-out A/C belt, a malfunctioning fan, or a power steering system that needs work.
- Intermittent loud clunks: You might hear these noises when a suspension part or exhaust pipe comes loose.
- A high-pitched shriek when you brake: This sound usually comes from brake wear indicators included with your brake pads.
- Sharp clicking sounds that vary based on your speed: Anything from a stuck valve lifter to a loose fan blade to low engine oil can cause these noises.
- A strange low rumbling: Potential causes of this sound include bad exhaust pipes, a failing muffler, or trouble with your universal joint.
Touch
If you drive the same vehicle everyday, you know how it should feel — and when something’s wrong. That means you shouldn’t have trouble noticing things like:
- Engine trouble: Struggling to start your engine, difficulty idling, and a stalling engine are typically caused by problems in your starting, charging, or fuel system.
- Rough gear shifts or trouble shifting during acceleration: Usually, this results from a component failure in your transmission system.
- Vibrations in your seat or steering wheel: Worn steering and suspension systems can cause this issue, as can a tire imbalance.
- A “spongy” brake pedal:. If you notice this issue, you probably have less braking power than you should due to a problem with your braking system.
- Reduced acceleration: Clogged fuel filters, dirty air filters, malfunctioning O2 sensors, and worn-out spark plugs can all affect your acceleration.
- Your vehicle pulling to one side: Tire alignment problems, underinflated wheels, worn-out steering system components, and brake trouble can all cause this situation.
Smell
Finally, your nose knows when your car needs service. At least, that’s the case when you pay attention to odors like:
- A bitter, burnt smell: This odor has two primary causes, both related to your motor oil. Your car could be extremely overdue for an oil change, or it could be leaking oil.
- A prominent “burnt toast” odor: If you start smelling this, your insulation may be burning, or you may have developed an electrical short. Stop driving the minute you notice this scent.
- A sweet smell, similar to maple syrup: Typically, this is the result of a coolant leak. Watch your temperature gauge carefully — if your vehicle starts overheating, pull over to the side of the road.
- A strong scent of burnt chemicals: An overheated clutch or brakes are common causes of this issue. If there is light smoke from one of your wheels when you notice this smell, it could indicate that a brake is locked up. If that’s the case, your vehicle needs to be towed to a nearby Fresno repair shop for service.
- An ongoing “rotten egg” smell: In many cases, this stems from issues in your emission control system, including (but not limited to) catalytic converter trouble.
Get Fresno Auto Repair Services You Can Trust
There are countless symptoms that can point to trouble in your vehicle, but all these issues have a few things in common. The problems they indicate should be fixed by people who know what they’re doing, and these situations need to be resolved ASAP.
In Fresno, the best way to take care of these issues and more is to visit Goodguys Tires & Auto Repair. That’s because Goodguys offers everything you could ever need from an auto repair shop, including ASE-certified mechanics, a broad selection of services, car repair coupons, and much more.
No matter what type of auto repair work you need, you can trust our Fresno auto repair shop to get it done right.
