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5 Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

5 Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

5 Signs Your Car Needs Servicing

  • "Home and Auto Repairs"
  • Educational

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Sometimes when managing a budget, it might feel like it costs too much to fit in car repair costs. This guide from CreditBox can help you know when it's time to get your ride to a mechanic for service. If funds are tight, consider applying for one of our loans to help finance car repair. A well-maintained vehicle lasts longer, and it's usually cheaper to service the car you have than it is to buy a new one. 
 
Your Car Shakes When Idling
It's fairly standard for cars to have some vibration when idling, but it should at most be only mildly noticeable. If your car shakes when idling, it may be time for some car repair or an oil change. A number of things can cause this type of shaking, including a bad motor mount or low oil level. Being long overdue for an oil change can also cause the engine to shake if the old oil coagulates. Misfiring and bad pistons or rods can also make your car shake hard when idling. 
 
Your Car Wobbles When Driving
If your car feels like it's wobbling when you drive it, that's another sign that it's time for car repair. When a vehicle feels like it's wobbling as it goes down the road it can be caused by several things, such as bad tires or a suspension problem. These aren't typically issues that leave a check engine light blinking to tell you, so you have to be alert to this type of cue. 
 
An Unusual Odor or Steam Comes From the Engine
If you notice an unusual, almost sweet smell coming from under the hood, it can be a sign of a coolant leak that needs repaired. This type of scent typically is accompanied by steam. Burnt odors are another indicator of trouble in the engine, especially if you notice gray or blue smoke. 
 
Your Car Lets You Know Something Is Wrong
A check engine light blinking is sometimes your first warning something is wrong with your car. When this dash light comes on it's important to get your car checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. This is because sometimes a check engine light blinking doesn't happen until the problem is already fairly serious. Banging noises coming from the engine or underneath the car is another way your car could be warning you there's a problem that needs to be fixed right away.
 
Your Car Makes a Grinding Noise When Stopping
A grinding noise when you press down on the brake pedal is another common sign it's time for car repair. The grinding noise from a brake problem can be constant when the brake pedal is engaged. Brake noise can also be an intermittent grinding that's paired with a clicking sound or a high-pitched squeal. 
 
Need some extra cash for an oil change or other type of car repair? Apply for a loan from CreditBox to finance your car repair work. It's quick and easy to fill out the CreditBox application and get started on your car repairs. Additionally, if you have friends who need auto repairs too, you can make some extra cash by referring them.
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