10 Signs Your Car Needs a Service (Don't Ignore These)
Your car gives you warning signs when it needs attention. Learn to recognise the 10 most important indicators that your vehicle is due for a service.
Your car is constantly communicating with you. These 10 signs indicate it's time to book a service before a small issue becomes an expensive repair.
1. Dashboard Warning Lights
Warning lights are your car's way of telling you something's wrong. Don't ignore them - especially the check engine light, oil pressure, or temperature warnings.
Common causes: Low fluids, sensor issues, emissions problems
2. Strange Noises
New or unusual sounds are never good. Squealing, grinding, knocking, or clicking noises can indicate brake wear, suspension issues, or engine problems.
Listen for: Squealing brakes, knocking engine, humming from wheels
3. Reduced Fuel Economy
If you're filling up more often, your car may need attention. Dirty air filters, old spark plugs, or low tyre pressure all reduce efficiency.
Quick check: Note your km/L and compare to normal
4. Difficulty Starting
If your car struggles to start or takes multiple attempts, the battery, starter motor, or fuel system may need attention.
Don't wait until you're stranded to get this checked
5. Vibrations or Shaking
Vibrations through the steering wheel or car body can indicate wheel alignment issues, worn tyres, or suspension problems.
Note when it happens: at speed, when braking, or all the time
6. Unusual Smells
Strange smells shouldn't be ignored. Burning oil, sweet coolant smell, or rotten egg odour all indicate specific problems.
- • Burning: Oil leak on hot components
- • Sweet: Coolant leak
- • Rotten eggs: Catalytic converter issue
7. Leaks Under the Car
Check where you park for spots. Different coloured fluids indicate different leaks - all should be investigated.
- • Black/dark brown: Engine oil
- • Green/orange: Coolant
- • Red: Transmission or power steering
- • Clear: Water (normal from AC)
8. Rough Idle or Stalling
If your car idles roughly or stalls, there could be issues with spark plugs, fuel system, or sensors.
Often fixed with a service including new plugs and air filter
9. Steering Issues
Heavy steering, wandering, or pulling to one side indicates power steering problems or alignment issues.
Safety issue - get checked soon
10. It's Been a While
Even if nothing seems wrong, regular servicing prevents problems. Most cars need servicing every 10,000-15,000km or 12 months.
Check your service book for your car's specific interval
💡 Quick Self-Check
Once a week, do these quick checks:
- • Check tyre pressures and condition
- • Check all lights are working
- • Check washer fluid level
- • Look under the car for leaks
- • Listen for unusual noises