4 Signs Your Car Needs Immediate Attention
-
Written by Eric Riddles
-
Published on January 15, 2025
-
Category: Preventative Maintenance
Putting off car repairs can often turn small repair jobs into big, costly emergencies. The sooner you can bring your car into an auto repair services center for troubleshooting, maintenance, or repairs, the faster your car can get back to normal—and the smaller the problem is likely to be. While we recommend bringing your car to a trusted mechanic at the first sign of misalignment, strange noises, or odd smells, here are some red flags that indicate your car needs immediate attention:
Flashing Check Engine Light
A check engine light is your car's way of trying to tell you that something is wrong, even if you don't see, smell, or feel a problem yourself. While different lights can flicker on for different reasons, a flashing light often indicates that your car needs immediate repairs from a professional. Have a mechanic look over your car before the problem grows worse.
Transmission Issues
Your car's transmission system is what makes the whole car run by transferring power from the engine through to the axles and wheels. It's a powerful system, but it has multiple points of failure. Some common signs of transmission problems are:
- Fluid leaks
- Burning smells
- Slipping gears or rough shifting
Your car's check engine light will also likely turn on when your car is experiencing transmission issues.
Visible Smoke
Visible smoke is a clear indication that something is wrong with your car. It might be accompanied by an overheating engine, which could mean a coolant leak, or simply a burning smell, which could indicate an oil leak or electrical problem. No matter the underlying cause, it's not safe to drive a smoking car.
Poor Braking
When brakes get old or start to malfunction, the car is extremely dangerous—both for the passengers and other cars on the road. If you notice slower braking times, loud screeches, or a loss of brake pressure, bring your car to a trusted mechanic as soon as possible for a diagnosis and repairs.
At Custom Complete Automotive, we're always ready to handle your common car emergencies and immediate auto repairs. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!
Find an Auto Repair Shop Near You
We have multiple auto repair shops throughout Missouri located in Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis.
Eric Riddles is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician who has been working as an auto mechanic since 1998 and originally joined the team at Custom Complete Automotive in 2005. Eric has numerous certifications in various aspects of car repair and spent 10 years training the next generation of auto technicians at a local high school Auto Shop classroom.