Signs It’s Time to Visit the Car Repair Shop

sign to go to an auto repair shop

We Know the Feeling When Your Check Engine Light Comes On

Nobody celebrates when their check engine light comes on. In fact, a check engine light is one of the most dreaded warning lights for drivers because it almost certainly means they'll have to pay for automotive repairs. One of the worst fears about your check engine light coming on is not knowing exactly what's wrong or how much it will cost to repair. 

However, there are ways to minimize the need for costly repairs.

At Driver's Edge, we've seen it all. From avoidable breakdowns to preventable malfunctions, we have performed auto repair on countless vehicles, which is why we're the perfect source to inform you on how you can minimize the need for auto repair.  

Let's look at some helpful tips on how to know when to visit the repair shop and find out how to minimize the chances of a mechanical breakdown. Whether you need preventative maintenance or automotive repairs, schedule service at Driver's Edge today and trust your vehicle to the hands of our certified mechanics. 

How To Know When Your Car Needs Repairs 

One of the easiest ways to tell if your vehicle needs auto repair is to look at your instrument cluster. If your vehicle senses that one of its components has failed, you'll notice a check engine light or other type of warning light has illuminated. Here are a few of the most common warning lights:

Check Engine Light

If your vehicle senses a malfunction with one of its drive-related components, it will illuminate the check engine light. A check engine light does not signify one specific malfunction but can relate to anything about your engine's operation. For example, a check engine light could mean your alternator is malfunctioning, or that a sensor stopped working. 

Solid Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is illuminated, but not flashing, you’ll want to take your vehicle to an auto repair facility for diagnosis at your earliest convenience. An illuminated check engine light could mean something simple, like your gas cap is loose and needs to be tightened, or it could mean something else, like a faulty oxygen sensor.

Flashing Check Engine Light

If your check engine light is flashing, your vehicle is telling you to visit a repair shop immediately. A flashing check engine light is your vehicle's way of alerting you that it urgently needs attention. If your check engine light is flashing, we recommend bringing your vehicle in for a diagnosis as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with a flashing check engine light could seriously damage your vehicle and lead to expensive auto repairs. 

Oil Warning Light

This serious warning light indicates that your vehicle has detected low oil pressure. Because oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, continuing to drive with an illuminated oil warning light could lead to total engine failure.

Common Types of Auto Repair

At Driver's Edge, we've seen it all. Here are some of the most common types of auto repair that we see: 

  • Oxygen sensor failure
  • Loose gas cap
  • Thermostat failure
  • Mass airflow sensor failure
  • Spark plug replacement 
  • Dead battery 

Avoid Repairs With Routine Car Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid an unnecessary visit to the repair shop; it saves you money by avoiding costly malfunctions that routine maintenance could have prevented. 

It’s widely known that vehicles need routine maintenance. Still, outside of an oil change, many drivers are left scratching their heads as they wonder what other preventative auto maintenance services their vehicle needs. 

We recommend checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type of services your vehicle needs. Here, you’ll find a detailed guide on what your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends to protect your vehicle from breakdown best.

Here are a few examples of preventative maintenance services as well as their general recommended intervals:

While these are our general recommendations for service, your vehicle's particular needs will vary depending on your driving style, how frequently you operate your vehicle, and the environment you drive in.  

Schedule Service at Driver’s Edge 

At Driver's Edge, we're here for all your automotive needs. Whether you're looking for a trustworthy repair shop to get your vehicle repaired and back on the road, or for reliable prevention and maintenance services, look no further than Driver's Edge.

All of our mechanics are ASE-certified to perform auto maintenance and repair services on all makes and models of vehicles. We also use quality replacement parts, so you can schedule an appointment with total peace of mind.

Schedule service at Driver's Edge today and avoid costly auto repair tomorrow.

Save Money with Proper Car Care