Sometimes, you know what’s wrong with your car immediately when you hear certain sounds or see fluids on the ground. However, sometimes, you get a warning light that doesn’t make sense. This is one of the signs that you need an engine diagnostic, which you can get from your Ford dealership. Here are other signs you need to get your engine diagnosed.
You Hear Sounds You Don’t Recognize
Even though you might be able to self-diagnose your car if you hear a certain sound, such as squealing brakes, there are some sounds you might not recognize. For example, if you hear a rattling coming from under your hood, it could indicate several different problems. This is an ideal reason to get your car diagnosed at your dealership’s service center. They’ll be able to tell you right away what’s making the rattling noise.
You Smell Strange Odors
Smelling strange odors is never a good sign when it comes to your car, but sometimes, you can tell where the smell is coming from. For instance, if you’re driving down a steep hill and you are riding your brakes, you may smell a burnt odor from the brakes overheating. On other occasions, though, you may smell gas or other odors that you can’t identify. Bring your car into your dealership to figure out where the smell is coming from.
Your Electronics Aren’t Working Properly
It can be difficult to determine what causes your electronics to not work properly, as it can be anything from your alternator to your battery to your computer system. A factory-trained technician at your dealership can use their diagnostic tool to determine why your electronics aren’t functioning correctly. They’ll also be able to repair or replace the part that is causing the issue with genuine manufacturer parts to keep your car performing at its best.
Your Car Is Hesitating at Stop Lights
Your vehicle should always immediately respond when you press on your accelerator, but if you depress the pedal and nothing happens for a second or two, something is wrong. Again, this can be traced to a number of mechanical issues, so it’s hard to diagnose without the proper equipment. A technician can hook your car up to the diagnostic tool for your specific car and be able to tell you what’s wrong right away.
You Have Smoke Coming Out of Your Tailpipe
While steam coming from your tailpipe is normal, especially during cold days, if you see black or blue smoke coming from the tailpipe, there’s something not right in your engine. Colored smoke is never a good sign when you’re driving a car, so this needs to be diagnosed as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your engine.
It’s Been More Than a Year Since Service
Just as you should get your body examined every year at your doctor’s office, you’ll want to get your car an annual check-up as well. Having your car diagnosed annually will identify problems early, before they’ll require more extensive repairs. If there’s nothing wrong, it will give you peace of mind that your car is running just as it should.
Don’t put off having your engine diagnosed, especially if you notice any of the above signs. Contact Jack Madden Ford to schedule your diagnostic appointment today!
Photo courtesy of Ford
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