Your vehicle may be the last thing on your mind amidst the craziness of everyday life here in Bethesda, MD: work, kids, family events, parent-teacher conferences, doctor appointments, etc. Luckily, your vehicle was designed to communicate with you when it needs to be serviced. At Auto Clinic Care, we want you informed and safe; so, we have created this quick guide to knowing when your vehicle needs
auto service in Bethesda, MD! Warning #1: “check engine” light I know, I know. We grow numb to this little warning light. Resist the complacency! If your vehicle is giving you a “check engine” or “service engine” light—there is a reason. Warning #2: shaking when shifting gears Whether you own an automatic or manual, transitioning between gears should be a smooth operation. Do you feel shaking/rattling or a “catch” when you shift gear or accelerate? Your transmission fluid could be low or need to be changed, which is a simple fix. But, if you let this needed service go too long, you could be facing a costly repair. Warning #3: weird noises Unless your car is new to you, you should be accustomed to its sounds. If you notice a new one and live in or near Bethesda, MD, bring your vehicle by our shop and we will gladly address this. Sometimes, new sounds are nothing to worry about—but more often than not, this is a warning you vehicle needs service. Warning #4: pulling to one direction Most of us know when our car tends toward one direction or the other that an alignment is in order. But, what if your vehicle pulls left or right as you are braking? If this is happening, your rotors may be worn and grabbing harder on one side. This could be a simple adjustment or something more involved like a failing wheel cylinder or caliper. The bottom line: you cannot afford to wait on auto service for long. Warning #5: slow start on a cold morning This is Maryland. It gets cold. Which is precisely why we should pay close attention to our vehicle’s reaction time! Do you find your car taking a bit longer to turn over when you start it in the morning? This could mean the battery is dying—an easy service replacement! Do not wait until you are stranded and freezing to address this. Let us check the battery power to determine the issue. Warning #6: excessive vibrations while operating Did you recently hit a pothole, curb, or speed bump rather hard? Your car may simply be out of alignment or overdue for new tires. Letting something like this go on too long, though, can actually rattle other parts of your vehicle and create bigger service issues. At Auto Clinic Care, no vehicle service is too great for us. We have a team of highly trained technicians certified through ASE who are honest and hardworking. Stop by our shop or give us a call to schedule your next appointment! Auto Clinic Care 5531 Nicholson Ln Ste A Rockville, MD 20852