Encountering an issue on the road can be very scary and dangerous. To avoid these sorts of scary moments, know what signs to look out for. Check out these common signs of an issue to stay safe.

Signs That Tell You There's an Issue With Your Car

Whether your car is new or an older model, you must know when it has an issue. In most cases, your car will give you warning signs, indicating that an issue is developing. If you know what some of these signs are, you can successfully avoid further issues.

Difficulty Starting the Engine

When you put your key in the ignition and turn it, your car should have no trouble starting. If it won't start at all and instead leads to a clicking sound, this could be due to a dead battery. By this time, however, you'll need roadside assistance to help you get anywhere. Before determining it's due to a dead battery, you want to rule out other potential issues, such as faulty connections, faulty spark plugs, or an issue with the fuel system. If your car still starts but struggles to do so, take this as a sign of an issue. Do take note of the temperature and when you last drove your car since these things can affect your battery. Get your car checked by a professional before you're left stranded.

Smoke from Under the Hood

The smoke of any sort is a sign of something bad going on. If you notice smoke coming from under the hood while driving, pull over and turn off your car as soon as it's safe to do so. Let your car cool down before opening the hood and checking on the cooling system. Your car may be overheating, which can steer to serious engine damage. If your coolant is low, this can lead to overheating, so you must check on this fluid regularly. Look out for drops of coolant under your car, which can indicate a decrease in coolant and heating issues. If your coolant light turns on, don't ignore it.

Brakes Squeaking

You may have heard other cars on the street screeching as they come to a stop. Not only is this sound awful, but it's also telling you that the brake pads are too worn down. Since your brakes are essential for your safety, you mustn't forget about them. Avoid driving with your music too loud since this can make you miss the squeaking of your brakes. The longer you ignore this squeaking, the more damage you may be doing to the rotor or drum. Once it turns into a grinding sound, there may already be some damage.

To ensure your engine is being protected, be sure to give your car a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Click here to buy AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, which can help your car stay in better shape for longer. The friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc can help you find the right oil for the job. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more and check out their online shop for a full range of their products.

Strange Odors

Sometimes you may think you're smelling something weird on the road, but it's actually your car. If there's a smell that won't go away, definitely do something about it because it may be a sign of trouble. For example, a sweet smell similar to maple syrup can be the result of a coolant leak. If you smell fuel in the cabin, you may have a serious issue that needs attention right away. Another odor to watch out for is a bad smell from your vents, like a gym bag. This smell can be due to mold in your vents, which can be unsafe to breathe.

Dashboard Lights Have Turned On

Finally, your car's dashboard lights are super important and should never be ignored. They're made to alert you when there's an issue, so you're better off getting your car checked when they turn on. Some issues may not be huge, but this doesn't mean it's safe to leave them for later. Never ignore your oil light, coolant light, brake lights, or check engine light. When these lights are flashing (and beeping in some cars), it means the issue is urgent. Get your car checked by a mechanic since they have a reader that will tell you exactly what the issue is.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Wichita

Keep your car's insides in great shape with the help of a synthetic oil change in Wichita. Contact the friendly oil pros at Hartmans Inc. to get their help when choosing an oil for your car. Give them a call at (316) 686-1069 to learn more or to place your order.