10 signs your car needs a service

Not having your car serviced regularly is a false economy. Regular servicing can catch minor issues before they become major problems and keep your car on the road for longer. So, how do you tell if your car needs servicing?

The Benefits of Servicing Your Car

Servicing a car regularly helps identify small issues before they become costly repairs. This proactive approach saves money and prevents unexpected breakdowns.

It keeps the engine running smoothly and efficiently. Clean oil, fresh filters and tuned components mean better performance and fuel economy.

Regular checks ensure that key safety systems, such as brakes and tyres, are in good condition. This reduces the risk of accidents and keeps the vehicle roadworthy.

A full service history can increase the resale value of a car. Buyers are more likely to trust a well-maintained vehicle.

Routine maintenance also helps reduce harmful emissions. This benefits the environment and ensures the car meets legal standards. 

How do I know when my car needs a service?

1. Check the Car Manual for Recommendations

The vehicle manual for a car provides useful information to operate your vehicle, including intervals at which the car should be serviced. This is especially useful for new car owners who are unsure when they should service their new car for the first time. In addition, keeping a full service history will help a car retain its value when selling or exchanging it.

2. Dashboard warning lights

Dashboard warning lights will alert you to any faults that your car is having. Common warning lights that will require a car to be serviced include the check engine light, oil pressure warning lights, brake systems, ABS warning lights, and coolant temperature lights.

In general, red lights or flashing warning lights are a strong indicator to get your car serviced immediately. Ignoring a dashboard warning light can land you in deep trouble, so get a service booked as soon as possible.

3. The car is having braking problems

If you notice any issues with your car brakes, such as knocking, oversensitivity or resistance, your car may need its brake pads or fluids replaced. Non-functioning brakes are dangerous and should not be ignored.

4. Squeals and squeaks

Do you hear a high-pitched whine when you turn the ignition key? This could indicate an issue with a belt that’s either come loose or is in danger of wearing through. Squeaks on the move could mean your power steering fluid needs replacing or that your tyres may have become unbalanced. All of these issues need addressing before they turn into major problems.

5. Engine cutting out

If your car stalls when pulling away from traffic lights despite it being in the right gear, it will require a service. The most common cause of this issue is that the fuel filters are clogged or that there may be a faulty spark plug. 

These issues are typically easily fixed as part of a car service.

6. The car is vibrating unusually

If a car is shuddering and vibrating upon starting, it is best to get this checked out at a local garage. In some cases, it could be a loose piece of panelling, but it could also be an unbalanced tyre or loose bearing, which is a much more serious problem.

7. Ignition issues

Ignition issues, such as the car ‘coughing’ each time it starts, could be a signal that the battery is nearly at the end of its life. Alternatively, it could be an issue with the motor not working properly. Both of these issues are signs that the car needs to be serviced in order to fix these problems so that your car can operate smoothly again.

8. Doing fewer miles to the gallon

If you notice that your car is doing significantly fewer miles per gallon, it could potentially be due to several mechanical faults, such as dirty air filters, worn ignition coils, or clogged fuel filters. These issues will require a professional service to ensure they are repaired or replaced correctly. 

9. The Gears are Grinding

If you are finding that there is difficulty when changing gears or that there are noises when changing gears, this could be a result of the gears grinding together. These faults could be linked to problems with the clutch, transmission or gear linkage. If ignored, it could lead to further damage to the car, which will make it unsafe and cost more to repair later down the line.

10. Smokey Emissions

A car might emit smoky exhaust for several reasons, often signalling an underlying mechanical issue. 

Blue smoke typically indicates that oil is being burned in the engine, which could stem from worn piston rings, valve seals or other internal damage. White smoke may suggest coolant leaking into the combustion chamber—potentially a sign of a blown head gasket—while black smoke usually points to excessive fuel being burnt, often due to issues with the fuel injection system or air filters.

Regular servicing is crucial to identify and rectify these kinds of problems early. A thorough service helps maintain engine efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, and extend the lifespan of key components, ultimately ensuring the vehicle remains safe, reliable and compliant with emissions standards.

Getting your car serviced with Protyre is straightforward and convenient. Customers can book online through our website or visit one of over 180 local Protyre garages across the UK.

Protyre offers a choice of service packages to suit different needs and budgets. Our Bronze Service covers essential checks, the Silver Service package includes a more comprehensive inspection, and the Gold Service package offers a full, in-depth vehicle check including all key systems.

Each service is carried out by qualified professionals using high-quality parts and approved procedures. This ensures your vehicle receives expert care and remains in top condition.

With transparent pricing, flexible booking options and trusted expertise, Protyre makes it easy to keep your car running safely and efficiently.