Aug 25, 2025

When it comes to automotive care, you can’t beat preventative maintenance. However, it’s also vital for drivers to understand the signs of car trouble. If you respond quickly to warning symptoms, you’ll often catch and repair the issue early on, avoiding a serious, far more costly repair job. Here are some key signals that let you know your car requires a little extra attention.

A service tech performing routine maintenance on a vehicle near Frederic, WI

Blinking Dashboard Lights

When a part of your car becomes overly worn, the first thing you’ll typically see is a light appear on the instrument panel. The check engine light is perhaps the most common, as so many aspects of the car impact the engine. You should also respond promptly to warning lights relating to the engine temperature, brakes, battery, exhaust, and transmission. 

Noisy or Weakening Brakes

Brake issues should never be ignored. If your brakes start to squeal, you probably just need to replace a brake pad. But if they grind or clatter, you might have a more serious brake problem. 

Lengthening stopping distances mean your brakes are weakening, perhaps due to overheated pads or a brake fluid leak. Never continue to drive with weakening brakes. 

Uneven or Misaligned Tires

Your tires should be kept uniform and parallel with regular rotations and alignments. If they get out of shape, you’ll begin to feel excess vibrations and might have problems steering and handling your car.

Falling Engine Power

When an engine misfires or overheats, it loses power. You may no longer be able to gain that quick burst of speed while overtaking. Misfiring is bad, but overheating is a more urgent problem; with an overheating engine, you may also hear ticking sounds and see white steam emitting from under the hood.

Slower Engine Starts 

Your Chevy needs reliable voltage from the battery to start the engine and operate all the electrical components. If your engine struggles to start one day, your battery could be dying. Car batteries only last from three to five years on average, so if yours is getting old, expect to replace it soon.

Puddles of Leaking Fluid

Fluids serve as the lifeblood of your car, keeping all the most important parts running smoothly with minimal wear and tear. Any kind of puddle found under your vehicle may mean the motor oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, differential fluid, or power steering fluid is leaking. It’s best not to drive until you’ve found and repaired the leak.

Book Routine Services at Your Chevy Dealership

We can arrange a convenient servicing schedule that fits neatly into your weekly schedule. With a fixed routine and regular reminders, you’re far more likely to keep your Chevy in consistently great shape. 

Have your car maintained by qualified technicians today at Larsen Auto Center.