The Eight Most Common Signs Your Car Needs Maintenance...

1.Hard Starting: This is the most common form of car trouble. It's usually due to some unperformed maintenance. If the starter cranks the engine, the electrical system probably is ok. The culprit could be a starting sensor (on fuel injected models) or the choke mechanism (on engines with carburetors). Frequently, starting failure can be traced to an electrical system component or a computer that controls the ignition system.

2. Knocking: This noise generally is heard when the engine in your car is under load, such as when accelerating or climbing a hill. While it often may be caused by a tank full of inferior gas, ignition knock frequently is a sign your car engine needs attention or maintenance. It also can be caused by a build-up of carbon inside the engine.

3. Power Loss: A dirty fuel filter is a common cause of power loss.There can be many causes of this condition, most of which can be located with computer diagnostics of one or more car system. For starters, how long since the fuel filter was changed?

4. Poor Gas Mileage: By keeping a regular check of gas mileage (miles driven divided by gallons used) you can tell if your car engine is losing efficiency. Increased gas consumption may be accompanied by the other symptoms listed here. Keep in mind that poor gas mileage could also be due to underinflated tires, engine running too cold, transmission system malfunction, dragging brakes and misaligned wheels.

5. Stalling: This can be caused by incorrect idle speed adjustments, a malfunctioning sensor or switch, dirty fuel system parts, worn spark plugs or other car engine deficiencies.

6. Dieseling: This is also know as "after-run". The car engine keeps chugging and coughing for several seconds or more after the ignition is turned off. Causes can range from inferior gas or excessive idle speed to carbon in the combustion chamber.

7. Exhaust Odor: The smell of rotten eggs comes from the catalytic converter, part of the emissions control system in your car. The odor can be due to an engine problem, or it can be a sign your car's catalytic converter is malfunctioning.

8. Rough Running: A malfunction in either the fuel system or ignition system of your car can cause an engine to run rough. It also can be due to an internal engine condition, such as a bad valve or piston.

If your vehicle's engine is experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait until these problems leave you or your loved ones stranded on the side of the road. Keep up with regular maintenance complete with computer diagnostics, for each car system to keep you car running smoothly.

If your car needs maintenance and diagnostics, the technicians in our Red Lion, PA shop might be able to handle the job -- depending upon the car system.  If not, they will be glad to recommend one or more reputable shops in the York county, Pennsylvania area (Broadway Transmission & More specializes in repair and service of transmission, drivetrain, clutch and differential repair and service and does not perform focus on other car systems at this time).