6 Signs Your Jeep Could Use a Professional Inspection

Vehicle longevity depends on how frequently you have routine maintenance and how promptly you respond to symptoms of wear and tear. Broadly speaking, if you hear, smell, or sense anything out of the ordinary with your Jeep, you may need the services of a technician. Here are six more specific indications that it’s time to visit your local Jeep dealership for a professional inspection. 

6 Signs Your Jeep Could Use a Professional Inspection

Warning Lights on the Dashboard

Your Jeep is protected by myriad sensors designed to detect and warn you of mechanical trouble. If you notice the check engine light appearing on your instrument panel, ask a technician to diagnose and fix the underlying problem. Similarly, the brake warning light, engine temperature gauge, battery warning light, oil pressure warning, and any other important dashboard signal shouldn’t be ignored. 

Grinding, Whining, or Knocking Sounds

Odd noises are common symptoms of a nascent fault. Grinding sounds might emit from a transmission issue, or perhaps an insufficiently lubricated differential or brake problem. Automatic transmissions may also start to whine when improperly lubricated or suffering a fault. Knocking could mean the motor oil is low and friction is starting to build under the hood.

Smell of Burning or Rotten Eggs

If your engine ever starts to overheat, you might smell something burning. Leaking motor oil can also create a burning smell. Electrical faults, degraded transmission fluid, and other issues can create the same smell.

If you detect a rotten egg smell, your battery may have sprung a leak. Alternatively, the catalytic converter might be malfunctioning, which would allow toxic engine fumes to escape the exhaust. 

Misfiring or Reduced Engine Power 

A variety of issues can cause the engine to start misfiring, which you’ll experience as a shuddering and coughing engine, especially when driving at higher speeds or pausing in idle. With spark plugs misfiring, the engine will also lose power, and the gas mileage will fall.

Poor Tire Traction on Wet Surfaces

If your tires ever lose traction, even momentarily, treat it as a serious warning sign. Your tires may be damaged or have worn-out treads, which means you need new tires. If your tires are continually losing air pressure, bulging strangely, excessively cracked, or developing uneven wear patterns, they also require attention or replacement. 

Squealing, Vibrating, or Weak Brakes

Any brake-related issue poses a safety threat. If your brakes start to squeal when you use them, a brake pad probably needs to be replaced. Vibrations typically point to a worn-out rotor, and weakened brake force might result from leaking brake fluid or overheating.

Book Routine Vehicle Checkups at Your Jeep Dealership

It’s unwise to wait for signs of trouble before having your Jeep inspected by a technician. Schedule routine maintenance with us to keep your vehicle consistently in top-notch condition.

Visit Harry Green Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in White Hall, WV, today to have your car comprehensively maintained. We’ve been delivering exceptional vehicles and services since 1959.