So, you’re cruising along, and all of a sudden, you hear an odd noise coming from somewhere in your vehicle. Or maybe your car just feels… off. Worse yet, the dreaded Check Engine light pops up. When these things happen, it’s easy to panic and immediately think the worst. But before you rush off to your nearest auto shop, there are a few basic checks you can perform that might save you time and money.
Sometimes, the issue can be something minor that you can address yourself, and other times, it’s something you can give your shop a heads-up about in advance, making their job easier and your repair quicker.
Here are some simple checks you can perform when your vehicle starts acting strange.
Start Your Triage: What You Can Do First
Here’s a bit of a secret: You don’t have to wait until you bring your vehicle into the shop to start figuring out what’s going wrong. Performing a few basic checks can help you determine if the problem is an easy fix or something more serious that requires a professional.
1. Listen to Your Vehicle
Odd sounds are often the first sign that something is wrong. Whether it’s a squeal, grind, or rattle, paying attention to where the sound is coming from and under what conditions it occurs can be a huge help in diagnosing the issue. You can even record the sound if possible.
2. Perform Visual Inspections
Open the hood and take a look around. You don’t have to be a mechanic to spot obvious issues like loose belts, leaking fluids, or frayed hoses. The same goes for your tires—uneven tread wear or low pressure can cause a host of issues that affect performance.
3. Tighten and Secure
Check that common components, like your gas cap or battery terminals, are secured. Believe it or not, a loose gas cap is one of the leading causes of a Check Engine light. Tightening it could be all it takes to resolve the issue.
4. Use the MyRide901 App
If you find something concerning but still feel like your vehicle needs to go to the shop, this is where the MyRide901 app really shines. You can create a Service Event in the app, and attach audio and video clips of what you’re hearing or seeing, along with any photos you’ve taken. Once you’ve created the Service Event, you can share it directly with your shop so they know what to expect before you even bring your car in.
Common Issues and Simple Pre-Shop Checks
| Issue | What to Check | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
|
Odd Noise from Engine |
Check under the hood for loose or misaligned components |
Look for loose belts, poorly secured battery clamps, or other obvious things rattling around. Use a flashlight to inspect anything unusual visually. |
|
Grinding Brakes |
Inspect brake pads and rotors |
Check brake pads for visible wear. If they're looking thin, it may be time for a replacement. Grinding may indicate metal-on-metal contact, which needs urgent attention. |
|
Steering Feels Off |
Check tire pressure and tread wear |
Low tire pressure can cause poor steering response. Check tire pressure and add air if needed. Inspect tread wear for any uneven spots that could affect alignment. |
|
Check Engine Light |
Inspect gas cap for looseness or damage |
Believe it or not, a loose or damaged gas cap is one of the most common reasons for a Check Engine light. Tighten it and see if the light goes away after driving for a bit. |
|
Car Shakes at High Speed |
Check tire balance and alignment |
Uneven tire wear or unbalanced tires can cause shaking. Look for uneven tread or visible wear on your tires. If needed, take your car in for a tire rotation and balance. |
Get Ahead of the Problem with MyRide901
One of the best things about using MyRide901 is the ability to start diagnosing and communicating with your shop before you even set foot in the door. By sharing Service Events that include photos, videos, and detailed notes on what you’ve checked, you’re making the shop’s job easier, which often leads to a faster diagnosis.
Additionally, with MyRide901 Messenger, you can instant message your shop to discuss what you’ve found or tried. For example, you could let them know that you’ve checked your tire pressure or tightened the gas cap but are still having issues. This back-and-forth communication helps the shop prepare to tackle the problem when your vehicle arrives, saving both time and money.
Save Yourself Time and Money
Not all vehicle issues require a trip to the mechanic. But for those that do, performing basic pre-shop checks can give you valuable insight and potentially save you from a larger repair bill. Plus, with MyRide901, you’re not just keeping track of your vehicle’s service history—you’re making sure that your mechanic has a complete picture of what’s been done to your vehicle, which ultimately ensures better, faster service.
If you haven’t already, download MyRide901 and make sure you’re ahead of the game when it comes to maintaining your vehicle.
