You probably rely on your car to take you where you need to go on a daily basis whether you need to be at work, school, appointments, or other obligations. It’s very inconvenient, then, if your vehicle needs to be taken into the shop for auto repair, but it’s still something that needs to get done if you do suspect something is wrong with your vehicle.

Here are some questions to ask if you think you may need auto repair:

• Is the check engine light on? The check engine light can turn on for many reasons and indicate both minor and serious issues. In some cases, there may not actually be anything wrong with your vehicle and the light can be triggered by temporary environmental conditions before the light shuts off again. If the check engine light remains on, you should not ignore it. If the light flashes on and off, there is something serious amiss that requires immediate attention.
• Do you hear unusual noises? Since you drive your car regularly, you are already familiar with what it should sound like while you are driving. If you hear any strange noises like grinding or squealing, especially when you apply your brakes, you’ll need to bring your car in for auto repair.
• Do you smell strange odors? Burning smells and other unpleasant chemical odors are important to investigate. You could have an overheating engine, coolant leak, exhaust leak, clutch problem, or another issue.
• Do you feel vibration or other irregularities? If your vehicle doesn’t feel normal (e.g., it is vibrating while braking or feels floaty) you should get it checked out by a professional to identify and resolve the issue.

Your instincts can usually tell you if something is wrong with your vehicle. Just remember to listen to them and seek auto repair to address the issue.