Posted on 4/25/2025
When your engine’s in good shape, it tends to stay out of your way—which makes it easy to miss the early signs when something starts to slip. But small changes in how your car drives, sounds, or feels can be its way of signaling a deeper problem. Paying attention to those early hints can save you a lot of stress, money, and time in the shop. So what should you watch out for before a small issue turns into a major repair? 1. The Check Engine Light Comes On It might be tempting to brush off the check engine light, especially if your car seems to be running fine. But this light is your car’s way of telling you something isn’t right—whether it’s a misfire, a fuel system issue, or a failing sensor. A steady light usually indicates a problem that needs diagnosis soon. A flashing light, however, is more serious and means you should stop driving and get it checked immediately. Even if it turns off on its own, the underlying issue may stil ... read more