There are various ways to tell when something is wrong with your Toyota Corolla, Camry, or Highlander. If you know what to look for, you can avoid further damage and high repair costs. The following signs will warn you when to schedule a service appointment.
Illuminated Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights go on when something is wrong with your car. If you see a warning light, address it quickly to prevent further damage. Keep an eye on these warning lights, which are the most critical:
Check Engine Light
The best cause of action when you notice the check engine light is on is to ask your Toyota technician to take a look as soon as possible.
Brake System Warning Light
Low brake fluid or a malfunctioning brake system will trigger the warning light. It’s unsafe to continue driving while this light is on. You should pull over and contact your dealer.
ABS Warning Light
There’s an ABS or Brake Assist System malfunction when the ABS warning light is on.
Charging System Warning Light
The light warns you that there is a problem with the charging system. Pull over and call your dealer for assistance.
High Coolant Temperature Warning Light
When the temperature of the coolant gets excessively high, it will trigger the high coolant temperature warning light. Stop immediately in a safe place and call your dealer.
Low Oil Pressure Warning Light
The low oil pressure warning light will go on when the oil pressure is too low. You should not continue to drive any further. Pull over and call your local service center.
Low Fluid Levels and Leaks
Your car needs fluids to lubricate the moving parts and cool down the engine. Low fluid levels will cause friction, increase wear, cause overheating, and damage components. If you notice that you must top off the fluids more frequently, schedule a service appointment at your dealer as soon as possible.
A fluid leak could be the cause of the low fluid levels. Look on the ground under your car for puddles. The color of the leaking fluid will determine what type of fluid is leaking.
- Brake fluid: brown
- Coolant: bright red, green, blue, orange, or yellow
- Engine oil: amber brown to black
- Power steering fluid: red
- Transmission fluid: orange or reddish-brown
Unpleasant Odors
New and unpleasant odors are tell-tale signs that your car needs service. When you smell burning, it’s caused by one of your systems overheating. Sulfur, or the smell of rotten eggs, indicates an issue with the fuel system. If you smell any unpleasant odor, especially from under the hood, ask your Toyota technician to take a look at it.
Strange Noises
Whenever your car makes unfamiliar noises, there is likely a problem. Components that are not well-lubricated or broken will make nasty sounds. Get it checked out immediately if you hear anything like whining, screeching, humming, or grinding.
Service your Toyota regularly and avoid getting stuck on the side of the road and paying heaps of cash for expensive repairs. If your Toyota shows any of the above symptoms, call Ed Martin Toyota today to schedule a service appointment, and our qualified Toyota technicians will get your car back in great shape.
Image courtesy of Malte Luk via Pexels
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